The Effects Of Smoking On Your Appearance

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Article Title: The Effects Of Smoking On Your Appearance

Author: Olivia

Word Count: 610

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The Surgeon General of the United States has stated " Smoking

cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most

important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and

quality of their lives. " It may also be the most important step

that you can take to improve the quality of your appearance. In

1985 the term " smokers face " was added to the medical

dictionary. A study done in Norway in 1998 cited that women

emphasize the effect of smoking on physical appearance as a

general motivation to quit, whereas men mentioned general

health benefits.

I have to say truthfully that vanity had something to do with

my decision to quit smoking. I had started smoking at the age

of 16 when I started dating a smoker. Unfortunately, when the

relationship ended the smoking didn't. I was left with a habit

that would haunt me.

It was in the late 70's when I worked in a medical office where

we administered chemotherapy to cancer patients. I knew more

about the health consequences than most people witnessing it

first hand on a daily basis. I even had an ashtray at my desk

and smoked in the office. Like most smokers I was in a state of

denial. I was in my early 20's and felt invincible. I said to

myself " it won't happen to me " . Besides, I enjoyed my cigarette

and cup of coffee in the morning, and nothing could beat

relaxing with a cigarette after a good meal. It seemed all my

friends smoked too.

I was in my mid-30's when I met a man whose parents were

smokers. When I looked at his mother's aged and horribly lined

face I thought " Oh my God, that could be me in twenty more

years. " Seeing her made an impression on me that I'll never

forget. She was obviously a long time smoker with the tell-tale

vertical lines all around her mouth. She had a grayish tinge to

her skin, which was as thin as it could be. She looked a full

10 years older than her true age. Her fingers were actually

stained yellow by nicotine. It was a wake up call for me.

There is no denying the negative effects of smoking on your

appearance. Smoking dries out the skin. Smoking causes blood

vessel constriction of the top layers of skin which reduces the

oxygen levels which leads to a dull complexion. Due to this

constriction of blood vessels and poor circulation a smokers

skin is thinner than a non-smokers skin. It has been shown in

studies to be up to 40% thinner. Smoking reduces the level of

collagen in the skin which leads to loss of elasticity and the

quick formation of lines and wrinkles.

Of course you have everything to gain trying to quit smoking

aside from just the improvement in your physical appearance.

Another report released by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2004

entitled " The Health Consequences of Smoking, " revealed that

smoking (or living with a person who smokes) can cause disease

in nearly every organ of the body, in men as well as women.

I was lucky that I successfully kicked the habit almost ten

years ago. I do have a trace of those tell-tale lip lines and

although you may not notice them, I do. I have spent a fortune

over the years in skin care products. I'll never have the face

I would have had if I had never started smoking. But today I am

a much happier and more importantly, a much healthier person for

having stopped.

Whatever your reason, vanity or health - just quit!

About The Author: Article courtesy of

http://www.stop-smoking-questions.com

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