Identical twin pairs have showcased the dramatic effects smoking can have on facial appearance and skin health, as a doctor elaborates on the biological changes it induces.
These twins share the same DNA, yet their lifestyles diverge when it comes to smoking.
A scientific investigation focused on the impact of smoking not only on the body but also on one’s appearance, utilizing identical twins to measure the adverse effects.
This research, made available in Pub Med, examined various twin sets to study the repercussions of smoking and sun exposure on the skin. The study compared one twin who engaged in these activities with the other who abstained.
Among the participants were twins Barb and Brenda. Brenda smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily for at least 14 years and experienced roughly 14 hours of sun exposure weekly for eight to 10 weeks annually.
Conversely, Barb never smoked and had merely two hours of sun exposure a weekâseverely less than her sister.
The photographic evidence starkly illustrates the differences in their appearances.
Though wrinkles are a natural occurrence, Brenda’s skin reveals more pronounced lines and a grayish tone compared to Barb’s skin.
Dr. Bahman Guyuron, who led the research, highlighted to CNN the ‘festoons of loose skin’ under Brenda’s eyes, attributing them to her smoking habit.
âWhen I see that [on patients], I donât have to ask if they smoke. I know they do,” he stated.
Barb mentioned her enjoyment of being perceived as the younger of the two, adding a touch of sibling rivalry.
The research also illustrated smoking’s effects through twins Jeanne and Susan, with Jeanne commenting that her sister appeared ’10 years older’.
Researchers went a step further, estimating Susan’s age appearance as 11 and a quarter years older than Jeanne.
This accelerated aging was linked to Susan’s 16-year smoking history and her frequent sun exposure.
In contrast, Jeanne opted for minimal sun exposure.
Dr. Guyuron noted Susanâs dark discoloration and age spots as a consequence.
He also explained how UV light from sun exposure could diminish skin elasticity, heighten wrinkle formation, and deepen creases.
Reflecting on the study, he stated, “This study confirms some of what was believed in the most scientific way possible. Among twins with greater than five yearsâ difference in smoking duration, twins who had smoked longer had worse scores for lower lid bags, malar bags, and lower lip vermillion wrinkles.”
The doctor clarified that smoking ‘reduces collagen formation,’ thins the skin, decreases elasticity, and accelerates ‘premature aging’.
Perhaps it’s time to reflect on personal habits, acknowledging that an extensive skincare routine won’t offset the effects of smoking.