Smoking reduces blood flow in the body, which prevents oxygen from supplying important vitamins and nutrients to the skin. The impaired blood flow also causes toxic products to accumulate in the skin. In addition, research has shown that smoking causes a reduction in the production of collagen, which helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Exposure to smoke can also thin the skin and promote wrinkles and premature aging.

It is unclear why some people develop severe wrinkles due to smoking and others do not. However, research has shown that women and people with lighter skin have a higher risk of developing skin damage from smoking. The duration and amount of smoking may also contribute to the development of smoking-related skin damage.

Smokers may develop a condition referred to as “smoker’s face”. Some characteristics of smoker’s face include an increase in wrinkles (especially around the eyes and mouth), complexion that is slightly red or orange and gauntness (extreme leanness).

Skin conditions that have been associated with smoking include poor wound healing, psoriasis (a common, chronic condition marked by frequent episodes in which the skin becomes itchy and red and develops scales) and skin cancer.

Wrinkles and other skin damage caused by smoking may be treated in a variety of ways. These include over-the-counter topical creams, alpha-hydroxy acids (fruit acids that have the ability to keep moisture in the skin), dermabrasion (a procedure in which the physician “sands” the skin until a new layer of remodeled skin replaces the damaged tissue) and plastic surgery.