Cigarettes are known to harm various parts of the body, and the skin is no exception.
Do you ever look at people your age and ask yourself why smokers are more likely to look older when everyone else is more likely to look the same age? The skin of smokers can have a certain texture and appearance, which outwardly shows the extent of their habit. One of the often underestimated benefits of smoking cessation is that it can also improve the skin environment, so smokers can look better their age after quitting. This time we are going to discuss the relationship between cigarettes and skin and how the condition of the skin changes after you quit smoking.
Why is tobacco harmful to the skin?
Why does tobacco damage the skin in the first place?
While there are a variety of reasons, two immediate and important reasons are due to a lack of vitamin C and a decreased amount of blood flow / active oxygen in the body. First of all, vitamin C is said to be an essential vitamin for maintaining beautiful skin. Since vitamin C is not produced in the body, it must also be obtained from foods such as vegetables and fruits.
Smoking actually destroys the vitamin C necessary for the skin – the habit can reduce the body’s supply of vitamins by up to 40%. It is said that smokers can experience chronic vitamin C deficiency as a result. Given that intake of some vitamins promotes better absorption of other vitamins, smokers are also at risk of losing weight with those vitamins. Even if you take vitamin C from food, it is lost when you smoke it. As a result, the body lacks this important chemical compound that is necessary for maintaining beautiful skin.
Nicotine in tobacco is also said to cause worsening blood flow and increases in active oxygen, which “rusts” the body and promotes oxidation. It appears that mainstream smoke and secondhand smoke are also detrimental to the skin.
Examples of harmful effects of tobacco on the skin
Skin damage occurs due to the bad influence of smoking mentioned above. One of the most common changes in appearance is wrinkles. Smokers’ skin often appears older due to the increased presence of wrinkles. Wrinkles are a problem in women, in particular, as they can make the appearance look several years – or in some cases even a decade – older than actual age.
It is also known that the skin of smokers tends to darken. This is also caused by tobacco tar in the smoke, as well as the compound effects of vitamin C deficiency. Some women may think that using cosmetics to “heal” the skin is not that much of a problem, but hiding tobacco skin with makeup will only go so far. The spread of pimples and blackheads is also an example of the adverse effects of smoking. If you are concerned about the future of your skin, it is really worth quitting smoking.
Never give up! Skin beauty effect will surely occur
Even if you are a relatively conservative (light) smoker, you will still experience many of the adverse effects described above, although it may be a bit delayed to start. We still think that quitting smoking is a great idea for your health. If you stop, the beauty of your skin won’t return overnight. However, you will likely see results in the mirror in as little as 2 weeks. As blood flow returns and vitamin levels readjust and normalize, you will find that your skin has a changed texture with fewer wrinkles and spots.
Linking these small changes to motivation is also a secret to smoking cessation. It’s a good idea to set a goal of quitting for your skin for two weeks!
Last word
Although there are some people who don’t care about their looks, I think most people care a little about their presentation to others. Every time you smoke over the years, your skin gradually erodes, testifying to the toxic effects of smoking. If you decide today to quit smoking and take steps to take better care of your body and skin, you will feel the positive effects of your decision for the rest of your life.
