We have all heard about how damaging smoking is for our lungs (something which you cannot see), but some of the most noticeable signs of damage show on the outside too. This includes the largest organ in our body – the skin.
The effects of smoking over time can become more obvious on our skin. It can interfere with our looks, making it noticeable that we haven’t kicked the smoking habit just yet.
How does smoking effect the skin?
Did you know there are over 4,000 harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke?
Smoking produces free radicals, which creates oxidative stress within our bodies, leading to insufficient oxygen being supplied to the skin. This then chronically deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients, which causes the destruction of collagen and elastin production. These are the main components that gives the skin its strength and elasticity.
As smoking leads to damaging our skins building blocks, you may notice changes in your hair, eyes and even your skin tone.
Smoking damages the outside
Wrinkles
Tobacco smoke has been proven to lead to a compromised skin barrier. A 2021 study mentioned that smoking can lead to damaged collagen, weak elastin, sagging and pronounced wrinkles.
‘Smokers lips’ are also a big sign of smoking damage to the skin and you may notice lines around the mouth from puffing on cigarettes or deep lines and crow’s feet which are shown to be more pronounced with smokers.
Eyes
Smoking not only makes the skin around the eyes loose and baggy, but it also doubles your risk of developing cataracts. These are cloudy areas on the surface of the eye that can interfere with vision and can eventually lead to blindness.
Hair
Hair tends to get thinner as we age but smoking speeds up that process. Smoking has also been linked to the early onset of grey hair and baldness. A 2013 study found significant evidence that there is a relationship between the onset of grey hair before turning 30 years old and smoking cigarettes.
Skin tone and pigmentation
Smoking promotes melanocyte formation (mature melanin) in the skin, which can lead to the creation of age and dark spots.
People who smoke tend to have a dull skin, that may appear bluish or grey. This can be down to the restricted blood flow to the skin, which deprives it of oxygen and other nutrients. This may even cause uneven skin tone and pigmentation issues in some people.
How to reverse the effects of smoking on the skin?
To minimise the signs of skin damage from smoking there’s only one true solution – quit smoking!
Of course, it’s easier said than done, but stopping smoking will not only reduce your risk for health complications like lung cancer and heart disease, but it will also help you retain your skins natural elasticity and strength.
After you quit smoking, the skin will visibly start to improve. You may notice some key differences such as:
- Renewed elastin and collagen – Your skin will have a more youthful and plump appearance.
- Increased turnover of skin cells – As blood flow to the skin will increase, your skin cells will start to turn over more regularly, leading to a smoother, clear complexion.
- Improved skin tone and a brighter complexion.
- Reduced risk of skin conditions including psoriasis, acne and skin cancer.
While some experts mention that skin damage starts from the moment you start smoking for the first time, others believe the damage is only visible after a few years of smoking. Please bear in mind that the amount you smoke is also a factor.
As great as it would be, the improvement to you skin is not going to happen overnight when you stop smoking. You will need to consider other lifestyle factors such as your diet and skincare.
Consuming foods like carrots, mackerel, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet potatoes which are a good sources of skin glowing vitamins. These are all beneficial foods to help nourish your skin from the inside out.
Looking after your skin from the outside matters too. With the right skincare routine and treatments, you’ll be able to see some noticeably positive changes in your skin.
To help give your skin the boost it needs to start looking more vibrant, smooth and even toned our sister company Modern Health Clinics can help.
Located in Fenchurch Street, Central London, Modern Health Clinics is a skilled, professional, and trustworthy aesthetics company, committed to providing high quality skin and body care treatments, to improve your skin and overall wellbeing. From the moment you walk through their doors, their focus is on delivering a confident new you!
To find out more and to check out their latest offers: Modern Health Clinics - Fenchurch Street, London
Sources:
WebMD - Ways Smoking Affects Looks 11/21
National Library of Medicine - Does smoking cause premature hair graying? 06/13
NHS Smokefree - What are the health risks of smoking? 10/18
