Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which vitamin is particularly affected by smoking in relation to skin health?

1. Vitamin E

2. Vitamin D

3. Vitamin A

4. Vitamin C

The correct answer is: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is particularly affected by smoking in relation to skin health because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Smoking introduces a significant number of harmful chemicals and toxins into the body, which increases oxidative stress and depletes vitamin C levels. This depletion can lead to compromised skin health, including premature aging, decreased collagen production, and reduced skin elasticity. Moreover, vitamin C is essential for the body’s natural healing processes and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, so its reduction due to smoking can further exacerbate skin problems. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of vitamin C is crucial for smokers to help counteract some of the detrimental effects on skin health.