Vaping and the demise of your complexion

October 13th, 2023

Vaping and smoking can be the demise of your complexion. The bad habit can speed up the signs of ageing and make you look older before your time.

In a recent article in Glamour magazine, Dr Mervyn Patterson at Woodford Medical explains that vaping and inhalation of toxins have no positive benefits. “Absorption of gases occurs easily through the delicate lung tissue and a long drag produces a marked spike in hundreds of toxins.”

His concerns were echoed by dermatologist Dr Sonia Khorana. “We only have data going back a few years for vaping. Due to this lack of information, e-cigarettes have not been proven to be completely safe. Recent evidence indicates that vaping may just prolong the smoking habit and carries its own risks, too. But as far as the skin is concerned – vaping may be as bad as smoking.”

The skin comes under a free radical attack every time you vape

When smoking a vape, a surge of toxic chemicals from the lithium-powered e-cigarette causes the small blood vessels in the skin to narrow, reducing the oxygen supply and flow of nutrients. The chemicals in vapes are nicotine, propylene glycol, toluene, acetaldehyde and cadmium, nickel, lead, glycerol and glycerine. Nicotine breaks down collagen in the skin which is needed to keep it firm and plump. The destruction of collagen causes the skin to sag and wrinkle prematurely, and this is why smokers develop fine lines above their lips and puffiness around the eyes – skin comes under a free radical attack every time you vape.

Vaping can wreak havoc on the skin, slowing down or preventing healing and, sometimes causing blood clotting and infections. Inflammation, skin sensitivity and irritation can lead to poor cell regeneration resulting in or worsening psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, rashes and acne. Not only does vaping promote premature ageing, but, it can leave a user with breathing problems, coughing, hacking, yellowing of teeth or tooth loss. The addictive habit can lead to a collapsed lung, cancer of the lips, the mouth or other vital organs. Whether vaping is used as a stimulant, fashion accessory, or to wean a smoking addiction, it can be very detrimental to your health.

Giving up vaping

Giving up vaping can start a very noticeable road to recovery, helping to prevent you from looking old before your time. Within days of giving up, collagen and elastin are renewed due to better blood flow and the skin heals more efficiently. The complexion starts to look less dull and after time, a glowing complexion will return.

We offer a wide range of natural skincare products to help you on your road to recovery. They can balance the skin’s moisture and treat dry skin. Relieve discomfort from skin conditions and plump the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Find out more about all our skincare products.

Incorporate our ‘Youth Gems’ Day and Night cream into your daily skincare routine.

When you quit vaping, the body starts to repair itself

After not vaping for 20 minutes, a raised pulse rate will return to normal
At 8 hours after vaping, oxygen levels will start to return to normal, and carbon monoxide will start to flush through the system
48 hours later, all the carbon monoxide will have flushed through the body
After 72 hours, you will notice that your breathing has got easier
Within 2-12 weeks, blood will be pumping through the body at a more efficient rate
3-9 months after giving up, coughing and wheezing will subside, and lung capacity will grow by 10%
In 1 year, the risk of a heart attack will be halved
After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer will halve

At least 3.2 million adults smoke e-cigarettes in the UK, and alarmingly, there has been a 20.5% increase in youth vapers (children aged 11-17 years old). There is no safe level of smoking and with e-cigarettes at pocket money prices, youth vaping is fast becoming a major healthcare emergency.

There is limited data on the harmful effects of vaping due to the length of time that it has been available. Back in 2020, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there was an outbreak of vaping-related illnesses, injuries and deaths. Also, they documented the nicotine addiction and risks associated with unregulated e-cigarettes containing illicit fluids that can cause unforeseen health issues.

The UK government backs the use of e-cigarettes to help reduce smoking rates

In April 2023, the government introduced the ‘Swap to Stop’ scheme to 1 million UK smokers to help reduce smoking rates. Those included in the scheme received a vaping starter pack. Based on the government’s evidence, they concluded that in the short and medium term, vaping carries a smaller risk of harm compared to smoking tobacco.

In the news this week, a 12-year-old girl tells the world to never start vaping. She had started at the age of nine and by twelve years old, she was using a 4000-puff vape over a few days. The constant vaping resulted in her suffering a collapsed lung and being put into an induced coma for four days.

People need to be made aware of the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes need to be made less attractive to children. Vaping can be the demise of your complexion and so much more.

References

Respiratory Health Skin Care