Vaping, the latest social, global health issue surging amongst young people in particular, is yet another addictive and harmful lifestyle trend.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported in December 2023, that 17.9% of young people aged 15–17 years had used vaping devices, and almost 38.0% of young adults aged 18–24 years had also used e-cigarettes or vaping devices. The use of these devices then declined with age.
E-cigarettes are just as addictive as conventional cigarettes, as they also contain the highly addictive chemical nicotine. Nicotine aside, vapes are also hiding other toxic substances including formaldehyde, arsenic and lead, all which may lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
Breathing in toxic vapor from electronic cigarettes has gained significant attention, with their possible health implications effecting the lungs, cardiovascular health, mental health and brain function.
With the long-term risks of vaping not yet clear, what is known is that the artificial flavors, chemicals and stabilizers in e-cigarettes do cause inflammatory and harmful health impacts on the body, with the effects on skin health also very alarming.
The Dire Impact of Vaping on Skin:
Contact Dermatitis
According to a new study, vaping can be a significant cause of contact dermatitis. The study found that individuals who used e-cigarettes were six times more prone to develop contact dermatitis than those who didn’t vape.
Acne
Those who vape are at an increased risk of developing acne, thanks to the toxic cocktail of e-cigarettes. One of the main ingredients in e-cigarettes is propylene glycol, which can be a skin irritant, leading to skin breakouts. In addition, nicotine can also increase sebum (oil) production, clog pores and contribute to skin congestion and acne breakouts.
Depleted Cellular Oxygen
All the toxins and vapors inhaled through e- cigarettes simply deprives your skin cells of vital oxygen that is essential for vibrant, resilient and glowing healthy skin.
Ageing
One key side effect that young vapers they may not realise is that their toxic lifestyle habit can cause their skin to age, well before its time!
The chemicals within vapes can permanently damage the collagen and elastin fibers that give skin its youthful appearance. In addition, vaping can also cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing blood flow, and starving skin cells of the vital nutrients it needs to thrive. As a result, vaping can not only make skin look dull and older, but it can also make it more susceptible to fine lines, deeper wrinkles and skin sagging.
Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation can be caused by a few various factors, with sun exposure one of the most common triggers. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they stimulate melanin production, as a protective mechanism. Other possible causes of skin darkening also include hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and inflammation.
Latest research is now finding that the substances in e-cigarettes have great potential to harm skin cells and cause inflammation, which in turn can also stimulate melanin production, leading to the formation of brown spots and an uneven skin tone.
Although vaping is still a relatively new lifestyle trend, the damaging effects of vaping on the skin should not be overlooked and are already being seen.
References
Mitri, A., Lin, G., Waldman, R. A., & Grant-Kels, J. M. (2021). Effects of tobacco and vaping on the skin. Clinics in Dermatology, 39(5), 762–771.
Visconti, M. J., & Ashack, K. A. (2019). Dermatologic manifestations associated with electronic cigarette use. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(4), 1001–1007.
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