Vaping Effects on Face: How It Impacts Skin & Oral Health

If you're a vaper or smoker, you may be aware of the health risks associated with nicotine and other harmful chemicals in vapes.

But have you ever considered the effects vaping has on your face?

You might be surprised that the damage from vaping isn't limited to your lungs. From contact dermatitis and burns to gum disease, vaping nicotine can harm your skin health and oral health.

Let’s explore the effects of vaping on your face and mouth, along with its other health risks. Also, find answers to some commonly asked questions about the vaping effects on the face and mouth.

Concerning, right? Thankfully, we have safer high-quality, nicotine-free vapes (from Cyclone Pods) that minimize the risks and give you worry-free enjoyment.

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What Are the Effects of Vaping on Your Face and Mouth?

Electronic cigarettes and vape pens are often considered safer than traditional cigarettes.

But it’s important to note that vapes still contain harmful chemicals.

A vape pen works by heating a liquid mixture of:


Once heated, the vaping liquid turns into a vapor inhaled via a mouthpiece and exhaled through the nose or mouth.

And as the largest organ in our body, our skin is susceptible to damage by some of the ingredients in electronic cigarettes (just like with traditional cigarettes!)

The main culprits?

Ingredients like nicotine, formaldehyde, diacetyl, and propylene glycol are found in vape juice — which can harm your skin in many ways.

Let’s delve deeper into the skin related and oral health issues that vaping can cause.

1. Acne

Acne is a common skin problem that predominantly affects teens and young adults.

Vaping can have a negative effect on your skin, making it dull and dehydrated. When the skin becomes dry, it produces more oil and sebum, contributing to clogged pores and increasing the risk of developing acne breakouts.

Here’s the deal:

Propylene glycol is a compound that retains moisture (humectant) in vaping products.

But what happens when you vape propylene glycol?

It can absorb moisture from the mouth, throat, and lungs, leading to dehydration and dry skin.

And that’s not all.

The hand-to-mouth movement in vaping can transfer bacteria from the hands to the face, further contributing to acne breakouts.

Note: While uncommon, propylene glycol exposure can also lead to an allergic reaction. This can amplify dryness and other skin issues.

2. Contact Dermatitis

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vaping liquids can cause contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that develops when the skin is exposed to an irritant — resulting in symptoms like inflammation, itchiness, blisters, and more.

The study also concludes that an e cigarette user is six times more likely to develop contact dermatitis than an individual who doesn’t vape.

But what ingredients in vapes cause contact dermatitis?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that low-level exposure to formaldehyde vapor can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

What’s formaldehyde?

It’s a harmful chemical produced when the liquid in the vaping device is vaporized.

Besides, some flavoring agents and other additives in vaping liquids, like nickel, can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions on contact.

Remember:
If you develop contact dermatitis from vaping, it's essential to stop using the vaping product immediately and consult a dermatologist.

3. Premature Aging

The presence of nicotine in vaping liquids and formaldehyde in vape aerosols can accelerate the aging process.

Nicotine is known to narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and depriving skin cells of oxygen and essential nutrients vital for healthy skin. This lack of nutrients can lead to premature aging.

And it gets worse.

Nicotine can also damage and cause inflammation to collagen and elastin fibers, essential for maintaining your skin's elasticity and firmness. Over time, this can wrinkle the skin and lead to fine lines and sagging.

Similarly, formaldehyde can cause DNA damage, leading to premature aging.

It’s also a known carcinogen that can increase the risk of myeloid leukemia (cancer of blood and bone marrow.).

Can vaping cause skin cancer?
There is no direct link between vaping and skin cancer.

Additionally, when you vape, you repetitively pucker your lips, stretching the skin around the mouth.

This repetitive vaping action, along with the harmful chemicals in vaping liquids, can damage healthy skin around your mouth, also known as “smoker’s wrinkles.”

And, yes, the same applies to cigarette smokers!

4. Skin Hyperpigmentation

Every time you vape, you risk developing brown spots and discoloration on the skin, also known as skin hyperpigmentation. Once these appear, they can be tricky to get rid of.

So, what causes skin hyperpigmentation?
This skin condition occurs when there’s a build-up of melanin (a dark pigment that colors our eyes, hair, and skin). In excess, melanin can lead to dark spots and discolorations on the skin.

Here’s how vaping can trigger melanin production:
Studies show chemicals in vaping devices and electronic cigarettes can harm cells and lead to inflammation. This causes excess melanin production and eventually develops brown spots on the skin.

5. Reduced Ability to Heal Wounds

Studies based on traditional cigarette smoking reveals that nicotine can substantially reduce your body’s ability to heal wounds.

How?

As mentioned before, nicotine can constrict blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin, especially in the microvessels. The inadequate blood flow to skin cells makes it more difficult for the body to repair injuries.

Additionally, nicotine can increase the risk of blood platelets (which play a critical role in blood clotting) getting sticky and clumping together.

6. Burns and Lesions

Although rare, several reported instances of vaping-related burns and lesions exist. Such vaping mishaps can happen suddenly and can cause serious injuries.

The most common cause includes vape battery explosion (more likely in low-quality and unregulated products.)

As per an NCBI report on e-cigarette-related injuries from 2010-2019, only 69 burn-related injuries were reported to the National Poison Data System.

Here are some important statistics:

  • 65% of the burns were caused by e cigarette explosions
  • 61% suffered from thermal burns
  • 30.5% had chemical burns
  • 58% reported superficial burns
  • 36% suffered from 2nd and 3rd-degree burns
  • 7.3% experienced oral burns


The body part most frequently affected?

The face, including the lips, tongue, eyes, and nose.

Did you know? In a study about cigarette related fires and burns in New Zealand, 60% of the 1097 smokers surveyed said they’d incurred at least one burn injury from traditional cigarettes.

7. Oral Health Issues

Saliva is one of your body’s natural defenses against plaque bacteria. But because of the mouth-drying effects of vaping, you produce less saliva when you vape.

Meaning?
Lower saliva production can lead to a multiplication of plaque bacteria in your mouth and increases the risk of infection below the gum line.

If left untreated, this infection can become gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other forms of gum disease.

Also, inhaling vape aerosol can make the mouth more susceptible to oral lesions, ulcerations, and even cancer.

Vaping can also cause "black hairy tongue," where the tongue appears dark and furry due to accumulated dead cells discolored by germs.

Additionally, e cigarette users can develop an oral lichenoid reaction – characterized by white patches on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.

Now, you may be wondering:
Does vaping deform your face?

The good news is that vaping does not deform your face. No conclusive scientific studies show that vaping can cause facial deformities.

Did you know? According to the American Lung Association, a vaping device can produce dangerous chemicals like acetaldehyde and acrolein. These can cause lung disease and cardiovascular disease.

What Are the Other Side Effects of Vaping?

Vaping is marketed as a way to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, but it has health effects that aren’t limited to skin and oral health diseases. Nicotine vaping exposes you to nicotine and other harmful additives (formaldehyde, diacetyl, etc.)

Here’s a list of the health risks associated with e cigarette use and nicotine:

  • Coughing
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mouth and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain and heart palpitations
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakened immune system
  • Increased exposure to toxic metals, like nickel, lead, etc., linked to lung damage
  • Lung disease
  • Cancer
  • Brain damage
  • Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure
  • Nicotine addiction (especially among young people)


Look:
These risks have propelled vaping to become a public health concern, and they aren’t just limited to e cigarette users. Like cigarette smoke released from conventional cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke from vaping (aka vape aerosol) can linger long enough to be inhaled by someone else.

And the American Lung Association warns that prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke from vapes can cause several side effects — from severe lung damage to conditions like ‘popcorn lung.’

Did you know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping and nicotine addiction are especially dangerous to young people with still-developing brains. This is because nicotine has a negative effect on the formation of brain cell connections.

While you can avoid the adverse health effects by practicing caution and moderation when vaping, your best bet is to use a high-quality, nicotine-free vape.

Cyclone Pods: No-Nicotine Vapes for Safe Enjoyment

Cyclone Pods, a California-based vape company, offers vapes that use only safe, high-quality ingredients. Its vapes are designed to help you decrease your nicotine intake while providing an enjoyable vaping experience.

Cyclone Pods’ range is:

  • 100% tobacco and nicotine-free
  • Non-addictive
  • Free from harmful substances like diacetyl and vitamin E acetate
  • Available in a wide variety of delectable flavors


If you’re new to vaping, the Thunder Device Starter Kit has all the essentials you’ll need to get started. This pod system comes with the main vaping device, a charging cable, and a single-flavor pod. The flavors include mint, strawberry, mango, and tobacco.

In the market for a disposable vape pen?

The Gust Super offers up to 5000 puffs and comes with a charging cable so you can get the most out of the device. Try the BlueRazz Ice flavor for an exhilarating experience, or go with Mango or Fruit Mint for a tropical vibe.

Other FAQs About the Effects of Vaping on the Face

1. Can Vaping Cause Oral Herpes or Cold Sores?

While there is no direct link between e cigarette use and oral herpes or cold sores, the nicotine in e-cigarettes can weaken the immune system. This makes individuals more susceptible to oral herpes and cold sores.

2. Can Vaping Cause Complications After Plastic Surgery?

Vaping and traditional smoking of tobacco products can increase the likelihood of developing health complications following plastic surgery, including:

  • Delayed healing
  • Increased risk of developing blood clots
  • Heightened chance of infection
  • Irreparable blood vessel damage
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

3. Does Vaping Worsen Existing Skin Conditions?

Yes, vaping can aggravate existing skin conditions, including:

  • Acne
  • Psoriasis
  • Rosacea


Additionally, vaping can worsen naturally dry skin by making it itchy and patchy.

4. How Can I Prevent Burn Injuries from a Vape?

Vape fires and explosions are rare but can be dangerous to users and those around them.

Follow these safety tips to prevent burn injuries from a vape.

1. Use the vaping device as directed: Follow the instructions and use it for its intended purpose. And never attempt to recharge a single-use disposable vape.

2. Ensure you use the correct charger: Only use the provided charger/cable with the vape pen to ensure battery safety. Avoid using a phone or tablet charger.

3. Check the battery: Inspect it regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

4. Don’t vape around flammable liquids or gases: Avoid vaping near propane and gasoline stations at all costs.

5. Protect your vape from extreme temperatures: Avoid leaving your vape in direct sunlight or a confined space, like a car, on an extremely hot or cold day.

6. Make sure to use high-quality vapes: Only use vaping liquid and devices that use premium ingredients and components.

Opt for Nicotine-Free Vaping for Safer Enjoyment

It’s clear that vaping can affect your mouth and facial skin health. The chemicals found in e-cigarettes can cause damage to your skin, gums, teeth, and oral tissues, leading to serious health problems.

However, this doesn’t mean you must quit vaping for good.

Nicotine-free vapes offer a safe and smooth vaping experience without the added risks imposed by nicotine.

Head over to Cyclone Pods' website to discover a vast selection of safe and accessible vaping products.

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