The Effects of Smoking: 5 Things You Didn't Know

There are few people who aren't aware of the ravaging effects that smoking has on lung and heart health. What many smokers don't know, however, is that this habit can have a significant impact on reproductive functioning, skin elasticity and other physical features and functions. Following are five things that you didn't know about cigarette smoke and the harm that it can cause. Smokers Have An Increased Susceptibility To Age Spots Age spots are small blotches of darker pigment that develop on the face and hands as people grow older. Everyone can develop age spots as the result of spending too much time in the sun and as part of the normal aging process. Smokers, however, have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing this form of skin damage earlier in life. Smoking Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction can be the result of many things. In men who smoke, however, it is often due to constricted blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. The damage that nicotine causes to the arteries is both progressive and cumulative and with time, may become permanent. Research has shown that men who smoke are 60% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those who do not. Smoking Diminishes Skin Elasticity With decreased blood flow, increased internal toxins and a host of health issues, smokers are more likely to develop the visible signs of aging than people who have never smoked at all. Not only will these signs be apparent around the eyes and lips in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, but they'll impact the skin across the entire body. Smoking diminishes skin elasticity and leads to sagging skin at the knees, elbows and breasts among other areas. People Who Smoke Have A Higher Likelihood Of Tooth Loss It's certainly no secret that tobacco use stains the teeth. What you might find surprising, however, is that smoking can significantly increase your chances of tooth loss. Cigarette smoke deprives the soft tissues that line the mouth of important nutrients and oxygen. It also alters the natural pH of the mouth interior, making this environment ideal for harmful, decay-causing bacteria. Dentists like those at the Art of Dentistry Institute are commonly sought by smokers to resolve smoking-related problems such as tooth loss and loss of elasticity and fullness around the mouth. This Habit Accelerates Hair Loss It is not uncommon to experience thinning during the later stages of life, but hair loss is significantly increased among people who smoke. This is just as true for women as it is for men. Smoking has been identified in several studies as a clear risk factor for baldness. The harming effects of cigarette smoke extend far beyond your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Implementing an effective, smoking cessation plan is essential for preserving your health, your smile and your overall appearance. Fortunately, many of the effects that smoking has on the body are entirely reversible. There are also countless things that you can do to restore your looks once you've kicked this habit for good.