Cosmetologist told about the unexpected effects of smoking on the skin

Smoking is harmful not only to human health, but also to human beauty, because the skin suffers from this habit no less than the lungs and heart. Anastasia Sokolova, a cosmetologist and dermatologist at Sm-Cosmetology, told Izvestia on May 23 about how smoking affects the skin and what will help minimize the harmful effect.

So, according to the doctor, smoking causes the skin to lose its radiance. In smokers, it often looks dull, grayish, and tired. This is a direct consequence of the fact that nicotine can constrict blood vessels and impair blood circulation. The cells suffer from a lack of oxygen, microcirculation is disrupted, and the skin does not receive the trace elements necessary for a healthy glow.

"Aging is also accelerating. Harmful substances in tobacco smoke destroy the proteins responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin — collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes sluggish and lifeless, fine wrinkles form," the specialist continued.

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In addition, Sokolova warned, "smoker's wrinkles" are forming — vertical wrinkles around the lips that are formed due to constant smoke inhalation and decreased skin elasticity. They make the face look tired and add at least 10 years to the age.

Another negative consequence is that the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. Smoking disrupts the skin's natural protective barrier, causing it to lose moisture. There is a feeling of tightness, peeling appears, and sensitivity increases.

In addition to this, as the cosmetologist noted, smoking worsens metabolic processes in the skin, which leads to rashes, slow regeneration and, as a result, long-lasting pigmentation and uneven facial tone.

"Of course, quitting smoking is the first step to improving skin condition. But, even if you are just on the way to giving up a bad habit or have already given up, professional care will help restore the health and freshness of the skin, "— said the specialist.

She added that such procedures as facial cleansing, chemical peels, mesotherapy and biorevitalization are suitable for this. Hardware procedures include photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and RF lifting.

Earlier, on April 12, Svetlana Petrova, a dermatologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia about the mandatory rules for sun protection. She explained that sunscreens should be applied 15 minutes before going outside to all exposed areas of the body: face, arms, neck and other areas not covered by clothing.