Light Therapy: Chronic Inflammation & Aging

Apr 24

Chronic, invisible inflammation sustained over a lifetime is one of the greatest contributors to the underlying causes of aging. Causes of chronic inflammation include genetic factors, lifestyle/environment, pollution, stress, free radicals and oxidative stress, injury, poor diet, alcohol overuse, and smoking.

With chronic inflammation, because the threat is ongoing, the inflammation does not retreat. Over time, this results in cumulative damage to cell membranes, lipids, and DNA, the development of degenerative diseases, and contributes to an aging appearance.

How to decrease free radicals:

Genetics & Epigenetics: Gene expression affects health and how we age. Choices like diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and physical and social environment all affect how genes are expressed.
Consume a diet rich in antioxidants: Green Tea, Fruits/Veggies, Oral supplements (C&E), and pre/probiotics all assist in supporting a healthy gut microbiome and minimize inflammation.
Restore skin health: proper diet and hydration, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management. Exercise is shown to enhance mitochondrial function and increase dermal thickness.
Limit alcohol intake and smoking cessation.
Apply and Re-apply Sun Protection: SPF provides a barrier of protection for 2-4 hours. Reapplication is necessary to ward off UVA, UVB, pollution, and blue-light exposure which contribute to free radical production.
Apply Topical Antioxidants: Vitamin C and ferulic acid help to reduce excess free radicals in the skin.
Photobiomodulation/Red-Light Therapies: Professional or at-home devices.