The simple answer is yes. You only have to look at a heavy smoker to see the damage it causes to their skin.
Smoking prematurely ages your skin by between 10 and 20 years. You’re three times more likely to develop facial wrinkles if you’re a smoker, particularly around your eyes and mouth and many smokers have a sallow yellow-grey complexion.
But why?
This is because when you smoke it reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. This means there is less oxygen reaching your skin, meaning it ages more quickly and has a dull, grey appearance.
It also reduces the levels of collagen in your skin, a protein that keeps skin elastic. Without adequate supplies of collagen, wrinkles start to develop.
The toxins in the cigarette smoke also cause cellulite, regardless or your diet or fitness regime.
Dry skin is another side effect of smoking. No matter how much expensive moisturiser you slap on, smoking more than 10 times a day will continue to reduce the moisture levels in your skin, leaving it parched and more prone to irritation.
Will it cause spots or breakouts?
You may find yourself suffering from adult acne as a result of smoking. A study published in the Dermato Endocrinology journal looked at 1,050 women and found that smokers were more likely to have adult acne than non-smokers. The scientists behind the study believe that cigarette fumes affect oil production in your skin leading to the possibility of acne.
How can we stop this?
So, it’s pretty clear that smoking is bad for your skin. But, on the bright side, if you stop smoking, you’ll prevent further deterioration. And within just two weeks of quitting your circulation will start to improve, bringing more oxygen to your skin and a better, brighter complexion.
For information on how to quit contact NHS Wales’ Help Me Quit service on 0808 085 2219
or by visiting www.helpmequit.wales.
