RIVERSIDE – (INT) – Third-hand smoke has been found to damage skin.

A study at UC Riverside found that skin exposed to nicotine concentrations from exhaled smoke that settle onto furniture, the interior of cars, clothing and even human hair is unhealthy for the skin.

“We found dermal contact with nicotine may impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections due to a decrease in immune response, and cause oxidative stress in skin cells,” said researcher Giovanna Pozuelos.

There were similar findings with spills from electronic cigarettes.

Most susceptible to skin damage are those with skin conditions such as diabetic-related ulcers or arterial ulcers.

Story Date: June 27, 2022