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In addition to the caveat on cigarette packets indicating the associated cancerous risks, smoking can also wreak havoc on your skin, as can alcohol.

Why smoking and drinking can accelerate premature ageing of the skin

In addition to the caveat on cigarette packets indicating the associated cancerous risks, smoking can also wreak havoc on your skin, as can excessive alcohol

Very few things can help us unwind on a Friday night as a glass of wine or chilled beer. And, if you’re someone who enjoys taking a couple of puffs every so often, on the pretext of its stress-busting properties, you’re likely to keep a packet of smokes alongside your drink too. However, contrary to the popular locution “age like fine wine,” an immoderate consumption of alcohol and overindulgence in smokables can result in a slew of adverse effects. In addition to the caveat on cigarette packets indicating the associated cancerous risks, it can wreak havoc on your skin, as can an excessive amount of alcohol. While it is commonly perceived that alcohol and cigarettes dehydrate the skin, there’s much more that can transpire on the epidermis as well as within the deep layers of skin due to imprudent indulgence in alcohol and cigarettes. We speak to two dermatologists to decipher the many ramifications of alcohol and smokables.

Contrary to the popular locution “age like fine wine,” an immoderate consumption of alcohol and overindulgence in smokables can result in a slew of adverse effects. Image: Freepik

Contrary to the popular locution “age like fine wine,” an immoderate consumption of alcohol and overindulgence in smokables can result in a slew of adverse effects. Image: Freepik

Nicotine can trigger dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic dermatoses, alopecia, polymorphous light eruption and skin cancer, apprises Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

Nicotine can trigger dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic dermatoses, alopecia, polymorphous light eruption and skin cancer, apprises Dr Jaishree Sharad. Image: Pexels

How does smoking affect the skin?

A National Library of Medicine report mentions the following data projected by the WHO (World Health Organisation)—that by 2025, there will be around 1.1 billion smokers worldwide. That’s a huge number. “Tobacco and cigarettes contain numerous carcinogenic chemicals like carbon monoxide, tar, radioactive compounds and oxidising compounds as well as metals like arsenic, nickel and lead,” says Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. “Nicotine is an ingredient that makes smoking cigarettes addictive,” she adds. Explaining why nicotine is a matter of concern despite not being carcinogenic, celebrity dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, Dr Jaishree Sharad, apprises that nicotine can trigger dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic dermatoses, alopecia, lupus erythematosus, polymorphous light eruption and skin cancer. One of the biggest perils associated with excessive smoking is premature ageing—the skin begins to exhibit wrinkles, fine lines and lacklusterness much earlier than it would naturally. “Smoking results in the accumulation of free radicals in the skin which leads to degeneration of collagen and elastin fibres. This leads to skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles (such as crow’s feet), dark circles, dark lips and an uneven, dull skin tone,” says Sharad.

“BOTH SMOKING AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION NARROW THE BLOOD VESSELS LEADING TO POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION, AND PROMPT POOR FIBROBLAST ACTIVITY THAT IS NECESSARY TO FORM NEW COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN”

Dr Madhuri Agarwal

Agarwal furthers, “When free radical damage increases due to smoking, it causes collagen breakdown and poor blood circulation. Additionally, you will begin to notice an elevation in the pigmentation and dark spots on your skin as smoking increases melanin formation in the skin. And, poor blood circulation only worsens skin colour changes.” As the skin begins to age early, you’ll observe some sagging and drooping, which occurs due to a compromised skin barrier and the degeneration of the skin’s elastin framework.

Of course, smokers' lips is one of the common ill-effects of smoking too often. “Smokers’ lips refer to fine lines around the lips, early on in life, and changes in the lip colour; the lips turn darker than surrounding skin (usually become bluish, brownish and look uneven). This happens because smoking narrows the blood vessels, thereby reducing the oxygen and nutrition to the lips,” explains Agarwal. Higher susceptibility to skin cancer and hair loss are other negative effects of smoking.  

Why is alcohol menacing for the skin?

It is typically assumed that smoking can prove to be more toxic than consuming alcohol. While that is a debate for another day, both skincare professionals think that alcohol isn’t a jeopardy-free substance either. Agarwal attributes the hazards linked with alcohol to the sugar, caffeine and chemicals that are actively present in liquor. In the case of alcohol, dehydration passes as the most alarming knock-on effect. 

“Upon consuming alcohol, it is broken down in the body to release a compound called ‘acetaldehyde’ that can be harmful to the skin. Plus, as alcohol is a diuretic—meaning it can cause water loss—it strips the skin of all moisture, leading to dullness, fine lines and breakouts,” says Dr Madhuri Agarwal. Image: Pexels

“Upon consuming alcohol, it is broken down in the body to release a compound called ‘acetaldehyde’ that can be harmful to the skin. Plus, as alcohol is a diuretic—meaning it can cause water loss—it strips the skin of all moisture, leading to dullness, fine lines and breakouts,” says Dr Madhuri Agarwal. Image: Pexels

“Upon consuming alcohol, it is broken down in the body to release a compound called ‘acetaldehyde’ that can be harmful to the skin. Plus, as alcohol is a diuretic—meaning it can cause water loss—it strips the skin of all moisture, leading to dullness, fine lines and breakouts,” informs Agarwal. If you’ve ever had to tackle hungover skin, you’re aware that redness, puffiness, triggered allergies and dullness are the main concerns. Agarwal blames the sugar in your alcohol for it all. “It leads to inflammation causing breakouts and collagen degeneration that further aggravates dull and dehydrated skin. It could also disrupt your skin’s microbiome by decreasing the healthy bacteria.” Sugar in alcohol can also exacerbate acne due to an increase in the levels of the hormone IGF1, mentions Sharad.

Reversing and preventing the damage

If you are a regular consumer of alcohol or cigarettes, your skin will reflect that. In the overall scheme of things, alcohol and smoking engender dehydration and inflammation, contributing to the loss of skin barrier health, DNA damage, weakened immunity and increased free-radical damage. 

“Both smoking and alcohol consumption narrow the blood vessels leading to poor blood circulation, and prompt poor fibroblast activity that is necessary to form new collagen and elastin,” informs Agarwal. In order to address these pain points, including ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and other nourishing and moisture-boosting ingredients in your skincare routine is a great place to start.

The likes of Olivia Wilde and Blake Lively swear by this dermatologist-favourite moisturiser for it ensures maximum performance at a minimum price. Image: Instagram.com/cerave

The likes of Olivia Wilde and Blake Lively swear by this dermatologist-favourite moisturiser for it ensures maximum performance at a minimum price. Image: Instagram.com/cerave

Additionally, cocktails that contain packaged juices, syrups or aerated beverages comprise high amounts of sugar and can be even more detrimental. Image: Pexels

Additionally, cocktails that contain packaged juices, syrups or aerated beverages comprise high amounts of sugar and can be even more detrimental. Image: Pexels

While Sharad recommends incorporating ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), retinol and peptide-based serums and creams in your routine, Agarwal vouches for the benefits of broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturiser containing ceramides and squalene. “Retinol helps with skin regeneration and sleeping masks/overnight masks containing niacinamide and collagen hydrate the skin,” says the skincare professional. You could also consider opting for in-clinic treatments that help boost  collagen and reduce pigmentation.

The non-skincare tips you need to know

It perhaps goes without saying that you should give alcohol a break or at least reduce the amount consumed, suggest both Agarwal and Sharad. Additionally, cocktails that contain packaged juices, syrups or aerated beverages comprise high amounts of sugar and can be even more detrimental. “Due to the high sugar content, they can cause higher skin damage as compared to, say, vodka or wine. The clearer the alcohol is in colour, the lesser its impact,” mentions Agarwal.

“Quitting smoking is the ideal way to deal with its side-effects, particularly as it is potentially carcinogenic. However, in the case of alcohol, moderation is the key. Hydration is essential; drink water before and after every drink if possible and definitely consume water before sleeping.” Include vitamin supplements like vitamins C and B12 in your diet to dilute the effects of alcohol and ensure you consume food rich in antioxidants and minerals, which means water-filled veggies and fruits. “Nothing helps like exercising regularly, as it aids with stress management and ensures adequate blood circulation in the body,” concludes Agarwal.

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