The Role of Legal Addictive Substances in Skin Pathologies: A Literature Review

This literature review explores the effects of legal addictive substances, such as alcohol and nicotine, on skin health. It finds that these substances cause oxidative stress, disrupt microcirculation, alter immune responses, and interfere with collagen metabolism, resulting in poor wound healing, worsening of inflammatory skin diseases, formation of neoplastic lesions, and faster skin aging. Although some studies suggest nicotine might have therapeutic benefits for certain skin conditions, the review points out significant methodological flaws in current research. The authors call for more rigorous studies, especially considering the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products.