Smoking and the Skin

With another New Year just beginning, many will have made Resolutions to quit smoking. We all know about the huge health risks smoking threatens our bodies with.

A lesser known reason for quitting smoking is the damaging effect it has on our skin. Scientific studies have shown heavy smokers are more likely to develop pre-mature facial wrinkles. Why the link between smoking and skin aging? It is common knowledge9 that smoking exposes us to thousands of different chemicals. So how does this chemical cocktail affect the skin?

• Smoking actually alters the cellular structure of the skin. Over time, the elastin fibers in our skin become thicker and more fragmented. This leads to loss of tone or tightness of the skin. The skin loosens and starts to sag.
• Smoking narrows the blood vessels and raises carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream restricting healthful circulation to the skin. This restriction of oxygen to the skin leaves it with a dull pallor or even a yellowish cast.
   
• Smoking inhibits absorption of vitamin C. We use vitamin C to make collagen. Collagen is the "springy" matter between the elastic fibers giving our skin its fullness. Lack of collagen can lead to deep folds in the skin. Another duty of vitamin C is to speed healing. Smokers skins take longer to heal from skin injuries or surgical incisions.
   
• Smoking increases your risk of skin malignancies. If you smoke, you more than double your risk of lip and mouth cancers. The way the cigarette is held in the mouth, the pursing of the lips, squinting of the eyes, furrowing of the brow, places extra movement on the muscles around the eyes and mouth, delicate areas already prone to pre-mature wrinkling.

In short, one more reason to quit smoking is that it makes you look old!

The body however, has the amazing ability to begin to repair itself the minute you stop smoking!

A program of chemical peels and hydrating treatments can return the glow and vibrant color tone of healthy skin!

Follow up your "Resolution" with a Skin Treatment. Your skin will benefit and you'll have some personal time for yourself. Good Luck!