Sacramento, CA 9/23/2009 6:07:39 AM
News / Education

Skincare for Smokers: Cigarettes and Premature Aging

The effects of smoking on a person's skin show up faster than one might think. Whether cigarettes are a lifetime addiction or a new habit, each puff takes its toll on the skin’s health and vitality, leading to premature wrinkles and other signs of aging. Here’s a guide to the effects of cigarettes on the skin and treatments that can help undo the damage.

It’s common knowledge that smoking can devastate a person’s health and reduce life expectancy. But along with the internal damage, smoking can wreak havoc on the appearance. Even when a person adheres to a strict skincare routine and uses pricey products, smoking can set off an avalanche of premature aging. Skincare-News.com's latest article, “Cigarettes and Your Skin,” explains the link between cigarettes and premature aging and offers tips on how to undo the damage that’s already occurred.

 

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-2253-Cigarettes_and_Your_Skin.aspx

 

The mechanisms at work. Inhaling just one cigarette sets off the production of more than a trillion free radicals in the lungs, which leads to aging and illness. After smoking for 10 years, for example, irreversible changes to the skin are visible. According to Mayo Clinic, the characteristic sagging and wrinkling noticed on a smoker’s skin occurs when the blood vessels in the top layer begin to narrow, which prevents skin from getting oxygen and other necessary nutrients. In addition, smoking damages the very fibers that keep skin strong and supple: collagen and elastin. Wrinkles also occur around the lips due to the repeated pursing action made every time a person smokes a cigarette.

 

Smoker’s face. In 1985, the term “smoker’s face” was added to the medical dictionary. The condition is defined as “lines or wrinkles on the face, particularly radiating at right angles from the upper and lower lips or corners of the eyes, deep lines on the cheeks or numerous shallow lines on the cheeks and lower jaw; a subtle gauntness of the features, with prominence of the underlying bony contours.”

 

Whether or not a person is concerned about skincare now, deep lines and gauntness aren’t on anybody’s top 10 list of healthy, beautiful skin. And while anti-smoking campaigns might not focus on skincare as a platform for quitting, the ugly truth of smoker’s face is healthy motivation for anyone to stop.

 

Undoing the damage. Even if the results of smoking are already evident on a person’s skin, it isn’t too late to take action. There are plenty of skincare products available that smooth fine lines, dull skin and dark circles. Consider a skincare product that contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals.

 


Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:

 

Ways to Shrink Your Stretch Marks
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6401-Ways_to_Shrink_Your_Stretch_Marks.aspx


For many women and men, stretch marks are an exasperating reality. Whether the cause is pregnancy, weight gain or a health condition such as diabetes, stretch marks occur when the skin tissues stretch suddenly and dramatically. While eliminating stretch marks is time-consuming and often impossible, there are ways to reduce their appearance. From lasers to topical treatments, this guide offers ways to treat the snakelike marks on any part of the body. Learn about causes, treatments and how to prevent stretch marks in the future.


The Lowdown on Lotions, Creams and Serums
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6310-The_Lowdown_on_Lotions_Creams_and_Serums_.aspx


Store shelves are lined from floor to ceiling with moisturizer options. But what’s the difference between lotion, cream and serum? While all three may contain humectants and emollients to moisturize and hydrate the skin, one of the biggest distinctions among them is consistency. Depending on the season and skin type, people should choose a lightweight lotion, a rich cream or a penetrating serum. Learn more about these products and how to use them effectively.


When Acne-Like Spots Strike the Scalp
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6302-When_AcneLike_Spots_Strike_the_Scalp.aspx


Scalp folliculitis is a contagious condition caused by damage to the hair follicle. Often confused with acne, scalp folliculitis triggers eruptions of whiteheads and blemish-like bumps along the scalp and hairline, leaving the skin inflamed and sensitive. The condition is frequently the result of excessive sweating or a dip in the hot tub. While mild forms of scalp folliculitis can often be cleared up at home, more serious cases demand medical attention. Whether mild or severe, read up on essential treatment tips here.


A Guy’s Guide to Acne
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6305-A_Guys_Guide_to_Acne.aspx


For many men, acne is a major problem. It might be tempting (and convenient) to use a girlfriend or wife’s acne cleanser to banish unwanted blemishes. But when it comes to skin, there are differences between men and women that influence the treatment of acne. Because men typically have thicker skin, they can tolerate higher concentrations of acne ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Male skin is also more prone to sweating, so deep cleansing is a must for men to maintain a clear complexion. Read more about why acne occurs and how to treat it, with simple tips that keep men’s special skincare needs in mind.

 

Polyhydroxy Acids: Effective, Gentle Anti-Aging Ingredients
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6309-Polyhydroxy_Acids_Effective_Gentle_AntiAging_Ingredients_.aspx


Searching for the right products to effectively reverse the signs of aging? Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are among the newest alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to hit the skincare market. Made up of larger molecules than traditional AHAs, PHAs are typically gentler on the skin, causing less peeling, flaking and dryness. Unlike some AHAs, which can dry out the skin, PHAs are ideal for sensitive or dry skin types. Found in anti-aging and correcting skin treatments, as well as acne treatments and body products, PHAs reduce wrinkles, promote cell turnover and lighten hyperpigmentation. Learn more about polyhydroxy acids and how these gentler ingredients can smooth and refine the complexion.