The visible effects of smoking as seen in identical twins (5 photos)

We all know that smoking is bad for us, yet millions still light up every day. Warnings like "it will age you faster" or "your skin will sag" are often met with sarcasm or brushed aside. But these side-by-side photos of identical twins might just change a few minds. In each pair, one twin smokes while the other does not. The contrast is striking—especially around the lips and mouth.







Nicotine destroys collagen and impairs skin elasticity, accelerating wrinkle formation and causing skin to sag. Pictured: The twin on the left has been smoking 17 years longer than her sister on the right.





Smoking constricts capillaries in the epidermis. This reduced blood flow deprives skin tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. Pictured: The sister on the right is a smoker; the twin on the left is a non-smoker.



Cigarette smoke leads to constant squinting, while the physical motion of puffing damages the skin around the mouth—where smokers typically develop deep wrinkles first. Pictured: Both twins smoke, but the brother on the right has smoked for 14 years longer than his brother.



This reduced circulation, combined with a smoking-induced drop in vitamin C, can leave skin looking dull, grey, and drained of color. And the face isn't the only area that suffers. Pictured: The twin on the right has been a smoker for 29 years. The sister on the left is a non-smoker.