HEALTH Smoking affects you on the outside too

Smoking affects you on the outside too


Skin Specialist
Bernie Fahy

The toxins in cigarette smoke cause a series of noticeable changes in the skin complexion. Chemicials from cigarettes are absorbed into the blood stream, causing the blood vessels to constrict, while increased levels of carbon monoxide reduce the amount of oxygen available. This depletes the skin of nutrients, causing premature wrinkling, crows feet, lines on the upper lip, shallow lines on cheeks and lower jaw, lack of tone and lustre, a dry tough and leathery appearance and red veins.
Naturally, the best thing that you can do to prevent or halt this damage is to stop smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of nutrients stored in the skin, so there is less collagen available to repair the damage.
You should also improve your eating habits, introduce healthy foods with a rich source of A and C, as smoking depletes these vitamins. Keep the body hydrated with sufficient quantities of water.
Establish good skin care practices by cleansing with a deep-pore cleanser, and moisturising your skin daily. Apply an anti-ageing topical cream containing vitamin A, which is an antioxidant. Use a cream with alpha hydroxy acids to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – these acids are also brilliant for skin exfoliation. Medicial microdermabrasion stimulates the epidermis of the skin and regenerates collagen, giving the skin a healthy complexion.
Other factors such as stress, insomnia, pollution and UV rays can have a negative effect on the condition of the skin and predispose the smoker to some of the characteristics attributed to ‘smokers’ face’.
A few small changes to your life will make a big difference. Eat sensibly and healthily, exercise regularly, find out what destressing techniques work for you and kick that smoking habit once and for all.

Bernie Fahy works in Ballinrobe, Westport and Galway. She can be contacted at 086 2220125 or info@bernietheskinspecialist.com. For more information, visit www.bernietheskinspecialist.com.