Why Quit Smoking?

People quit smoking for many different reasons. There are those who want a healthier lifestyle, those who want to minimize the risks of developing cancer or heart diseases. There are also those who get pregnant and want to avoid complications for their unborn child. Some people decide to quit to save money. One really good reason to quit smoking is to take care of your skin.

Most smokers know about the bad effects of smoking to their lungs, heart and pocket. What they may not know is how harmful smoking is for their skin.

Increased Wrinkles
Studies report that wrinkles are directly influenced by smoking. Smokers at the age of 40-50 years look 20 years older than those who do not have this habit. Yes, smoking does a lot to your skin and makes you age faster than the normal person.

Another thing that is noted with the skin of smokers is that they have crows feet-wrinkles around the eye area and the skin around their mouth are wrinkly as well. The crows feet may be attributed to the fact that when you exhale smoke, you are likely to squint or narrow your eyes. Similarly, always puckering your mouth to inhale from your cigarette makes this area wrinkly.

Loss of Collagen
Part of the aging process is a decrease in the amount of collagen. Smoking hastens aging because nicotine rids your skin of collagen. This is an important protein that provides elasticity to your skin. Without this your skin would sag. Vitamin C is a similar component that smoking affects. These important substances are depleted and would result to skin that is older looking.

Unhealthy Looking Pallor
You may note that people who smoke usually have a pale or greyish skin color. This is because oxygen is depleted from the blood. The good thing is that when you quit smoking, the healthy pinkish color returns, making you look youthful and vibrant.

If you want to look young, feel good, and have better skin, you definitely have to consider quitting smoking. It dehydrates your skin and robs you of important minerals and nutrients needed for cell repair. Your skin needs your utmost care. Smoking does not promote healthy skin so try and lose this habit.