Smoking is a habit that has long been known to have detrimental effects on a person’s health. Not only does smoking impact the body internally, causing damage to organs such as the heart and lungs, but it also has a significant impact on a person’s appearance. In fact, according to a study on appearance concerns and smoking, around 13% of men and 21% of women thought that the effects smoking had on their looks were bad enough to make them quit entirely. Thankfully, some effects are reversible. As such, if you want to know more about how smoking impacts your appearance and how you can address these, read on.
Hair loss
The toxic chemicals in tobacco constrict blood vessels throughout various parts of the body, including those that deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. This reduced blood flow can weaken the hair follicles, leading to thinning and ultimately, hair loss. In addition, smoking has been found to increase the production of free radicals in the body. These are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and tissues, including the cells in the scalp and hair follicles. This oxidative stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and contribute to hair loss.
Further hair loss is entirely preventable by quitting smoking as this allows blood circulation to regulate. Over time, not exposing the hair to the heat and smoke from cigarettes can also help prevent brittle strands prone to breakage. Additionally, while there is no evidence that hair already lost will grow back naturally, applying treatments like topical minoxidil to the scalp can help with regrowth. This works by stimulating the hair to enter into the anagen phase and prolonging it so that significant hair growth can occur.
Yellow teeth
Out of smoking’s many effects on oral health, the yellowing of teeth is one of the most apparent, as it occurs right in the visible area of the mouth. This is an effect of plaque and tartar buildup. Smoking can lead to a dry mouth, which reduces the production of saliva. When there is less saliva present, plaque and tartar can accumulate more easily on the teeth, leading to stains. Smoking can also contribute to gum disease, which can further exacerbate tooth discoloration.
Apart from complete cigarette cessation, this can be prevented by swapping cigarettes for alternatives like nicotine pouches. These pouches contain controlled doses of nicotine and are placed under the lip to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Since these are smoke- and tobacco-free, they don’t stain the teeth. As an added benefit, nicotine pouches come in fun flavors that can further address teeth discoloration. Case in point, coffee nicotine pouches not only allow users to wean off staining cigarettes, but they also help satisfy any coffee cravings that are also known to discolor teeth. Similarly, nicotine lozenges can also provide a pleasing oral nicotine hit, without staining the teeth. If you happen to suffer from tooth damage as a result of an oral disease, popular mint-flavored lozenges can double as breath refreshers, too.
Dark under-eyes
In the same way that free radicals affect other body parts, they also damage the skin and result in the development of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, thereby pronouncing dark under-eyes even further. Additionally, the chemicals in tobacco smoke can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in thinner and sallower skin. On top of this, cigarette fumes can also cause inflammation and irritation in the skin. Both of these contribute to the appearance of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
One way to combat these dark under-eyes caused by smoking is by using eye creams specifically designed to target and treat this issue. Eye creams are specially formulated to address the specific needs of the delicate skin around the eyes, working to hydrate, brighten, and improve the overall appearance of this area.