Book Free Consultation

UP TO 60% OFF ALL LASER HAIR REMOVAL PACKAGES IN MARCH!

Location Icon 9 Clinics Across London Users Icon 600,000 Treatments Phone Icon Free Consultation Awards Icon Award Winning Treatments

What’s the Most Harmful Thing You Can Do To Your Skin? Continue Smoking.

skincare protective mask

Along with too much sun exposure, a lack of sleep, and stress, smoking is one of the worst things you can do if you want youthful, healthy skin.

The British Heart Foundation are using No Smoking Day to encourage people to make today the day they decide to quit for good, and there are so many potential benefits to your health and appearance it’s a no-brainer.

Dr Douglas Model coined the term ‘smokers face’ in 1985, to refer to the complexion people often develop as a result of smoking. He claimed to be able to identify a smoker of ten years or more by their face alone, as the signs were so distinctive.

Everyone is familiar with the risks of lung cancer, stroke and heart disease, as well as many other lung conditions such as emphysema, and how closely linked they are to smoking. However, the toxins and chemicals ingested have much wider implications.

Cigarette smoke slows down the skin’s ability to regenerate, it starves cells of oxygen, and reduces blood supply to the skin too – all very damaging to the body’s largest organ.

Ruins your skin tone

Because smoking deprives every inch of your body of oxygen, skin becomes more pale, dull and discoloured.  Skin will also be dehydrated, so will suffer from dryness and look noticeably lifeless. That youthful, dewy complexion that has become so popular is virtually impossible to achieve if you’re a smoker.

Makes wrinkles much worse

Smoking also narrows the blood vessels, which in turn damages collagen and elastin, which are naturally found in the skin, causing deep and irreversible wrinkles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wrinkles have been seen at a microscopic level in smokers as young as 20, showing how early this damage begins to occur.

Makes skin sag

The destruction of elastin and collagen doesn’t just affect the face, it makes skin weaker in other parts of the body too, such as the arms and breasts, and it begins to sag more quickly than it would naturally.

For many, loose skin around the arms is one of the worst things about getting older, and impossible to reverse without surgery, and smoking is going to accelerate the whole process.

Causes psoriasis and other severe skin conditions

For those who suffer from it, psoriasis is a very uncomfortable and unsightly problem. Most common on the joints, hands, feet and back, psoriasis involves itchy patches of white, red or silver tinged, inflamed skin. Smokers are actually twice as likely to develop psoriasis, with women facing a greater risk than men.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a skin condition that often appears alongside psoriasis and predominantly affects the hands and feet, and is particularly severe. According to studies conducted into tobacco and its effects on the skin, 95% of PPP sufferers are smokers.

A lot of damage caused by smoking is irreversible, but it can be improved by treatments that target the outer layer of the skin, where damage is the most prominent. Anti-ageing facials and laser treatments such as IPL skin rejuvenation can improve damaged skin with intense light pulses.

For more information about the British Heart Foundation’s No Smoking Day, and to find out how you can help yourself or loved ones to quit smoking,

 

Popular Categories

Skin Treatments

Special Offers

DR Skincare

Related Articles

How much does laser hair removal cost in London?

How much does laser hair removal cost in London?

Laser hair removal stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of cosmetic treatments, offering a durable solution to the age-old problem of unwanted body hair. London, with its eclectic and forward-thinking beauty scene, presents a myriad of options for those seeking to embrace this technology. The allure of a long-lasting, smooth skin surface…

Step Into Laser Hair World

Step Into Laser Hair World

This summer, we’re taking you on a journey unlike any other—a voyage to a place where the sun kisses your skin, the sea sparkles with a thousand shades of pink, and your skin remains flawlessly smooth. Step into “Laser Hair World,” a campaign designed to celebrate the joy of living hair-free and carefree, thanks to…

What is the best age to start Morpheus8?

What is the best age to start Morpheus8?

In the ever-evolving world of skincare and aesthetics, Morpheus8 has emerged as a beacon of rejuvenation, promising to turn back the clock on our skin. But amidst the buzz, a question often arises: “What is the best age to start Morpheus8?” Let’s dive into this topic, exploring the ideal timing for embarking on your Morpheus8…

This Valentine’s Day Gift the Magic of Beauty

This Valentine’s Day Gift the Magic of Beauty

Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration of love but an opportunity to show your significant other how much you care in unique and thoughtful ways. Why not this Valentine’s Day gift the magic of beauty, confidence, and self-care? Whether it’s a pampering HydraFacial treatment starting from £99 for him or a transformative laser hair…

Template: single.php