Five reasons smoking is ruining your looks

Wednesday 8^th March is national No Smoking Day, so if you have thought about quitting smoking, there is no better time than the present.

And, if you need an extra push to quit for good, why not educate yourself about the effects smoking has on your looks?

1. Rapid aging

Smoking tobacco products definitely speeds up the process of aging quite a bit. Smoking can increase the visibilty of bags under your eyes. Smokers also show deeper lines around the mouth and in between the eyebrows. When you are smoking tobacco products, you are starving your skin of oxygen which breaks down collagen and elastin.

2. Damaged Teeth and Gums

Yellow teeth are one of the most notorious effects of long-term smoking, but the dental damage doesn't stop there. People who smoke tend to develop gum disease, persistent bad breath, and other oral hygiene problems. Smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth as non-smokers.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. I am not saying that smoking gives you psoriasis, however it can trigger the disease in those who already have a genetic tendency for it. Psoriasis and smoking go hand and hand because they both mess with your immune system, which also messes with your skin. Nicotine in tobacco products negatively affects your immune system, while psoriasis causes your immune system to attack normal tissue instead of germs. This causes the skin cells to build up and form dry patches on your skin.

4. Poor skin tone

Smoking chronically deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients. So some smokers appear pale, while others develop uneven colouring.  Age spots are blotches of darker skin color that are common on the face and hands. While anyone can develop these spots from spending too much time in the sun, research suggests smokers are more susceptible.

5. Stained Fingers

Think your hand looks sexy with a cigarette perched between your fingers? If you've been smoking for a while, take a good look at your fingernails and the skin of your hands. Tobacco can actually stain the skin and nails, as well as the teeth. The good news is these stains tend to fade when you quit smoking.

The good news is quitting improves your looks. Quitting smoking can improve your appearance. As blood flow gets better, your skin receives more oxygen and nutrients. This can help you develop a healthier complexion. If you stay tobacco-free, the stains on your fingers and nails will disappear. You may even notice your teeth getting whiter.

Stay strong and stub it out!

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