Smoking adversely affects the look of hair, skin and nails, which may reveal possible underlying damage such as that caused by the free radicals that come from cigarette smoke. Although the specific compounds in cigarettes, such as nicotine, are not clearly associated with the effects on appearance, it is known that the fumes of cigarette smoke are degenerative.
Constituents
Cigarette smoke consists of a complex mixture of gases and other particles. Some of these substances have been found to have a negative effect on health and overall appearance, according to S. Thomsen and L. Sorensen in 2010 in "Smoking and Skin Disease." The substance nicotine has been linked to negative health outcomes but it is known that nicotine is not the only harmful substance, but one among many. For instance, cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, cyanide, arsenic and mercury, all which are known toxins to the human body, according to the "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism."
Visible Effects
Smoking leads to oxidative stress to occur within the skin. Specifically, the substances like carbon monoxide and arsenic in cigarette smoke interferes with the reparative features of collagen and elastin, according to "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism." This can lead to deep lines and wrinkles. Smokers typically have a characteristic red, purple and orange hue to their complexion. Smoking also leads to yellowing of the nails. Further smoking increases the risk for both premature greying and hair loss, according to the journal.
Mechanism
One way smoking affects the body is by changing proteins. The exhaust from cigarette smoke interferes with the defense and repair mechanisms in the body. The harmful substances such as carbon monoxide causes proteins to malfunction by mutating them, according to the journal. It is also known that smoking impairs oxygen transportation in the blood, according the National Center of Biotechnical Information. When this occurs, less oxygen is available to the organs, such as skin. As a result of this damage, the appearance of skin is visibly affected.
Attributes
Given the destructive nature of cigarette smoke, it also can cause changes to appearance by complicating pre-existing conditions. Smoking accelerates the effects of certain diseases. For example, people with sarcopenia, a degenerative muscle disorder, who smoke, lose more muscle mass than people who do not smoke, according to the "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism." Therefore, smoking can cause a disease to progress more quickly, which can affect appearance.
Considerations
Although the substances in cigarette smoke are generally known to be toxic to the body, the direct effect and mechanism of specific, isolated compounds in cigarette smoke on specific outcomes, such as changes of skin complexion, are not clear, according to the "American Journal of Therapeutics." Yet it is clear that cigarette smoking, as a whole, is toxic and has been found to relate health deterioration and consequent changes in appearance.
References
- US National Library of Medicine; Smoking and Skin Disease; S. F. Thomsen, M.D., Ph.D. & L. T. Sorensen, M.D.; 2010
- American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Smoking Impairs Muscle Protein Synthesis and Increases the Expression of Myostatin and MAFbx in Muscle; Anne Marie Winther Petersen et al.; Jul. 3, 2007
- Tobacco Control; Socioeconomic and Country Variations in Knowledge of Health Risks of Tobacco Smoking and Toxic Constituents of Smoke: Results From the 2002 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey; M. Siapush et al.; 2006
- American Journal of Therapeutics; Effect of Cigarette Smoking on the Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Subjects; Jennifer Chavez, M.D. et al.; 2007
