Do you also appreciate the idea of anti-tobacco ads shown before movies? Various surveys have revealed that anti-smoking campaigns have been able to bring a significant impact on curbing smoking rates among youth. Publicizing the information for creating awareness is a comprehensive approach to help people quit smoking.
Smoking or tobacco addiction is one of the most common forms of recreational drugs used these days. According to WHO, approximately 6 million people worldwide die due to smoking cigarettes, which counts one death every 6 seconds. Aside from causing serious health hazards, several other research studies have stated the detrimental effects of smoking in causing dermatological conditions. Cigarette toxins deteriorate the skin, which subsequently cause several woes like premature skin aging, acne, psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma, hair loss, and so on.
Major effects
- Premature aging
- Sagging skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne Inversa
- Skin cancer
- Sunken eyes
- Slower wound healing
1. Premature aging
Tobacco smoking is an independent risk in causing the development of fine lines and wrinkles before age. Scientific searches state that cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemicals, which damages your skin very badly. These potent chemicals damage key skin proteins i.e. collagen and elastin. As a result, fines lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles begin to appear. Moreover, the constant action of pouting and squinting eyes while indulging in smoking is known to cause wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
2. Sagging skin
Nicotine, a highly addictive compound in tobacco leads to sagging skin. This strong chemical causes the narrowing of blood vessels in the outer layer of skin. The restricted blood supply leads to the lack of enough oxygen and nutrients in the skin. Skin begins to loose its strength and elasticity, which gives you drooping skin and an older appearance.
3. Uneven skin tone
Smoking is placed among the top habits you should consider avoiding for glowing skin. It has been found that the skin of smokers turns to appear pale yellow or grey color, which results in uneven pigmentation on skin. A research study published in the international journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry has suggested that nicotine from cigarette get accumulated in melanin-producing cells. Elevated levels of melanin lead to abnormal darkening of skin and uneven skin tone.
4. Acne Inversa
It is also called Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Cigarette smoking is one of major triggering factors in causing this chronic inflammatory skin disease. In this condition, painful and pus-filled abscesses form under the skin. It mostly affects the armpits, groin, and face.
5. Skin cancer
Several clinical research studies have claimed that smoking increases the risk of squamous cell skin cancer. It has been found that risks of developing squamous cell skin cancer doubles in people who smoke at least 20 years in their lifetime. A hospital-based case study evaluated the risk of smoking in 580 skin cancer patients and 389 patients without skin cancer. The results concluded that smoking was only associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma and is not a known factor for basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
6. Sunken eyes
If you are wondering how you got sunken eyes, then you might need to blame your daily habits. Quitting smoking has been acknowledged as one of the best ways to get rid of sunken eyes. The smoking ruins the delicate skin around your eyes and makes your eyes appear dark, dull, and sunken. It dehydrates your skin by reducing water retention in the skin.
7. Slower wound healing
In smokers, healing slows down because of the unavailability of oxygen to the wound. When you smoke, levels of carbon monoxide rises in your cells, which in turn reduces the oxygen amount. Oxygen plays an important role to speed up the healing process in the body. Furthermore, smoking also reduces the levels of neutrophils in the bloodstream, which increases the risks of infections after any surgery.
It is comforting to know that there are numerous things, which would help you to reverse skin damage and restore your health as well.
- Several researchers have demonstrated the benefits of vegan diet for healthy skin. Plant-based diet is a rich source of antioxidants and fibres which help to detoxify and nourish the body. Carrots, spinach, parsley, broccoli, oranges, and papaya are a few powerful natural antioxidants.
- Practicing the breathing pranayama helps to boost the oxygen supply in body cells, which helps in cleansing of internal organs. Deep breathing also helps to improve lung functions and lowers anxiety levels.
- Drinking the carrot helps to flush out nicotine deposits from the body. It is a great source of vitamins A, C, K, and B which help to get rid of nicotine.
- Pomegranate juice has been acknowledged as a useful remedy for people having lung diseases. The high antioxidant activity of pomegranate helps to prevent the formation of lung nodules in patients.
After acknowledging the health hazards of smoking, it would not be so hard to break a bad habit. It is wise to discard the things, which bring self-destruction. Identifying factors that trigger cigarette craving and making non-smoking are few easiest strategies that would help to take your mind off smoking. Above all, strong will power and determination can do wonders in life.
P.S.
Since smoking damages the collagen and elastin levels in your skin, which causes hyperpigmentation and premature skin aging. Skincare experts suggest using vitamin C based products to plump up collagen levels in skin. While other studies claim that applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going to sun exposure is also vital to prevent more damage to the skin.
