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How bad is Smoking for your Body and Skin?

by Sara Kitch

Smoking is without a doubt one of the worst habits that you can have. Smoking has been linked to premature aging and wrinkled skin as well as cancer and emphysema. The following article will take a look at the problems that smoking can cause throughout your body and skin.

We will take a look at the three main areas of the body that can be harmed by smoking and why: heart, lungs and skin. Take into consideration that these adverse effects can also be seen in non-smokers.

Heart Damage due to Smoking

The heart of a smoker is at risk for illnesses such as arrhythmia and eventually heart attacks. The irritating effects of nicotine and other elements found in tobacco smoke can intensify any heart problems making the heart work harder. Eventually, the harder the heart works the less it is able to resist.

Lung Damage due to Smoking

Your lungs are forced to work harder, just like your heart. Chronic smokers are in danger of acquiring problems such as the complete paralysis of their lungs natural cleansing process. The same irritating gases produce chemical injury to the tissues of your respiratory system leading the lungs speed up the production of mucus. This excess mucus is an excellent breeding ground for a wide range of viruses and bacteria, and makes you more susceptible to different respiratory infections. The lining of your bronchi also becomes thicker, predisposing you to cancers of the bronchi. Most lung cancers arise in the bronchial lining.

Skin Damage due to Smoking

Your skin can also be damaged as a consequence of smoking. Because smoking constricts the blood vessels in your skin, it diminishes the quantity of essential nutrients that are delivered to the skin and destroys the collagen and elastin in it. The effects are not only visible on your face, but they can also manifest on any part of your body covered by skin making a wrinkle treatment very important.

The other condition that is linked with smoking is a syndrome called "smoker's face". Because of the perpetual pursing of the lips and squinting of the eyes, deep lines begin to develop around the mouth and eyes. The face also takes on a grayish appearance.

Healthy skin begins with healthy habits like not smoking or quitting. To repair and rejuvenate skin that has been harmed by smoking, try creams that include rose hip oil. Facial skin care is of the utmost importance so don't wait another minute to try our skin care products.

Published February 11th, 2009

Filed in Health