Smoking Ages Your Skin and Causes Dryness, Dullness, and Unevenness

Smoking doesn't just harm your lungs, it also has a severe impact on your skin. According to dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, smoking can age the skin and lead to dryness, dullness, and uneven texture. Smokers often have weathered and leathery skin with enlarged pores and a rough, bumpy texture.

Premature Aging, Fine Lines, and Saggy Features

Long-term smokers can experience premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall saggy features. A study published in 2012 found that the skin of smoking addicts at the age of 40 resembled the skin of non-smokers who were 70 years old.

Smoking's Deeper Impact on Your Skin's Health

Smoking affects the surface of your skin and compromises its overall health. It can damage proteins and lipids in your skin barrier, leading to more pronounced signs of aging.

Wrinkles, Sagging, and Crepey Skin

An unhealthy skin barrier can result in premature wrinkles, sagging, and crepey skin. Smoking can break and crack the "mortar" holding your skin barrier in place, making it easier for environmental threats like UV rays and pollution to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.

Skin Conditions Caused by Smoking

Research suggests that smoking can increase the risk of dermatologic diseases like psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia. Smoking compromises the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to chronic skin conditions and impairing wound healing.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Smoking is not only linked to lung cancer but also to skin cancer. There is evidence to suggest that smoking increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

What Can Help?

The best advice to protect your skin is to quit smoking. In-office treatments and topical products can temporarily improve the appearance of the skin, but prevention is key.

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