Dr Lalitha Badul
Cigarettes may look glamorous in old black-and-white French films, but there’s nothing alluring about their effects on your body.
Smoking ages you physically. Smoking is associated with a range of health effects, including effects on the skin. For example: smoking is associated with premature ageing and wrinkles.
Smoking is also associated with very serious skin conditions, like carcinoma of the skin (a type of skin cancer) and psoriasis. What many people don’t realise is that nicotine inflicts damage to the skin and natural hue of the lips.
Chronic cigarette and cigar smoking can, over time, discolour the lips. Smoking doesn’t only damage the appearance of your face; it can also take a toll on your figure.
As skin loses its elasticity, parts that were once firm may begin to droop. People who smoke tend to develop yellow teeth, gum disease, persistent bad breath, and other oral hygiene problems.
Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose teeth. Both men and women tend to develop thinner hair as they age. Some studies even suggest people who smoke are more likely to go bald.
Smokers should also take more Vitamin C than non-smokers to counteract the detrimental effects of smoking on the skin. Next week we look at what happens to your skin while smoking.
