How Tobacco Damages Your Skin, Hair, And Energy; How To Reclaim Them

Last Updated:May 31, 2025, 14:31 IST

Tobacco doesn’t just harm your lungs and heart. It also sabotages your skin’s natural glow, the health of your hair, and your energy levels.

Tobacco doesn’t just harm your lungs and heart, it also takes a toll on your appearance and energy levels. From dull, ageing skin and brittle hair to constant fatigue, smoking and tobacco use silently sabotage your body’s vitality and glow. The good news? It’s never too late to reverse the damage. On World No-Tobacco Day, let’s take a look at how tobacco affects your beauty and stamina, and what lifestyle changes you can incorporate to reclaim them.

Tobacco and Your Skin

Nicotine narrows blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. Over time, this leads to premature ageing, dullness, and the formation of fine lines and deep wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes. Dr. Vybhav Vijendra, Consultant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, says, “Smoking also depletes vitamin A and accelerates collagen breakdown, robbing the skin of elasticity and glow. In fact, smokers are up to five times more likely to develop premature facial ageing than non-smokers.”

Tobacco and Hair Health

Dr Vijendra says, “Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which damage hair follicles, leading to hair thinning, dryness, and even early-onset baldness.” Poor circulation and oxidative stress in smokers can trigger or exacerbate conditions like androgenetic alopecia. Moreover, the lingering smell of tobacco on hair can be unpleasant and difficult to mask.

Tobacco and Energy Levels

Many tobacco users report feeling temporarily ‘energised’ after a cigarette, but this is a short-lived stimulant effect. In the long run, nicotine disrupts sleep cycles, reduces lung capacity, and lowers oxygen levels in the blood. The result? Persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced stamina, even in everyday activities.

How to Reclaim Your Skin, Hair, and Energy

The good news is, it’s never too late to quit, and your body begins healing within hours of your last cigarette. Dr Vijendra notes,

• Within 2-4 weeks of quitting, blood flow improves, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your skin and scalp.
• After 1-3 months, collagen production can rebound, making the skin appear brighter and more hydrated.
• Over time, hair may regain strength and shine, and you’ll notice increased energy, improved breathing, and better sleep.

Dr Vijendra adds, “Supportive therapies like nicotine replacement, pulmonary rehabilitation, antioxidant-rich diets, and dermatological treatments can accelerate recovery. Counselling and behavioural therapy also play a key role in long-term success.”

Quitting tobacco is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward restoring your natural glow and energy. With time, care, and the right habits, your skin, hair, and overall vitality can bounce back stronger than ever.

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Delhi, India, India

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