How to reduce the effects of smoking on the skin?

What you see on the skin of a smoker is only a reflection of how harmful tobacco affects the entire body. A dull, dehydrated and dry complexion with a mesh of fine lines and discoloration gives the face a characteristic expression of fatigue, which is the hallmark of most addicts. The aging process of the skin can be delayed to some extent, even if smoking is not stopped. However, it is worth remembering that no treatment will be 100% effective when the body is exposed to cigarette smoke.

Everyone has to mature before the decision to quit smoking. Before this happens, however, it can be ensured that its effects are at least slightly less harmful. The first association related to the harmfulness of smoking usually concerns the respiratory system. However, the effects of the addiction are felt by the whole body, because the toxins contained in a cigarette go through the lungs into the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body. There are over 4,000 harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, including nicotine, which cause a number of characteristic symptoms visible on the skin. It contains numerous hydrophobic substances that easily penetrate cell membranes and reach almost all organs. A cigarette also contains a huge amount of free radicals that destroy the cells of the entire body. It is because of them that the synthesis of skin supporting fibers: collagen and elastin is disturbed, keranocytes and fibroblasts are damaged. In this way, the scaffolding that determines the firmness and quality of the skin is demolished. As a result of smoking a few cigarettes a day, it becomes thinner, slack, less firm and dry, because the slow regeneration processes do not keep up with the reconstruction of the damage caused by smoking. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which leads to tissue hypoxia and poor nutrition. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also activated, which affect many skin dermatoses - including AD, psoriasis, acne, and disturbance of the hair growth cycle. Increased blood clotting also contributes to the formation of vascular changes, such as spider veins or erythema. Smoking lowers the levels of antioxidants throughout the body. The level of vitamins C, A, E and folic acid is dropping, which opens the way for free radicals. The imbalance between them and antioxidants can trigger a number of inflammations in the body that are visible on the skin, for example in the form of acne . On the other hand, gestures related to smoking, additionally activating some of the facial muscles, contribute to the formation of wrinkles - the so-called puppets and vertical furrows above the upper lip.

As you can easily guess, the skin of a smoker requires much more attention due to the damage caused by cigarettes. The first important step to minimize losses is regular epidermis renewal, i.e. proper skin cleansing and removal of dead cells with peeling. In a smoker, cells die much faster than in a non-smoker, but they do not exfoliate properly, forming a so-called the stratum corneum. As a result, the skin is deprived of access to oxygen and nutrients contained in cosmetics. In addition, hyaluronic acid breaks down quickly, and its task is to retain water in the epidermis. Its inadequate level causes the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity.

With the simultaneous poisoning of the skin, no therapy will be 100% effective, but by choosing the right cosmetics, we can slow down the aging processes. The smoker's skin requires, above all, strong hydration, firming and nourishment, which will provide it with a healthy and fresh color. For this purpose, it is worth choosing care cosmetics containing urea, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Also vitamins A, C and E in high concentration, which are effective antioxidants and stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Just like phytohormones. Flavonoids and saponins, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels, have an anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Deeply regenerating cosmetics should also include coenzyme Q10, which protects against collagen breakdown. A strong revitalizing treatment will be supported by a serum with vitamin A (retinol). However, you need to use them in moderation and gradually reach the optimal daily dose. Too rapid introduction of vitamin A may lead to irritation and severe drying of the epidermis. Valuable components are prickly pear oil, linseed oil, shea butter, aloe and beeswax. Most of them will work as an independent moisturizing cosmetic.

The skin of the smoker also requires daily massage to stimulate blood circulation and provide better oxygenation. It can be made with your hands or with special edelite rollers. Treatments in an aesthetic medicine clinic are an excellent supplement to daily home care. Moisturizing aquapue, exfoliating microdermabrasion, and needle mesotherapy. Depending on the condition of the skin, oxybrasion is recommended, a type of mechanical microdermabrasion performed with the use of compressed oxygen and saline. In the case of very visible signs of premature loss of firmness, it is worth opting for treatments using a fractional laser. The improvement of skin quality is influenced by the amount of water drunk and orally taken supplements: vitamin C, E, and coenzyme Q10.