Vaping: What You Really Need to Know

Once hailed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, vaping has become one of the most hotly debated health trends of the decade. Marketed as a “cleaner” nicotine fix, it’s exploded in popularity, particularly among teens and young adults - thanks to slick marketing, sweet flavours and a social media-friendly aesthetic. But is vaping really a safer option? Or are we simply swapping one set of health concerns for another?

As of June 1, 2025, it is now illegal for UK businesses to sell disposable vapes - a government move aimed at tackling the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics and reducing their appeal among teenagers. However, refillable and rechargeable vaping devices are still legal to sell and use, meaning that vaping itself remains widespread and accessible.

This is particularly concerning given the growing body of research linking vaping to a range of health issues, from chronic lung disease and cardiovascular strain to developmental risks during pregnancy. And now, attention is also turning to vaping’s impact on skin health, with evidence suggesting that it may contribute to premature ageing, dehydration, inflammation and poor healing.

So, while the colourful, sweet-flavoured disposables might be gone from shop shelves, the conversation about the true risks of vaping is far from over.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by an e-cigarette or similar device, which typically contains nicotine, chemical flavourings and other additives. Unlike traditional cigarettes, there’s no combustion - just a heating element turning liquid into aerosol.

Originally intended to help people quit smoking, vaping soon gained popularity in its own right. According to a 2025 survey by Confused.com, 1.65 million people in the UK were using disposable vapes ahead of the ban, and there’s been a 44% rise in people declaring they vape or smoke on life insurance policies since 2019.

Is Vaping Healthier Than Smoking?

Possibly ... but with significant caveats. While vaping is generally thought to pose fewer risks than smoking cigarettes, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. In fact, more recent studies suggest that it may contribute to:

• Chronic lung diseases, such as bronchiolitis obliterans, known as “popcorn lung” (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

• Cardiovascular strain, raising the risk of high blood pressure and heart conditions (European Heart Journal).

• Adverse effects during pregnancy, including developmental risks to unborn babies (BMJ).

• Addiction, due to high nicotine content, even in “low strength” options.

  
  

Many of these issues stem from the unregulated nature of vape liquids, particularly in imported or illicit products.

But now, another concern is emerging: what vaping is doing to our skin.

How Does Vaping Affect the Skin?

While much of the conversation around vaping centres on its effects on the lungs and heart, there is increasing evidence to suggest that it can also have a significant impact on skin health and appearance.

One of the primary ways vaping affects the skin is through its impact on collagen production. Collagen is a vital structural protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, firmness and youthful appearance. Certain chemicals found in e-cigarette vapour - such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde - are known to cause oxidative stress in skin cells. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralise them with antioxidants. This process can damage fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, leading to accelerated ageing. Over time, this manifests as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging, particularly in areas with frequent vapour contact such as around the mouth, eyes, and jawline.

Another key factor is vasoconstriction - the narrowing of blood vessels. When blood vessels constrict, they reduce the amount of oxygen and essential nutrients that reach the skin. This impairs our natural repair mechanisms, slows down cell turnover and can lead to a dull, uneven complexion. In the longer term, this reduced circulation can contribute to discolouration, a grey or sallow tone, and areas of pigmentation irregularity.

Vaping also has a dehydrating effect on the skin. The ingredients in e-liquids - particularly propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine - draw moisture away from the skin, disrupting the natural barrier function. This allows for increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which results in dryness, flakiness and heightened sensitivity and can be especially problematic for individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea or dermatitis.

In addition, when vapour particles come into direct contact with the skin, particularly in enclosed environments or with frequent use, they can trigger low-grade inflammation. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as redness, itching and blotchiness. Moreover, the repetitive motion of inhaling and exhaling vapour - similar to smoking - can also contribute to the development of dynamic lines around the lips (sometimes called “smoker’s lines”). So while it may come in pastel colours and bubble gum flavours, the consequences of vaping are anything but sweet.