While studies on the longterm health implications of vaping are ongoing, there is clear evidence that vaping has negative impacts on skin. In fact, experts now believe that vaping exacerbates a bevy of skin conditions. Think: acne, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles and even the formation of ‘smoker’s lips.’
Award-winning skin and dermal therapist, Isabella Loneragan, says vaping could be the culprit behind a noticeable rise in skin complaints — particularly in younger people.
“I’ve seen an increase in younger people who are fairly frustrated with their skin,” says Isabella. “Now, one of the first questions I ask is whether they vape. Although vaping hasn’t been around long, its impacts on skin are proving just as bad, if not worse, than smoking.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians have tried an e-cigarette at least once. Almost one in 10 aged 18-24 vape daily.
“Like smoking, vaping is an inhalation of toxins. It’s inevitable that some of these toxins remain in the skin. This causes damage to the skin barrier, as well as inflammation, which then impacts the skin’s ability to function normally.
Vaping + Acne
“One of the most significant impacts of vaping is an exacerbation of acne,” reveals Isabella. “Increasingly, studies are showing that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin. The resulting inflammation can trigger flares of acne.
“Vaping can also cause an overproduction of sebum, the oily substance that clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can also disrupt the skin’s microbiome also contributing to the development of acne flares.”
Vaping + Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes redness and inflammation on the face. “There are also viable scientific suggestions that vaping triggers rosacea flare ups. It may even make existing rosacea symptoms worse,” states Isabella. “Vaping aggravates rosacea due to the presence of chemicals and irritants in e-cigarettes. The nicotine in vapes, like cigarettes, causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a worsening of rosacea symptoms.”
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
“Unsurprisingly, vaping also can result in premature ageing, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles. We know the chemicals in e-cigarettes cause oxidative stress. This oxidisation damages collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful looking.
“Vaping also spurs a dull and uneven complexion, just as cigarettes do. Over time, this contributes to the development of fines and wrinkles. Even the dreaded ‘smoker’s lips’ side effect of cigarette smoking is showing in those who vape. This is the formation of vertical perioral lines around the lips. It’s simply due to an overuse of the muscle used to purse your lips to a vape,” says Isabella.
Mitigating the damage?
When it comes to reversing — or even mitigating — the impacts of vaping on the skin, Isabella says this may not be possible.
“Obviously, avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is my recommendation for radiant and healthy skin,” she stresses. “For those who do vape, I’d suggest keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy diet as a means of limiting the impacts of vaping,” says Isabella.
Of course, quitting vaping and smoking is the best thing anyone can do. We commend visiting your GP to discuss support while quitting, as well as leaning on the free resources provided by the government.
About Isabella Loneragan
Internationally-trained Isabella Loneragan holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Health Science and Psychology, with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Dermal Science. The multi-award winning Facialist has over 15 years of experience and created Ragan Skin to address the unique needs of her clients. Isabella is renowned for her bespoke intuitive facial treatments, including her master treatments: The Intrinsic Facial and The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion. Isabella operates her private clinic, Isabella Loneragan Skin in both Bowral and Sydney, NSW.
