Every doctor advises not to smoke because of the many adverse health affects associated with the habit, most notably cancer and death. If you are a smoker and these warnings have not deterred you from quitting, consider this: a study conducted on 1,000 women who smoke suggests that smoking may cause acne.
Women's Study
Researchers at the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute in Rome conducted a study on 1,000 women aged 25 to 50 to determine if smoking plays a role in the development of acne. Their findings showed that 42 percent of smokers had acne, while only 10 percent of non-smokers had acne. The study also found that those who smoked and suffered acne as a teenager were four times more likely to develop acne as an adult than non-smokers.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Based on the findings of the Italian study, smoking may be a contributor in causing non-inflammatory acne as opposed to the more common inflammatory acne, often associated with adolescence. Women who smoke may develop non-inflammatory acne; its traits include large blackheads and blocked pores. Non-inflammatory acne originates when a hair follicle opening on the skin's surface is blocked by bacteria, according to Acne.org.
Skin Health and Appearance
Smoking is known to constrict blood vessels and produce free radicals, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Besides the potential of causing acne, smoking can contribute to the development of wrinkles and what is often referred to as a "leathery" looking skin. According to Acne.org, smoking slows the production of collagen and starves your skin cells of essential protein needed to produce fresh and healthy looking skin.
Counter Evidence
Several dermatological studies have turned up surprising findings. According to a study published by the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology," more than 27,000 young men were interviewed over a 20 year period to track acne problems. The study concluded that "active smokers showed a significantly lower prevalence of severe acne than nonsmokers." A separate study turned up similar results for young women and showed no significant correlation between acne and smoking among young men.
Bottom Line
The subject of acne and smoking still is much scrutinized, and more studies are needed to determine if "smoker's acne" is an actual health condition. Even though contradictory evidence exists as to whether smoking can cause acne, the numerous debilitating side effects that have undoubtedly been linked to smoking should be reason enough to quit the habit.
