Brazilian Dermatology Association: E-cigarettes Accelerate Skin Aging, And 79 Organizations Oppose Legalization

Brazilian Dermatology Association: E-cigarettes accelerate skin aging, and 79 organizations oppose legalization

The Brazilian Society of Dermatology warns that e-cigarettes accelerate skin aging and may cause a variety of health problems. The society joined 79 medical institutions in opposing the proposal to legalize e-cigarettes in Brazil.

According to Osul on September 8, a report on the effects of smoking on skin, hair and nail health released by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) stated that toxins in tobacco damage collagen and elastin and cause oxidative stress, thereby accelerating aging.

In addition, e-cigarettes also pose serious health risks. SBD President Heitor de Sá Gonçalves emphasized that

"Studies have shown that e-cigarettes pose potential risks to public health, especially young people. Not only does it affect skin care, it can also damage multiple organs, including the lungs, and cause serious breathing problems."

Aline Bressan, coordinator of the Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine at SBD, explained that in addition to promoting premature aging, chemicals in e-cigarette oils can cause skin redness, allergic reactions, and delay healing, and even aggravate existing inflammatory skin diseases such as acne.

The accumulation of toxins can also lead to problems such as melasma, thinning hair, and brittle and yellow nails.

The Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and 79 medical institutions, including the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) and the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tuberculosis (SBPT), jointly signed a letter this week opposing Bill No. 5008 of 2023, which seeks to allow the sale of e-cigarettes in Brazil under certain rules.

The letter, which has been submitted to the Senate committee, highlights the opposition of the medical institutions.

Gonçalves said,

"We believe that legislation should protect public health, so we have joined forces with other groups to oppose the sale of products without safety evidence."