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No Smoking Day 2024: Kick the butt for better skin
From getting a brighter complexion to reduced dullness and severity of wrinkles, there's every reason to quit the habit today
A lot has been said about the banes of smoking and how it affects one’s health. Guess what? It also makes your appearance more haggard and reduces your glow, making your skin age faster. On World No Smoking Day, recently, we got dermatologists to share how smoking affects the skin.
Dr Madhu Chopra, cosmetologist and managing director of Studio Aesthetique, begins saying, “As someone who cares deeply about their well-being, it’s important to understand how smoking can significantly impact your skin. First of all, smoking speeds up the ageing process and causes fine lines and wrinkles before its time. Because of the chemicals in cigarettes, blood vessels narrow and less oxygen and nutrients reach the skin, leaving the skin tone uneven and with a dull complexion. Furthermore, smoking depletes the skin of vital vitamins, such as vitamin C, which is critical for the synthesis of collagen and causes drooping and loss of suppleness in the skin. Beyond aesthetics, smoking aggravates pre-existing symptoms and slows down the healing process of skin disorders including psoriasis and eczema.” Discolouration and lines
There are a bunch of short-term effects of smoking on the skin and mucous membranes, as she explains, “These include yellowing of the fingers and nails, discoloration of the teeth, and even a black hairy tongue. Long-term effects include dry skin, uneven skin pigmentation, baggy eyes, a saggy jawline, and deeper facial wrinkles and furrows.”
Also, smoking-related repetitive facial movements like squinting and pursing lips to block smoke can exacerbate wrinkles around the mouth and eyes over time. To counteract these negative consequences and reveal a it’s imperative to emphasise the health of your skin by giving up smoking and implementing a skincare routine high in antioxidants and hydration.
HOW CUTTING BACK ON SMOKING HELPS REGAIN BEAUTY
Don’t think twice; the decision to reduce smoking will help you regain your beauty and skin health as Dr Niti Gaur , MD, Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology(Singapore, USA), Board Certified Dermatologist Founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon on “how quitting smoking impacts the skin, evens the tone, etc.”. She says, “The decision to cut back on smoking not only supports skin health but also contributes to overall wellness and a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance."
Elaborating on this, Dr Chopra adds, “It helps your body start the healing process nearly right away. As you give up cigarettes, your blood circulation gets better, giving your skin cells more oxygen and vital nutrients. Your skin will seem healthier and more vibrant because of this increase in circulation. Reducing smoking also lowers exposure to dangerous chemicals and poisons that promote ageing and aggravate skin damage. As your skin regains its elasticity and firmness, you might eventually see a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines. Reducing your smoking will also lessen the chance of aggravating pre-existing skin disorders like eczema or acne.”
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SEEN
Dr Niti Gaur shares what they are
Improved skin elasticity: By reducing or quitting smoking, individuals can prevent further damage to collagen and elastin, allowing the skin to regain some of its lost elasticity and firmness. This can lead to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and sagging, giving the skin a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Enhanced skin radiance: Cutting back on smoking can improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. This can help reduce the dull, sallow appearance associated with smoking.
Accelerated wound healing: Quitting smoking can lead to improved circulation and tissue oxygenation, allowing the body to heal wounds more efficiently. This can result in faster recovery from skin injuries, surgeries, and skin conditions.
Reduced risk of skin cancer: By quitting smoking, individuals can lower their risk of developing skin cancer. The cessation of exposure to harmful carcinogens in cigarette smoke can help prevent further DNA damage and reduce the likelihood of skin cancer development.
Restored skin hydration: Cutting back on smoking can help improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to better skin hydration and a reduction in dryness. This can alleviate symptoms associated with dry skin conditions and improve overall skin health.
Diminished under-eye circles: Improved blood flow and oxygenation resulting from smoking cessation can reduce the prominence of under-eye circles, leading to a more refreshed and well-rested appearance.
