Smokers in their 30s have facial wrinkles similar to those of nonsmokers in their 50s

• 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.
• Smoking irritates the eyes and makes smokers squint more; this may lead to increased wrinkles around the corners of the eyes.
• Smokers develop more hollowed cheeks and increased wrinkles around the mouth from many years of dragging on cigarettes.