Relationship Between Skin Problems and Smoking

It is easy to distinguish a smoker from a non-smoker by  looking at his or her skin, fingers and face. Smoking not only causes yellowed  fingers and fingertips or premature wrinkling but also a variety of serious  skin problems. For instance, smoking increases the risk of developing  psoriasis, a chronic skin problem, which is not only unsightly but also  painful.

Clinical studies  establishing the link between smoking and skin problems

Many studies have established the negative effect of smoking on skin. A recent study in South Korea involving smokers and ex-smokers  between the age of 20 and 69 found that, out of the 2 groups smokers had a  higher amount of wrinkles. The study also showed that the ex smokers age had  less wrinkles than those who still smoke.

The vulnerability of  skin to smoke and other substances

Skin is the most sensitive and vulnerable of all body parts.  It is exposed to smoke directly as well as indirectly. Smoke released in the  environment has a drying effect on the surface of your skin. Inhaling smoke  restricts blood vessels, which hampers the flow of blood to your skin and  deprives skin of oxygen and essential nutrients. Smoking also leads to the  creasing of your mouth, the hollowing of your cheeks and premature wrinkling  around your eyes and your mouth. Smoking depletes the natural level of vitamin  A in your body, an essential nutrient needed for the protection of your skin.

How does smoking  cause skin problems?

The most likely cause behind skin problems in smokers is an increased  production of harmful enzymes that break down collagen in the skin. Collagen is  a protein type that helps to keep the skin smooth and supple by protecting its  elasticity. Research has shown that smoking causes wrinkles and damage to skin  prematurely, by up to 10 to 20 years. Some of the damage done to the skin by  smoking is irreversible, therefore the sooner you quit smoking, the better.

Options to quit  smoking

Champix and Zyban are 2 options you can take to help you to  quit smoking. Both these drugs are FDA approved and safe and effective options  to quit smoking. However, you must not take both these drugs simultaneously to  increase your chances of success in quitting smoking. Consult a doctor or a  healthcare professional to discover how well these treatments can work for you.

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