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Is Vaping and Smoking Really Causing Acne and Wrinkles?

Smoking and vaping have a range of health effects and significantly impact the body’s largest organ: the skin. Here’s how these habits affect your skin:

Premature Aging: Both smoking and vaping accelerate the aging process. Nicotine and harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke and vape products reduce blood flow and oxygen to your skin. This leads to slower cell turnover, fewer nutrients in skin cells, and a breakdown of collagen and elastin—proteins that contribute to a youthful appearance. As a result, you may experience deeper wrinkles and an earlier onset of thinning skin.
As we see with smokers and vapers they are dull, inflamed and dehydrated with noticeable lines

Slower Healing: Nicotine narrows blood vessels, which slows down your skin’s healing ability. This makes the skin more susceptible to infections, premature cell death, and scarring. Smoking and vaping also limit the number of fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production), negatively affecting wound healing and plumpness in the skin This can lead to p increased scar tissue, and inflammation as it disrupts cell communication.

Acne: Reduced blood flow and oxidative stress can clog pores and cause breakouts. Smoking and vaping may also lead to gut health issues and worsening acne. Coupled with a slower wound-healing response, acne can become more inflamed and prone to scarring. Furthermore, the damage caused by smoking and vaping weakens your skin’s ability to absorb skincare products and respond to treatments, making it seem as if your skincare routine isn’t working.

Increased Skin Sensitivity: Smoking and vaping can aggravate conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Both vapes and cigarettes contain various allergens that can cause contact dermatitis. Additionally, these habits limit the intake of healthy fats, nutrients, and oxygen in the skin, leading to dull, dry skin. Smoking and vaping can exacerbate rosacea due to reduced oxygen and blood flow, resulting in increased redness, inflammation, and sensitivity.

Pigmentation Issues: Smoking and vaping can lead to hyperpigmentation—dark spots caused by oxidative stress and poor circulation.

Need Help or Advice? 

If you’re ready to reverse the effects of smoking or vaping on your skin, our team at Zenyu Skin and Beauty is here to guide you. We offer a comprehensive approach that not only improves your skin but also enhances your overall health and confidence. Let us assist you on your journey to clearer, healthier skin.

How can I effectively improve my skin after quitting smoking or vaping?
Starting with internal work, supplements, a regul8 gut cleanse or working close with a naturopath just support the skin from the inside out, moving forward hydration and resurfacing the fine lines, texture and brightening the skin can be achieved with DMK Enzyme Therapy working on the structure and functions within the cellular network, skin needling and peels can be something to progress into depending on the structure of the skin. 

What specific skincare products should I use to counteract the damage?
Vitamin A serums and EFA supplements are great starting points as well as vitamin C

Are there lifestyle changes that can further support skin health post-smoking or vaping? Adding exercises and regular saunas to improve circulation, remove toxins and support cells.
As well as healthy eating and a balanced diet.