smoking reduces
blood flow in the body, which prevents oxygen from supplying important vitamins and nutrients to the skin. The impaired blood
flow also causes toxic products to accumulate in the skin.
In
addition, research has shown that smoking causes a reduction in the production of collagen, which helps the
skin maintain its elasticity. Exposure to smoke can also thin the skin and promote wrinkles and premature
aging.
It is unclear
why some people develop severe wrinkles due to smoking and others do not. However, research has shown that women and people
with lighter skin have a higher risk of developing skin damage from smoking. The duration and amount of smoking may also
contribute to the development of smoking-related skin damage.
Smokers
may develop a condition referred to as “smoker’s face”. Some characteristics of smoker’s
face include an increase in wrinkles (especially around the eyes and mouth), complexion that is slightly red or orange and
gauntness (extreme leanness).
Skin conditions that have been associated with smoking include
poor wound healing, psoriasis (a common, chronic condition marked by frequent episodes in
which the skin becomes itchy and red and develops scales) and skin cancer.
Wrinkles and other skin damage caused by smoking may be treated in a variety of ways. These include over-the-counter
topical creams, alpha-hydroxy acids (fruit acids that have the ability to keep moisture
in the skin), dermabrasion (a procedure in which the physician “sands” the skin until a new layer
of remodeled skin replaces the damaged tissue) and plastic surgery.
However,
the only way to fully prevent wrinkles and other skin conditions associated with smoking is to quit.
