The effects of smoking have long been studied. Once advertised as glamorous, smoking is now widely recognized as a health hazard for not only the smoker but for those around him. Most health implications are regarding cancers and lung diseases but there are dangers to our outward appearance as well. The skin is the largest organ in our body and it suffers the ill effects of smoking just as any other organ.
Effects
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals and more than 60 of those are cancer-causing agents. Nicotine is the primary addictive ingredient and, once inhaled, it tightens blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to vital organs such as the heart, lungs and skin. Along with reduced blood flow, fewer of the nutrients that are vital for organ health can reach their destinations. Vitamin A, specifically, is crucial in repairing skin cells and without proper infusion of vitamin A, skin aging is accelerated.
Expert Insight
According to the National Institutes of Health, a term to describe the physical appearance of smokers, called "smoker's face," is an effective means of identifying a person who has smoked cigarettes for 10 years or more. The characteristics include deep lines near the corners of the mouth, grayish tint to the skin, gaunt face and lines around the eyes. In a study published in the "International Journal of Dermatology," these signs appeared in even younger smokers and microscopic examination revealed wrinkles in the youngest smoking age group, 20 to 39 years.
Considerations
Current smokers show greater signs of aging that nonsmokers or former smokers. Long-term smokers will often have wrinkles commonly seen in someone 20 years older, and given many start smoking in their teen years, a 30-year-old woman might look like a 50-year-old woman. Fortunately, former smokers show fewer signs of aging than current smokers, which demonstrates the body's ability to repair damage once it is no longer subjected to the chemicals in cigarettes.
Prevention/Solution
Quitting smoking is the best preventive measure for early aging. The signs of early aging can be reduced, if not eliminated, by quitting even if you've smoked for many years. The discoloration caused by "smoker's face" will vanish over time as much needed oxygen and nutrients repair cells. Reducing sun exposure will also help as this will eliminate further harm to your skin as it repairs itself from cigarette exposure. Visiting your doctor may also be beneficial to help revive damaged skin.
Warning
Secondhand smoke can also damage the skin. When you are exposed to secondhand smoke, chemicals absorbed through the skin, such as formaldehyde, can cause irritation. It can also inhibit the healing process and promote scarring if you have any wounds to the skin. The odor of smoke can also be absorbed into your skin, causing the odor to stay with you.
