The Role of Legal Addictive Substances in Skin Pathologies: A Literature Review

    December 2025 in “ International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science ”
    Marcin Durowicz, Sylwia Bartolik, Karolina Bieńkowska, Jan Drzymała, Iwona Górnicka, Anita Janda, Urszula Kierepka, Aleksandra Pastuszek, Radosław Pastuszek, Magdalena Rosiewicz
    TLDR Alcohol and nicotine harm skin health and speed up aging.
    This literature review explores the effects of legal addictive substances, such as alcohol and nicotine, on skin health. It finds that these substances cause oxidative stress, disrupt microcirculation, alter immune responses, and interfere with collagen metabolism, resulting in poor wound healing, worsening of inflammatory skin diseases, formation of neoplastic lesions, and faster skin aging. Although some studies suggest nicotine might have therapeutic benefits for certain skin conditions, the review points out significant methodological flaws in current research. The authors call for more rigorous studies, especially considering the rising popularity of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 127 results

      community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

      in Research/Science  235 upvotes 1 year ago
      Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

      community Why is no one pointing out dandruff as the number 1 evidence/symptom of MPB?

      in Chat  55 upvotes 2 years ago
      The post discusses the theory that persistent dandruff in areas prone to hair loss could be a sign of hair follicles dying due to DHT, indicating balding. The responses vary, with some users noting improvements in dandruff and hair loss with treatments like Dutasteride, while others experienced hair loss without dandruff.

      community Creatine and increased MPB Hair Loss

      in Chat  10 upvotes 4 years ago
      Creatine may increase hair loss in those with male pattern baldness (MPB) due to increased DHT, but whey protein generally does not affect hair loss. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss, and some users report increased shedding with creatine but not with whey protein.

    Similar Research

    5 / 329 results