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The most talked about problems of smoking are the different kinds of cancers that a smoker can develop. However, there are other physical complications that are not commonly talked about.

In this article, we will discuss issues other than cancer. The main points we will discuss are the difference between darker and lighter skin individuals, the increase in wrinkles and how smoking can decrease the healing process.

Skin Color is Important

The color of your skin is a very important variable when it comes to chronic smokers. Darker skin is thicker and, therefore, less inclined to damage. Lighter skin is much more delicate and can show signs of damage faster.

The Weaker Sex - More Skin Damage because of Gender

Unluckily, women smokers are also more susceptible to suffer skin damage, including wrinkling, than male smokers. The male hormone androgen produces a thicker dermis making it more resilient to damage. Meanwhile a decline in estrogen leads to dryness and cracking of the skin.

The constant puffing and squinting that smokers go through also contributes to the wrinkling process. The term "smoker's face" is used to express the wrinkled, gaunt appearance of a chronic smoker.

Healing and Smoking

Another dilemma for smokers is the rate at which their bodies heal, especially after surgery. Due to the reduced blood flow, the flow of nutrients to the damaged area is also diminished. For this reason, doctors advise that their patients to quit smoking so that their post op healing process improves.

Dealing with the Results of Smoking

Clearly, quitting or never starting is the ideal way of evading problems due to smoking. However, if this is not within your ability, there are other options that you can try.

Anti wrinkle lotions that contain alfa hydroxy acids and retinoids can help combat some of the damage produced by smoking. Skin peels and dermabrasion can help promote skin rejuvenation by stimulating the regeneration of skin.