A new study published in the November issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal shows twins who smoke show more premature facial ageing, compared to their non-smoking identical twins. The results also show that the effects of smoking on facial ageing are most obvious in the lover third of the face – around the chin and mouth.

Taking advantage of the annual Twin Days Festival, held in Twinsburg, Ohio, the researchers from this study identified pairs of identical twins who differed by smoking history. In each pair, either one twin smoked and the other did not, or one twin smoked at least five years longer. Fifty-seven of the 79 twin pairs studied were women; the average age 48 years.

A professional photographer took standardised, close-up photographs of each twin’s face. The twins also completed questionnaires regarding their medical and lifestyle histories.

Without knowledge of the twins’ smoking history, plastic surgeons then analysed the twins’ facial features, including grading of wrinkles and age-related facial features. The goal was to identify “specific components of facial ageing” that were affected by smoking.

Scores on several measures of facial ageing were significantly worse for the smokers. The smokers had more sagging of the upper eyelids, as well as more bags of the lower eyelids and under the eyes. Twins who smoked also had higher scores for facial wrinkles, including more pronounced nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth), wrinkling of the upper and lower lips and sagging jowls.

Smoking and Ageing

The research suggests the ageing effects of cigarettes are a result of a mixture of chemicals in tobacco smoke, which trigger the destruction of collagen and elastin in your skin. The consequence being sagging skin and deeper wrinkles.

If you are a smoker, or used to be, we can help you to reverse the visible signs of ageing caused by smoking. At Silkwood we offer the latest in skin imaging technology which allows our specialists to make the most detailed analysis of your skin’s health and facial contours. From here our specialists can work with you to tailor a treatment plan to suit your skins individual needs.

Contact us today on (02) 9387 3900 to organise a consultation.