Aging Skin -- Smoking and Skin Aging
After sun exposure, smoking is the skin's next worst enemy. Aside from being the number one risk factor for lung cancer, smoking also contributes to accelerated skin aging. It causes premature wrinkling, alters collagen, and robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients.
Wrinkling
Smoking accelerates wrinkling by negatively altering collagen recycling, by dehydrating the skin, and by causing lines to form around the mouth and eyes from repeated squinting and puckering. Smoking also may damage elastin, hurting the elasticity of skin.
Dulling
Smokers often have a dull or gray-cast complexion because nicotine constricts blood vessels, impeding oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. The carbon monoxide produced by smoking also robs the skin of oxygen.
Damage
Smoking damages the lungs and other body tissues, and much of the body's vitamin C stores are monopolized in attempting to repair that damage, leaving less vitamin C available to maintain and repair the skin. Also, heat from tobacco smoke dries and damages the skin. Help undo skin aging with these foods that are oh-so-good for your skin.
