Say No To Smoking: How It Ages You Faster

Smoking can impact not just your internal organs but your external appearance as well! There is a lot of conversation about the health consequences of smoking like the increased risk of cancer and heart disease. But, we often overlook the effect of smoking on our physical appearance and the aging process. Did you know that smoking could be the root cause of premature aging, wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration of the skin?

How does smoking make you look old?

1. The elasticity of your skin is all thanks to proteins in it called collagen and elastin. But, the chemicals in tobacco can trigger their destruction and this affects the skin's elasticity making it look more saggy and wrinkled.
2. The vasoconstriction effect of smoking causes your blood vessels to constrict which in turn reduces blood circulation to your skin and thus deprives it of oxygen and nutrients. The effect of this can show up on your face in the form of age spots and discoloration.
3. Chronic smokers use certain muscles around their lips and eyes as they take each puff from a cigarette. As time passes, lines and wrinkles will build up around the mouth and eyes of such a person.

What happens to your skin when you stop smoking?

Quitting smoking can have an immediate and noticeable impact on the aging process of your skin. Within just days of quitting, your body starts to repair the damage caused by cigarettes. Improved blood circulation and increased collagen production help to firm and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. This will lead to a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.

How do you quit smoking?

Standing up against tobacco cravings is easier said than done. The key is to have a powerful motivation and the willpower to quit this dangerous habit. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gums and patches can be considered to curb withdrawal symptoms and urges. Talk to your friends and family about your decision and their support will keep you motivated. Engage yourself in other hobbies and things you love and increase your daily physical activity. It is also a great idea to find ways to reward yourself for staying away from cigarettes. It is also important that you keep reminding yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking.

The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner you can start to reap these benefits and live a healthier, more youthful life.