Every year, more than 5 million people worldwide die from smoking. Half of the people who smoke die from a smoking-related disease, but it is also estimated that smokers live on average 10 to 15 years less than non-smokers.
Smoking causes cancer, heart and respiratory diseases and, in women, problems related to the reproductive system, to name just a few of the consequences.
Can tobacco cause skin cancer?
Tobacco can cause non-melanoma skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. In recent years, several studies have been published showing the effects of tobacco on health and, in particular, on the skin. In fact, there are twice as many smokers as non-smokers who suffer from this disease, since the more you smoke, the greater the risk.
Tobacco is also related to other types of cancer, such as cancer of the tongue, palate or lip, not to mention that it increases the risk of metastasis. In addition to increasing the risk of cancer, tobacco can also cause chronic hand eczema, psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa.
How does smoking affect your skin?
- Brightness. Tobacco and other substances that accompany cigarettes, such as smoke, cause the skin to dull and lose its luminosity.
- Wrinkles. Tobacco accelerates the aging process. Expression lines are more pronounced around the eyes and on the upper lip.
- Fingers. Tobacco also affects other areas that are in contact with cigarettes, such as fingers and nails, leaving them yellowish.
- Pigmentation. Tobacco can even change the color of the skin. In fact, it is common for yellowish stains to appear on the fingers with which the cigarette is held.
- Dryness. Smoking causes the skin to be drier than usual.
- Dehydration. In line with the previous point, another of the effects of smoking is the lack of skin hydration. Because adequate oxygenation is not achieved, cells and tissues suffer. One of the consequences is dehydration.
- Scarring. Smoking hinders proper wound healing, as smoke impairs tissue oxygenation. As a result, skin wounds take longer to heal.
- Ulcers. Patients suffering from chronic ulcers, especially in the lower limbs, see how their healing is much slower or even does not occur. If this occurs, it can lead to various health problems.
It is estimated that tobacco is composed of about 300 substances that have a great carcinogenic potential and are very harmful to the skin. So, if you have this bad habit, try to quit as soon as possible because your health and your skin will thank you for it.