In the United States, 21 percent of adults 18 years and older smoke cigarettes, according to, a 2008 National Health Interview Survey. Smokers are at a higher risk for health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and stroke and skin aging. Smoking is a significant cause of the early appearance of facial wrinkles, lines and sagging of the skin, poor skin tone and color. Ten years of smoking can add the appearance of 20 additional years of aging to your life.
Why?
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. During smoking, on inhalation, these toxins are absorbed into the lungs, the bloodstream and in all the organs of the body including the skin. Nicotine in cigarettes causes vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels in the most outer layer of the skin. This constriction reduces blood circulation, oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin. Other chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the collagen and the elastin fibers necessary for the elasticity and strength of the skin.
Effects of Vasoconstriction
Vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the skin limits the amount of nutrients such as, Vitamin A reaching the skin cells. Vitamin A is essential for the renewal and replacement of skin cells and to maintain smoothness, softness and the youthful, glowing appearance of the skin. According to Health UAB website, Vitamin A deficiency will cause premature aging and irreversible skin damage. The reduction of oxygen and blood supply to the skin also damages and ages the skin.
Effects of the Physical Act of Smoking
Smokers get premature facial lines and wrinkles because of the very act of smoking. When drawing smoke into the lungs, the lips are pursed and the eyes are squinted or tightly closed to prevent smoke from irritating the eyes. The lips are puckered when they puff on the cigarettes. These constant actions and contractions of the muscles around the lips, mouth and eyes cause signs of aging.
Research
In a study lead by Yolanda R. Helfrich, M.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School, published on the Science Daily website, on March 22, 2007, shows that smoking may be related to a higher degree of aging on areas of the skin not normally exposed to sunlight, like the inner aspect of the upper arm. The research also found that the number of packs of cigarette smoked per day and the total years a person has smoked were associated with the amount of skin damage an individual encounters.
Warning
Second-hand smoke is absorbed into the skin causing the odor of smoke on the skin. Formaldehyde released from cigarettes can also produce skin rashes in some individuals. According to a study published on Science Daily website on April 7, 2004. The effects of consistent second-hand smoke can contribute to abnormal healing and excessive scarring of wounds similar to what smokers experience.
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