Media Coverage: Experts Warn Vaping May Accelerate Premature Skin Ageing as UK Moves Toward Single-Use Vape Ban
The UK government is reportedly on the brink of banning single-use vapes, amid growing concerns over environmental impact, youth uptake, addiction, and the potential long-term health effects of vaping.
New data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) suggests that nearly 5 million adults in Great Britain use single-use vapes, while experimentation among younger people is rising sharply — with 20.5% of 11–17-year-olds reporting trying vaping in 2023, up from 13% in 2020.
Health experts are now also drawing attention to the impact vaping may have on skin health, particularly its role in accelerating visible ageing.
London-based GP Dr Sara Kayat has highlighted concerns that nicotine levels in some vapes may be comparable to — or even higher than — those found in cigarettes, increasing dependency and potential systemic effects.
Meanwhile, Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite, warns that vaping-related nicotine exposure can have noticeable effects on the skin over time.
The nicotine and chemicals used in vapes can cause the breakdown of collagen, a protein which helps to keep our skin firm and plump,”This is why we see vapers develop lines around their lips.”
She adds that nicotine can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery — a process that may contribute to premature ageing.
Premature ageing occurs as nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. “This leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and a prematurely aged appearance.”
Experts also caution that vaping research is still evolving, with limited long-term data available. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, clinicians emphasise that it is not risk-free.
Concerns continue to grow around both respiratory and dermatological impacts, as well as emerging conditions linked to inhaled chemical exposure.
As regulatory pressure increases, health professionals are urging greater public awareness of the potential long-term consequences of vaping — particularly among younger users.