Yes, smoking accelerates the normal aging process of the skin, leading to the formation of wrinkles. Studies have found that smoking not only causes facial wrinkles but can also lead to wrinkling and skin damage on other parts of the body, including the inner arms. These skin changes can appear after ten years of smoking and, once they occur, they are irreversible.
How does smoking cause wrinkles? Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin, impairing blood flow and reducing the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients such as vitamin A. Additionally, smoking damages collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give the skin strength and elasticity. This causes the skin to sag and wrinkle prematurely.