Cigarette smoking has been strongly linked to health conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory and circulatory ailments. However, the effects of cigarette smoking may also take its toll on one's appearance and may hamper one's skin care efforts. This develops because the smoker's blood vessels become constricted. When this happens, it impairs the flow of oxygen and other important vitamins and minerals. The skin's elastin and collagen may be damaged, resulting to early wrinkling. Smoking may dehydrate and deprive the skin of necessary nutrients that are necessary to retain the skin's moisture and smoothness.
The effects of smoking in the skin are significant. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 60 of these are carcinogens. Smoking means exposing oneself to chemicals like hydrogen cyanide, butane, nicotine, carbolic acid, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals. As these substances are inhaled, these toxins reduce blood circulation by narrowing the blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin. This may decrease blood flow and deplete the skin's supply of vitamins and minerals that are important in maintaining healthy glowing skin.
In addition, cigarette smoke also contain carbon monoxide which is a toxic gas that is also found in car exhaust. The human blood is capable of absorbing carbon monoxide 200 times faster than oxygen. When this happens, the different organs of the body including the liver may get polluted and poisoned. The liver may not be able to function properly and work harder to eliminate the chemicals from the body. The skin may eventually lose its radiance and glow because of this. As more cigarettes are consumed, one's skin conditions may deteriorate. Skin effects of cigarette smoking may appear in smokers after ten years of this habit. It also possible that chronic exposure to the heat caused by cigarettes may damage facial skin in the long run. In addition, some medical studies suggest that smoking may damage the skin in the entire body and give it a yellow tint.
Cigarette smoking may also reduce Vitamin C levels in the body and deprive the skin of this important nutrient. This vitamin helps the skin the skin maintain glow and youthful appearance because the chemicals in the body consumes Vitamin C. The human body cannot produce Vitamin C and is only be attained through food consumptions or supplements.
The ill-effects of smoking in one's appearance and overall health have emphasized the need to quit smoking. Individuals who are having a hard time quitting smoking may use various quit smoking products like nicotine gums, patches, and others that are out in the market. These products are scientifically proven to aid individuals who want to quit smoking. These products work by temporarily supplying the body with nicotine through means other than cigarettes. This helps calm physical withdrawal symptoms of cigarette smoking. Using these products and coupling them with the right attitude is a sure formula for improved overall health and healthy-looking skin.