We all know that smoking is very bad for your health…you as a smoker not only have an increased risk of lung cancer, but also a number of other lung diseases. These are mainly chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, collectively called COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases).

And on top of that…less serious, but still…smoking is also bad for your skin!

What does smoking do to your skin?

Not only does it make your skin gray, but it also creates wrinkles and creases in your face.

Why is smoking so bad for your skin?
Smoking constricts the small blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the skin. This creates a lack of oxygen and nutrients necessary for the cells in the skin to function properly. The skin becomes gray, drab and less fresh. Smoking breaks down collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin. Smoking activates a particular gene that forms enzymes that break down collagen. Also, nicotine breaks down vitamin C. Vitamin C is also important for the formation of collagen.

When you stop smoking, blood flow to the skin improves immediately. This will make you less drab and look healthier and fresher. If you keep smoking, you will get wrinkles and folds faster. Your skin starts aging ten to twenty years earlier than if you stopped.

So dear people, stop smoking! Seek help in quitting smoking and start with your doctor.