Smoking and the Skin: Effects and Therapeutic Potential

The 2012 document reviews the negative effects of smoking on the skin, including premature aging, characterized by wrinkles and gauntness, and an increased risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. It also notes smoking's association with mucocutaneous signs, such as yellow fingernails and oral pigmentation, and its impact on wound healing and hair health, with smoking linked to premature graying and hair loss. Conversely, the document discusses the potential therapeutic uses of nicotine in certain skin conditions, despite its pro-oncogenic properties. Smoking cessation is highlighted as beneficial for improving skin conditions and reducing skin cancer risk. The review calls for further research into the therapeutic potential of nicotine for skin diseases, emphasizing the complex relationship between tobacco, nicotine, and dermatological health.