Wrinkles

Cigarette smoke is an immediate and direct irritant to the skin. Smoking decreases the capillary blood flow to the skin, depriving it of needed oxygen and nutrients. Smokers have less collagen and elastin in their skin. These proteins help to keep skin tight, soft, and elastic. Smoke from cigarettes irritates the eyes causing squinting; this may lead to increased wrinkles around the corners of the eyes. Hollowed cheeks and increased wrinkles around the mouth also can result from many years of dragging on cigarettes.