You cannot go on social media now without seeing atleast one advertisement for collagen.
Should you be taking a collagen supplement? I have a detailed blog on the same topic here:
But if there was one thing about our current lifestyle that ages you faster than anything else, it is undoubtedly smoking.
Smoking is a well-known risk factor for many health problems, including cancer and respiratory diseases.
But did you know that it can also have significant effects on the appearance of your skin?
Studies have shown that smoking can destroy collagen, a protein that helps keep the skin elastic and youthful, leading to faster ageing.
One study published in the journal "Archives of Dermatology" found that smokers had significantly less collagen in their skin than non-smokers. This can lead to the development of wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of elasticity.
Another study published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" found that smokers had a higher number of wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes, compared to non-smokers. This is thought to be due to the fact that smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which can contribute to the breakdown of collagen.
So what is it about cigarette smoke that leads to these changes in the skin?
There are a few specific compounds in cigarette smoke that are thought to be responsible for the destruction of collagen:
One of these is nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the skin. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin, leading to the breakdown of collagen.
Another compound in cigarette smoke that has been shown to contribute to the destruction of collagen is hydrogen peroxide. This compound can cause oxidative stress in the skin, leading to the breakdown of collagen and other proteins.
There is some evidence that nitrates, which are present in cigarette smoke, may contribute to the destruction of collagen in the skin. Nitrates are chemicals that are added to tobacco to preserve it and enhance the flavor.
It's important to note that the effects of smoking on the skin are not reversible.
However, quitting smoking can help slow down the ageing process and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
If you're a smoker and are concerned about the effects on your skin, it may be worth considering quitting to protect your skin and overall health. So, it is always better to quit smoking as early as possible to avoid these harmful effects.
Trust this helps,