We’ve all heard that smoking can lead to greater wrinkles.  But many of us also want to understand the mechanisms of action, how it works.  It narrows the blood vessels in the other layers of the skin, impairing the flow to your skin.  Therefore, your skin is unable to obtain oxygen and other vital nutrients.  It also damages the collagen and elastin, which makes your skin weaken and start to show premature signs of aging. 

            However, it doesn’t limit its effects just to the face.  A study conducted in 2007 also concluded that it could increase wrinkles and skin damage on the inner arms and other parts of the body.  In addition, the repeated heat on the face as well as the facial expressions you make when smoking can contribute to greater levels of wrinkles. 

            But the good news is, once you stop smoking, that can actually reverse some of the damage in itself.  It takes 8 hours after your last cigarette for carbon monoxide levels to fall below smoking levels.  However, some areas, such as the lungs take longer to repair themselves, and some areas will not repair.

            However, skin is extremely difficult to repair.  Cigarette smoke is second only to sun exposure in damaging the skin.  It specifically interferes with the skin’s absorption of vitamin A and vitamin C, which are vital to healthy skin.  All in all, your skin will become dehydrated, lacking in essential nutrients, and thin and wrinkling.  Most find that chemical peels can be necessary for quick repair.  However, some have found that natural treatments were just as effective over time.