Skincare for smokers – KBC

The key to maintaining healthy skin as a smoker lies in nourishing and hydrating it

If you are a chronic smoker, then chances are your skin constantly appears dull. This is because smoking is actually harmful for your skin, the biggest way being, smoking speeds up the ageing process in your skin.

There are five ways in which smoking negatively impacts your skin: 

(1) Smoking robs your skin of oxygen. 

(2) It causes more broken capillaries and dilated blood vessels, leading to uneven skin tones and redness. 

(3) It makes collagen and elastin, the essence of youthful skin, break down much faster. 

(4) Constantly squinting and pursing your lips causes increased lines around the mouth and brows. 

(5) It decreases vitamin-A levels in the skin, creating drier skin

Regardless, if you incorporate the right skincare routine, you can limit the negative effects of cigarette smoke on your skin.

Here are the keys:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Water is a large part of any skincare maintenance and if you’re a smoker you need to double down on this. The smoke in cigarettes dries up your skin because of the carbon monoxide and nicotine they contain. Consume the recommended daily intake of water (3.7 litres for men and 2.7 litres for women) and also hydrate from the outside. You can do so by applying a  hydrating mist, or a a moisturising serum.

Switch up your moisturising routine

This is the part where Hyaluronic acid comes in.Hyaluronic acid is an essential chemical naturally produced by the body. Its primary function is to retain water and it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water! It helps facial skin cells remain moist and hydrated which gives the skin a supple complexion. Nowadays, Hyaluronic acid is packaged and bottled, meaning you incorporate it when it comes to moisturising your face. Apply your Hyaluronic acid product to clean, damp skin, and then lock it in with a moisturiser or face oil.

Eat food rich in antioxidants

The chemicals found in cigarettes ruin your skin through oxidation. This is what causes your skin to age prematurely and gives you wrinkles. To counter this, you should invest in antioxidant foods such as: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, artichoke, kale, spinach, cabbage and beans.

Exfoliate and cleanse

Cleansing is especially important when going to bed at night. As a smoker, cleanse your face right before you go to bed, that way the smoke your face was exposed to doesn’t harm your skin while you sleep. Cigarette smoke also clogs up the pores and causes blackheads making it important to exfoliate your face on a weekly basis.

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