The Effects of Electronic Cigarettes on Skin

Correcting Wrinkles Caused by Nicotine

Over the past couple of years, electronic cigarettes have gained significant popularity. Many people view them as a healthier alternative to smoking. While quitting nicotine consumption altogether would benefit your health the most, avoiding smoking helps limit your exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens. Electronic cigarettes don’t contain the same toxins as tobacco-filled ones, but the nicotine content of e-cigs is still present and does affect the health of your skin.

Nicotine’s Effect on Skin

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes the narrowing of blood vessels. Prolonged use of nicotine constricts the blood vessels that transport blood to the outermost layer of skin. This loss of blood flow prevents skin tissue from receiving the oxygen and vitamins it needs to maintain a healthy appearance. The use of any nicotine product can cause wrinkles, deep creases, and a rougher skin texture. The harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun are worse when the skin is being damaged from nicotine. The loss of vitamin delivery to the skin is especially damaging.

How Vitamins Contribute to Healthy Skin

• Vitamin A is used to regulate cell growth. A lack of it can cause deep wrinkles, dull skin, and acne.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radicals. It reduces the appearance of age spots and wrinkles caused by sun exposure and pollution.
• Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is necessary for smooth and supple skin.

Reversing Nicotine’s Effects on Skin

You don’t have to suffer from wrinkles or dull skin that result from nicotine exposure. Dr. Spies offers a range of treatments to help with the appearance of aging skin. From nonsurgical injectable fillers to full facelift surgery, there is a procedure perfectly tailored to your needs.  However, all treatments and procedures used to provide healthier skin are more effective when smoking cigarettes or the electronic form are stopped.

Injectable Fillers

Dr. Spies offers Restylane®, Perlane®, JUVÉDERM®, and RADIESSE®. These injectable fillers are used to correct wrinkles and soften facial lines and creases. Treatment is nonsurgical and allows patients to erase signs of aging with little to no pain. It is a quick and easy fix for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Laser Treatments

Laser resurfacing treatments are used to correct more stubborn cases of aging. Laser treatments eliminate damages in the upper layers of skin. The laser energy stimulates cell growth and leaves the deep, tighter layers intact. The results of laser treatments are long lasting, but multiple treatment are required to achieve ideal results.

Facelift

When fine lines and wrinkles advance to sagging skin, it is probably time for facelift surgery. Discreetly placed incisions are used to pull the skin tight, minimizing the appearance of deep creases around your mouth and eyes. Facelift surgery also tightens loose skin around the neck that creates sagging jowls or a double chin. This surgical procedure requires a couple weeks of recovery time, but your results will be long lasting.

To reverse your signs of aging caused by nicotine use today, schedule your consultation with Dr. Spies. Call (480) 890-0600 or fill out our online contact form here.