Smoking is one of the most dangerous and deadly voluntary activities as it pertains to your health.

In addition to increasing your risk for lung cancer and heart disease, smoking can also wreak havoc on your skin, eyes and hair. With each puff of smoke, you are prematurely aging your skin ahead of its time.

The good news is that the skin damage caused by smoking is reversible! Quitting and implementing a simple skin care routine today will help you regain a healthy complexion.

The Effects of Smoking on Your Skin

When you inhale from a cigarette, you are introducing more than 4,000 chemicals into your body, including skin-damaging free radicals.

● Sagging Skin

These chemicals damage your collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin its youthful strength and elasticity. When collagen and elastin weaken, skin begins to sag and wrinkle.

● Complexion

Nicotine causes blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin to narrow, impairing blood flow to your skin and resulting in dry, dull skin.

● Skin Tone

Smoking causes your body to produce fewer red blood cells. And with fewer red blood cells your skin can start to lose its healthy glow.

● Premature Wrinkles

The physical act of smoking can lead to wrinkles, especially around the mouth, due to repetitive pursing of the lips.

3 Ways to Improve the Skin Damage Caused by Smoking

● Stop Smoking

The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you will see and feel the benefits.

● Moisturize Daily

Use a moisturizer with Niacinimide, peptides and glycerin. These ingredients can help speed skin surface cell turnover, improving damaged skin and replenishing lost moisture.

● Look for Antioxidants

Antioxidants, such as carnosine or vitamin E, will help protect the skin from surface free radical damage.