A study discovered 42% of female smokers developed adult acne in comparison to only one in ten female non-smokers.
If serious health warnings and pub bans were not sufficient to put smokers off the habit, they may think over it after scientists discovered that it can cause adult acne.
The spotty skin disorder specifically affects female smokers according to The British Journal of Dermatology. This ‘smokers’ adult acne‘ is indicated by large blackheads and blocked pores but less inflamed spots in comparison to normal adult acne.
The researchers carried a study of 1000 women aged 25 to 50 and found that 42% of smokers had adult acne in comparison to only one in ten non-smokers.
Furthermore, smokers who had suffered from adult acne in their teens were found to be four times more likely to suffer adult acne as an adult than non-smokers who also had felt teenage adult acne.
The team find out a specific type of adult acne called NIA (non-inflammatory adult acne) to be common among smokers.
Dr Bruno Capitanio, one of the study’s authors, said: “Our study demonstrates that NIA affects a high percentage of women, and is especially high among smokers.
“Recognizing this form of adult acne is fundamental to providing correct information about the effects of tobacco on the skin.”
Dr Colin Holden, President of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “Dermatologists have long associated smoking with premature ageing of the skin, wrinkles and a leathery complexion.
“However, scientists are now increasingly linking the habit with adult acne. For people who suffered acne as teenagers, the probability of also suffering adult acne in adulthood is four times higher in smokers than non-smokers. This means that smoking could be a major contributing factor for adult acne if you are already predisposed to the disorder.
“This study also shows an interesting link between a specific type of adult acne and smoking. All of these findings will hopefully provide people with an extra incentive to quit.”
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. Every year, around 114,000 smokers die from smoking-related diseases such as heart disease and lung cancer.
About 70% of smokers say that they want to quit smoking, but majority believe they are unable to. However, around half of all smokers eventually manage to give up.
