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We have all read plenty of articles that tell us that smoking causes cancer. Most of us have also read that smoking causes wrinkles too. Ever heard the phrase “smoker’s lines” to describe the short vertical lines above the upper lip? Although these can occur with or without smoking, pursing the lips to inhale tobacco is a powerful influence in creating these wrinkles. What’s interesting now is that, although we know that smoking can worsen wrinkles, a new discovery by Italian scientists could put tobacco in a new anti-wrinkle role. The information was featured in a recent article of New Beauty magazine. I found it interesting enough to share with you here.

Wild tobacco has high levels of proline and glycine, two abundant amino acids in human collagen. In the Italian study, the wild tobacco was tested on keratinocytes and fibroblasts to discover the extent of its anti-aging properties. In addition to acting as an antioxidant, the researchers found that the tobacco’s mix of peptides, amino acids and sugars were found to improve aging-influential sirtuins (which affect aging and regulate stress resistance) while also increasing the cellular response of genes that make more collagen. Additionally, it inhibits collagen from being broken down.

Although it’s hard to imagine tobacco having an anti-aging benefit, it appears that the Italians might be onto something. We’ll be watching this for future developments.