So a few years ago, I used to smoke cigarettes regularly, say 3-5 a day and if I went out on the scene – I’d have a countless number there along with watermelon shooters and Bud Lights galore. That was before my esthetics days - and that lasted about a year…But just recently, nearly a month now, in light of the recession and other stressful matters at hand, I’ve found myself lighting up again! It’s really quite frustrating – especially since I’m an esthetician and I preach beauty from the inside out – the two just don’t go hand in hand.
After telling myself and my fiance that I’m going to quit time and again - I’m really telling myself again (and all of you) finally that I’m Going to Quit. Now when I set my heart and mind to something, I do it. I acheive it. It’s mine. Smoking is so unbecoming to me and the physical ramifications are just *so* not worth it. I’m writing this, of course, after I just had a cigarette – my last one, in fact – but believe me when I write that as of this moment, I am not going to be a slave to those cancer sticks anymore. I just have to say No.
Everyone knows smoking is bad for you. We all know that, right? Well, here’s more reason to confirm that universal truth. It’s one of the many ways to accelerate aging, that’s for sure. Not only can smoking cause cancer, it’s also linked to premature aging and – you guessed it – wrinkles. What nicotine does upon entering your system is weaken your blood vessels, causing decreased circulation by compromising blood supply to your tissues.
Furthermore, should you make the poor choice of continuing to smoke day after day, year after year, eventually, your tissues will have been deprived of essential oxygen to the point of no return, turning your skin yellowish or gray in color, and leaving you with a dull complexion. I’d post a pic, but it’s a truly terrifying inconvenient truth - google it.
And did you know that smokers need more Vitamin C than non-smokers? Among many other important functions, Vitamin C is required for collagen formation, not only in the skin, but also in cartilage and the discs in the spine. It’s easily depleted in smokers, which is why smokers need more of it since they will have more free radicals forming in their bodies due to their lifestyle choice. (Free radicals lead to premature aging and increases skin sensitivity, irritation, age spots, and dryness – you don’t want them, that’s why you love products that contain antioxidants which combat them).
It’s very difficult for your skin to adjust and repair itself when there’s so much incoming damage. This damage, once done, is pretty much done – it’s much too expensive and had to reverse or diminish the harsh effects of smoking. So I challenge you to quit if you are a smoker and desire beautiful skin. If you need some support, check in with me as I armor up and defy the smokes.
