Does Smoking actually Cause Cellulite?
No, smoking does not cause cellulite. I bet loads of you have met smokers who are cellulite free. However, it definitely aggravates it once the dimples have first appeared. Smoking causes the breakdown of collagen which damages the structure of the skin. Collagen is responsible for keeping the skin firm and structured. As we get older we produce less and less collagen leading to wrinkles, saggy skin and more visible cellulite. By smoking this process is speeded up. As well as depleting collagen smoking also reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component in our skin that retains moisture keeping the skin's fullness. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are also components of blood and lymphatic vessels. When their levels are decreased the vessels become damaged. This results in reduced blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the skin contributing to cellulite formation. The damaged vessels also leak fluids causing water retention and inflammation. Nicotine, the addictive chemical in cigarettes, is a vasoconstrictor causing small blood vessels near to the surface of the skin to constrict, resulting in a reduction in microcirculation and an unhealthy skin complexion.
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