Vaping can add years to your face
August 4th, 2025Have you quit smoking and chosen to vape instead? ‘Vape face’ is the term referring to the negative effects of vaping on a person’s face. The long-term effects of vaping are unknown, but it is evident that cigarettes and e-cigarettes are detrimental to the skin, causing skin damage and premature ageing. Dermatologists say that vaping can add years to your face, contributing to a dull and wrinkled complexion.
Vaping – are the new generation looking older than they should?
It’s an ongoing debate, are the new generation looking older than they should? Vaping is a trend that is a big factor in the debate. Some teenagers think vaping looks cool, and they don’t understand the damage that smoking e-cigarettes can do to their bodies. It has been made easy for teenagers to buy vapes, and in the UK, 11-17 year olds trying or using e-cigarettes rose from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025.
There is a perception that Generation Z are visibly older than their years, and this could be due to many factors from living in this modern world, such as increased stress and anxiety, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, smoking and other pollutants.
Why does vaping damage the skin and cause premature ageing?
Nicotine is an addictive substance in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. It breaks down the elastic fibres in the skin, causing noticeable changes. Dr Bav Shergill from the British Association of Dermatologists explained, “Nicotine is the active ingredient, and it is associated with all kinds of skin problems. It is associated with acne, psoriasis and breakouts.”
The breakdown of the fibres can happen at a young age. Dr Shergill said, “If you get two people, twins for example, and you had one who is a smoker and likes a bit of sunshine, and you look at them at age 25 and can see the difference between them. The ageing starts quite early with smoking and sun exposure.”
When smoking or vaping, premature ageing is caused by a combination of the heat, chemicals and reduced blood flow to the skin caused by nicotine. It causes skin dehydration, leading to a dull and aged appearance. Dehydration can cause wrinkles due to the collagen in the skin degrading.
Dr Shergill said, “You lose collagen, which is basically like the stuffing in a mattress; if you get rid of that, the mattress goes saggy and your skin goes saggy.”
Vaping also harms the lungs and other bodily systems. There is a higher risk of respiratory disease and damaged lungs. Vapes release free radicals that can develop into cancer and weaken the immune system – cancers such as oral cancer, lip cancer, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Giving up smoking is crucial for a longer and healthier life.
Giving up smoking is crucial for a longer and healthier life and slows down premature ageing. It can improve physical and mental health, your breathing, energy levels and how you look.
Trying to give up smoking, to resist the craving and quit for life can be a big challenge, but here are our 7 top tips to beat the addictive habit of smoking e-cigarettes or cigarettes.
- Have a goal and plan for long-term success.
Identify your reasons for quitting smoking, are they for health or financial struggles? Perhaps you want to set a good example for your children? Choose a specific date and share your decision with friends and family so they can support you.
- Remind yourself of the benefits of not smoking.
There are so many benefits! Your taste and smell improve, you save money, you can breathe easier, and you have more energy. You have better blood circulation, making physical activity easier, and your clothes and home won’t smell of smoke.
- Speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
Stop smoking services are normally free from your healthcare provider. Their expert advice and proven methods can boost the chances of success. They can give you accurate information and support, and help you find affordable treatments.
- Know what triggers your desire to smoke.
Identify the emotions and situations that trigger your desire to smoke. Is it just a habit? Keep a diary, note the time, location, situation and activity that has caused you to want to smoke. With that information, you can create a strategy to avoid the triggering moments.
- Make lifestyle changes.
You will need to change your routine and avoid situations that trigger the need to smoke. Incorporate more exercise into your daily schedule and make time to learn about and implement relaxation techniques. Choose healthy distractions and reward yourself, and be more mindful in social situations.
- Try nicotine replacement therapy.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are available if withdrawal symptoms from quitting smoking are a problem, such as irritability, restlessness or strong urges. Some NRTs involve safely taking a dose of nicotine with products such as patches or gum. Nicotine-free medications also help and are used in combination with products.
- Try quitting smoking programs.
There are many quitting smoking programs that your healthcare provider can tell you about. They can refer you to specific programs that will suit your needs. There is a one-to-one guidance service, several apps, and you should look at all your options and find a method that works for you.
If you are struggling to give up smoking because of depression, you should speak to your healthcare provider. They can give you coping strategies and refer you to a therapist if needed.
Our product, 5HTP, combats mood swings and weight problems. It’s a building block for the vital neurotransmitter serotonin, key for treating depression and also helpful for a wide range of conditions linked to low serotonin, including obesity, insomnia, migraine and premenstrual syndrome.
Make the life-changing decision to give up vaping today.
References
https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/use-of-e-cigarettes-among-young-people-in-great-britain
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12549717/VAPE-FACE-Gen-Z-look-older-dermatologist.html
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