Why does smoking contribute to wrinkling of the facial skin?

Question

How does it do this?

Answer 1

Yes, smoking can cause wrinkles.

It narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which impairs blood flow to the skin. This depletes it of oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give the skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely. Also, repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. (cited from a website)

It sucks, don't it? I smoke. I'm gonna have wrinkles before 30.

Answer 2

June 15, 2006 — Facial wrinkling in smokers may be associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the results of a study reported in the June 14 Online First issue of Thorax. The investigators suggest that those smokers with facial wrinkling be evaluated for airflow obstruction.

"Cigarette smoking causes accelerated facial wrinkling and predisposes to COPD," write B. D. Patel from the University of Cambridge, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust in Exeter, United Kingdom, and colleagues. "However, it has long been recognised that there is a subgroup of susceptible smokers who are at increased risk of developing airflow obstruction. We have tested the hypothesis that there is a common susceptibility for the development of COPD and facial wrinkling in cigarette smokers."

"Facial wrinkling is associated with COPD in smokers, and both disease processes may share a common susceptibility," the authors write. "Extensive facial wrinkling may be a marker of susceptibility to the effects of cigarette smoke and should promote the screening of affected individuals for airflow obstruction."

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/536447?rss

Answer 3

Nicotine basically cuts the blood supply to the skin and the fine blood vessels can not deliver blood and oxygen anymore. The many toxins in nicotine might play an additional role.

Answer 4

Is that richard smoking?

Answer 5

Yes it does.