Nicotine and Toxins
Nicotine is a chemical that in large doses can kill a person, report researchers at the American Cancer Society. Smokers ingest nicotine as well as small amounts of the toxins found in cigarettes, which usually are absorbed into the body and broken down. Niotine is addictive, but the chemicals used to make cigarettes cause the greatest harm to the body. Chemicals in the tar produced by cigarettes include ammonia, cyanide, acetylene and formaldehyde. American Cancer Society researchers report that the chemicals found in cigarettes do not have to be inhaled to damage the skin. In addition to cancer and lung diseases, smoking creates premature aging of the skin.
Chemical Effects on Skin
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that smoking causes wrinkles on the face as well as other areas of the body. The nicotine and chemicals used in cigarette production narrow the blood vessels on the outer layer of skin. Narrower blood vessels reduce blood circulation to the skin. As blood flow weakens, the skin does not receive proper oxygen and other nutrients required to remain supple, such as vitamin A. There are dozens of chemicals used to produce cigarettes that also damage collagen and elastins, which are the fibers that make skin strong and elastic.
Physical Effects on Skin
The heat created by the cigar or cigarette irritates the eyes and nose, often making smokers squint to avoid the smoke and the heat. Constant squinting creates additional wrinkles. Pursing the lips to draw in the smoke also creates wrinkles around the mouth.
After You Quit Smoking
Wrinkles caused by smoking will not automatically disappear when a person quits smoking, report Mayo Clinic doctors. The wrinkling may ease, however, and will not get any worse. The skin begins to become healthier within 12 hours of quitting as carbon monoxide levels decrease. Within three months of quitting, circulation is restored to pre-smoking levels, promoting healthier skin. Former smokers can consult a dermatologist about collagen injections or Botox if they wish to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
