Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different harmful chemicals: nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia — the list goes on. You’re likely aware of the general health risks, but are you curious if these toxins can also affect your skin?
The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, smoking is a major part of the daily environmental and lifestyle factors called the exposome that influence skin health. Today, we’re taking a look at what this habit means for your complexion and how to best care for your skin — whether you smoke, vape, don’t, or are trying to quit (you’ve got this!).
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What is the skin exposome?
Think about the hundreds of little choices you make each day: what you eat, how much you sleep, or how often you’re exposed to vape or cigarette smoke. All of these things — both the good and not-so-good — add up to affect your skin.

This concept, known as the exposome, includes everything from your daily habits to external stressors such as pollution and sun exposure. Together, these factors play a powerful role in how your skin ages and responds to the world.
What’s one of the most impactful exposome factors? Smoking. Cigarette smoke exposes your skin to harmful toxins and can lead to wrinkles, dullness, and a tired appearance. This makes a holistic skincare approach (one that considers both your lifestyle and environment) the best path to healthy skin in the long run.
How does smoking affect your skin?
The primary culprit is something called oxidative stress. When you smoke, the toxins released can trigger this bodily process and damage your skin cells. This series of events can cause inflammation and break down collagen, a protein essential for skin elasticity.
The overall result? The visible signs of skin aging. And studies show the more you smoke, the more it may leave a mark.

But aging isn’t the main concern here — health is the priority. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. This can lead to decreased oxygen and nutrients, further contributing to damage.
What about vaping?
Although there isn’t quite as much research available as with cigarette smoke, the pattern is clear. Vaping also leads to cellular damage and reduced blood flow in the skin. Meaning? The risks of premature skin aging and cancer or pre-cancer are likely similar to cigarette smoke.
Here’s something else to consider: many popular vape flavors also contain skin sensitizers. Some of their cosmetic fragrance and flavor components may heighten the risk for allergic skin reactions on the face, neck, and hands.
How to care for your skin, smoker on non
We aren’t here to judge. But when it comes to improving your skin’s appearance and your overall health, quitting smoking is the way to go. And if possible, the sooner the better — research shows that stopping won’t automatically reverse the signs of aging and other damage.
Whatever you choose, there’s a lot you can do right now! Start by prioritizing self-care and adding more healthy habits to your skincare routine.
Here are three top tips to help keep your skin at its best:
Twice-daily cleansing is a must
The first step in any skincare routine, washing your face regularly helps support natural skin processes that keep things clean and healthy. One example? Cleansing helps support the skin’s natural barrier function. This essential barrier protects against environmental aggressors, like cigarette smoke, that can damage the skin.

Gently cleanse your face in the morning to make sure the rest of your skincare products can get right to work. Then, again at night to help remove any toxins that might be trying to stick around.
Antioxidants are your allies
Vitamin E, vitamin C, melatonin — these powerful antioxidants help to block oxidative stress. They work to help stabilize free radicals, neutralizing, delaying, or helping to prevent further damage from the oxidative process.
Although our body produces its own antioxidants to combat the effects of sun damage, pollution, and other skin aging triggers (such as cigarette smoke), it’s not quite enough. Plus, these natural repair processes don’t work as effectively as we age. That’s where a little extra help from antioxidant skincare comes in.

Opt for an antioxidant recovery serum after cleansing at night to help your skin repair any stress endured during the day.
Sunscreen is your best friend
Remember, the exposome factors are all intertwined — interacting and even enhancing each other. When combined with UV radiation, smoking intensifies oxidative stress and inflammation. One study showed that heavy smokers who also spent excessive time in the sun were over 11 times more likely to have noticeable wrinkles than non-smokers and those with less sun exposure.
But more importantly, smoking, too much sun, or both can also increase your risk of serious skin issues, like cancer. The best way to protect yourself? Enjoy the sun safely and reach for a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen every day.

Wondering how much sunscreen to apply? Try the two-finger rule: run sunscreen down the length of your index and middle fingers for the perfect amount to use on your face and neck. And remember to reapply at least every two hours.
Things are looking up
You’re already well on your way. The more you know about your skin and how your daily choices can affect it, the better you can care for it.
Whether smoking is a part of your current lifestyle or not, we’ll leave you with one last reminder: healthy skin is beautiful skin. So do your best to care for, protect, and love it, and in turn, you’ll do the same for yourself.
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.