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Distinct lines around the mouth and a dull pallor
of the skin often identify long-term smokers in a crowd. Now a study reveals
exactly how smoking causes skin to age.
According to researchers, tobacco smoke increased
levels of a skin protein called matrix
metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1).
This protein causes the
degradation of collagen, a compound that keeps skin firm and elastic.
Short of plastic surgery, there is no
way to reverse the damage as the disruption of collagen balance
is like a scar
The study originally sought to investigate the effect
of artificial sunlight on MMP-1 and the findings about smoking were by
chance. Ultraviolet light can also increase MMP-1 levels. The researchers
looked at buttock skin because that was the area least likely to be affected
by sunlight.
The
Lancet March 24, 2001;357:935-936
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