It looks like less collagen means more wrinkle formation. Dr Morita plans to confirm his findings by testing skin samples from smokers and non-smokers of various ages to see if the smoking has the same effect on collagen. So far we have only done this in the lab. We don't know exactly what happens in the body yet - that might take some time. Dr Lawrence Parish, director of the Centre for International Dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia said the study confirmed what has long expected.
Tobacco smoke is injurious to skin.
In particular, it might have more of an impact on young people who are often more concerned with their appearance than they are about their internal organs. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Health stories are at the foot of the page.