Hair and Beauty

The impact of vaping on your skin

3 min read
The impact of vaping on your skin

 

Skin expert, Isabella Loneragan, breaks down the Impacts of vaping on Skin.

While studies on the long-term health implications of vaping are ongoing, there is clear evidence that the damage extends to your skin too, exacerbating a bevy of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, and even spurring the formation of ‘smoker’s lips.’

Award-winning skin and dermal therapist, Isabella Loneragan, says vaping may be the culprit behind a noticeable rise in skin complaints from young people in particular.

“I have noticed an increase in younger people visiting my clinic who are fairly frustrated with their skin and now, one of the first questions I ask is whether they vape because, although vaping hasn’t been around for too long, its impacts on skin are proving just as bad – if not worse – than cigarette smoking,” explains Isabella.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians have tried an e-cigarette at least once, and almost one in ten aged 18-24 vape daily.

“Akin to cigarette smoking, vaping incorporates an inhalation of toxins and so it’s inevitable that some of these toxins will be deposited in the skin, causing damage to the skin barrier and inflammation impacting the skin’s ability to function normally.

“One of the most significant impacts of vaping is an exacerbation of acne. More and more studies are showing that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin, which leads to inflammation and the development of flares of acne,” she says.

Vaping can also cause an overproduction of sebum, which is the oily substance that clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can disrupt the skin’s microbiome also contributing to the development of acne flares.

“Another condition that is clearly impacted by vaping is rosacea – a chronic condition that causes redness and inflammation on the face. Vaping aggravates rosacea due to the presence of chemicals and irritants in e-cigarettes. The nicotine in vapes – like cigarettes – causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a worsening of rosacea symptoms,” says Isabella.

“While studies are currently quite limited, there are also viable scientific suggestions that vaping triggers rosacea flare-ups and may even make existing rosacea symptoms worse.”

It should come as no surprise that vaping also can result in premature ageing and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

“The chemicals in e-cigarettes are known to cause oxidative stress, damaging collagen and elastin which are the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful looking.

“I can confidently state as a fact that vaping spurs dull and uneven complexion – just as cigarettes do. Over time, this contributes to the development of fines and wrinkles.

“Even the dreaded ‘smoker’s lips’ side effect of cigarette smoking is showing in those who vape. This is the formation of vertical perioral lines around the lips simply due to an overuse of the muscle to purse your lips to a vape,” says Isabella.

When it comes to reversing the impacts of vaping on the skin, Isabella says this may not be possible.

“Obviously, avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is my recommendation for radiant and healthy skin; but for those who do vape, I’d suggest keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy diet as a means of limiting the impacts of vaping. Of course, using sunscreen daily is also a must,” adds Isabella.

More from

Hair and Beauty

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses
Hair and Beauty

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses Choosing a facial cleanser sounds simple until you start comparing formulas for oily skin, dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. The right cleanser should remove daily dirt, excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable. A formula that works well for one person may feel too rich or too drying for another. Understanding Dermalogica cleanser types can help you narrow down the options according to your skin’s needs and your daily routine. Dermalogica offers different cleansing products, including gentle daily cleansers, oil-based formulas, and exfoliating options. Each serves a slightly different purpose, so knowing how they differ can make it easier to choose a suitable starting point. Why Choosing the Right Cleanser Matters Cleansing is the first step in many skincare routines. It helps remove substances that accumulate on the skin throughout the day, including sweat, excess sebum, environmental dirt, and cosmetic products. However, effective cleansing does not require your skin to feel tight or completely stripped afterwards. Over-cleansing or using a formula that does not suit your skin can contribute to dryness and irritation. What to Consider Before Choosing a Cleanser Your skin type, current concerns, and preferred routine can all influence your choice. Oily Skin: You may prefer a cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving a heavy residue. Dry Skin: A gentle formula that cleanses without excessive dryness may be more comfortable. Combination Skin: A balanced cleanser can help manage oilier areas while remaining comfortable on drier cheeks. Sensitive Skin: A simple formula with ingredients your skin tolerates is often a sensible starting point. Makeup and Sunscreen Users: You may benefit from an additional first-cleansing step to help remove persistent products. Skin type can also change with weather, age, medication, and other factors. Review how your skin responds instead of assuming one formula will always meet your needs. Understanding Different Dermalogica Cleanser Types Dermalogica’s cleansing range includes products designed for everyday cleansing, removing makeup, and addressing particular skin concerns. The following examples illustrate some of the differences between its well-known Dermalogica cleanser types. Special Cleansing Gel for Everyday Use Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free foaming cleanser intended for daily use. It is an option to consider if you prefer a traditional gel texture that rinses away easily. Its role is to cleanse the skin rather than provide intensive exfoliation or replace targeted skincare treatments. Consider it if you prefer a lightweight, foaming cleanser. Use it according to the product directions as part of your regular routine. Monitor your skin for tightness or dryness, particularly if you already use active ingredients. Foaming cleansers are not automatically unsuitable for dry skin, but the overall formulation and your individual tolerance matter. UltraCalming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin UltraCalming Cleanser is formulated for skin that needs a gentle cleansing approach. It may be worth considering if your skin frequently feels uncomfortable or reacts to products. When choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin, pay attention to the full ingredient list rather than relying on the product name alone. Avoid known personal triggers. Cleanse gently without scrubbing. Follow the product’s instructions for application and removal. Stop using it if irritation develops. Persistent redness, burning, or itching may require professional advice rather than repeated cleanser changes. Special Cleansing Options for Makeup Removal Daily sunscreen, long-wear foundation, and waterproof makeup can be difficult to remove with a single wash. Dermalogica’s PreCleanse is an oil-based cleansing product designed to help dissolve oil-based impurities before a second cleanser is used. This approach is commonly known as double cleansing. Apply the first cleanser as directed to help loosen makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow the product instructions for adding water and rinsing. Use a suitable second cleanser to complete your routine. Double cleansing is not essential for everyone. If your regular cleanser removes your sunscreen and makeup effectively, an additional step may not be necessary. Choosing a Cleanser for Specific Skin Concerns Beyond basic cleansing, some products are formulated for people who want to address uneven texture, congestion, or excess oil. The important distinction is between a cleanser that supports a particular concern and a treatment designed to manage it directly. Daily Microfoliant and Exfoliating Cleansers Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based exfoliating powder activated with water. It differs from a conventional gel cleanser because it provides exfoliation as part of the cleansing process. Exfoliating products may help improve the appearance of uneven surface texture, but they are not necessary for every skin type. Follow the directions for the recommended amount and application method. Avoid aggressive rubbing, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Be cautious when combining exfoliating products with retinoids or other potentially irritating active ingredients. Reduce use or stop if your skin becomes persistently red, tight, or uncomfortable. Clearing Skin and Managing Excess Oil People with oily or blemish-prone skin may prefer products formulated to cleanse away excess sebum and impurities. Dermalogica offers products within its broader range that address these needs, but the most appropriate choice depends on the specific formula and your skin’s condition. Avoid trying to eliminate all oil from your skin. Excessively harsh cleansing can compromise comfort without necessarily preventing future breakouts. If acne is persistent or severe, a cleanser alone may not provide sufficient treatment. A dermatologist can help you choose appropriate products and treatments. How to Use a Dermalogica Cleanser Correctly Even a suitable cleanser can feel uncomfortable if you use too much, scrub too hard, or combine it with too many active products. For most routines, consistency matters more than the number of products you use. Wet your face or prepare your skin as directed by the specific cleanser. Massage gently using your fingertips rather than abrasive tools. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding water that feels excessively hot. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. Follow with a moisturiser suited to your skin and sunscreen during the day. Conclusion Understanding the different Dermalogica cleanser types makes it easier to select a product based on your skin’s needs rather

A House in the Making – A Scent of things to come
Hair and Beauty

A House in the Making – A Scent of things to come

For Paul James Graham, ‘Spencer Rambo’ represents the culmination of more than two decades immersed in hair, fashion and creative direction — and the beginning of something much larger. An award-winning hairdresser, educator, creative director and brand ambassador, Graham’s career has extended beyond the salon into education, editorial, competitions, judging, campaigns and major hair productions. That experience – and a reputation built over many years – now forms part of the foundation of Spencer Rambo.  But Graham is not building it alone. His husband and long-time partner, Paul Dumenil, brings a different perspective. Where Graham’s career increasingly carried him beyond the salon, Dumenil remained deeply immersed within it – connected to the client, the craft and the everyday reality of creating beautiful hair. Their strengths are different, but complementary. Somewhere between Graham’s broader industry experience and Dumenil’s intimate understanding of the salon, Spencer Rambo began to take shape. Not simply as another name in haircare, but as a house – with its own point of view on beauty, fragrance, design and luxury. Its first expression is fragrance. CADENCE; In Perfect Time and ICON; Be Remembered are Spencer Rambo’s inaugural Hair & Body Perfumes. Designed to be worn through the hair and across the body, both feature an impressive 25% perfume concentrate, alongside Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate – an advanced form of hyaluronic acid chosen for its moisture-binding properties and affinity with the hair. The fragrances themselves are deliberately distinct. CADENCE opens with aldehydes and jasmine, moving through clove, orange blossom and jasmine before settling into marine notes, amber and musk – polished, atmospheric and sensual. ICON moves differently: floral notes and vanilla give way to amber and matcha, grounded by musk, ambergris and sandalwood for warmth, depth and lingering sophistication. They are, perhaps, best understood as perfumes that happen to understand hair. CADENCE and ICON are only the first glimpse inside the house Graham and Dumenil are building. What comes next is being kept deliberately close. For now, the clues are in the legacy of their hairdressing careers – a world beginning to reveal itself. CADENCE and ICON are the invitation. Behind them, the doors to Spencer Rambo are only beginning to open. “As professional hairdressers, we never take for granted the trust someone places in us when they invest their time and money in something we create for them. we want them to feel that same genuine value when they choose Spencer Rambo – in the quality, the formulation and the experience. Luxury can be beautiful and aspirational, but above all, it should be truthful — Paul & Paul

Your skincare routine might be outdated
Hair and Beauty

Your skincare routine might be outdated

A new beauty ritual is quietly making its way into daily routines, and it has little to do with serums or sheet masks. From collagen powders and gut-friendly elixirs to fasted olive oil and lemon water, “ingestible beauty” is becoming one of the biggest shifts in the wellness space as more consumers focus on beauty from the inside out. The trend reflects a broader move away from quick topical fixes and toward daily rituals designed to support skin, hair and overall wellbeing at a deeper level. For years, skincare has centred on what we apply externally. But as research around the gut-skin connection continues to grow, experts are increasingly questioning whether topical products alone are enough. “Wellness expert and Head of New Product Development at Phytologic, John Mitrev, says true skin health starts internally. “Although topical skincare does help, true beauty starts from within,” he says. “To look its radiant best, healthy, glowing skin requires that we consume crucial nutritional ingredients that support skin health from the inside out, each and every day.” The growing focus on ingestible beauty has sparked interest in ingredients designed to support visible beauty outcomes through nutrition and gut health. Marine collagen is used to help maintain the skin’s structure and elasticity, while hyaluronic acid supports hydration. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection, and probiotics and postbiotics are increasingly being recognised for their ability to support both gut health and skin health. “Antioxidants protect skin from free radical damage and the resulting inflammation, often triggered by UV light,” Mitrev explains. “Collagen supports the internal structure of the skin, maintaining firmness and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles. Probiotics, meanwhile, can balance the skin’s microbiome, which impacts inflammation.” This “gut-first” approach is also driving the rise of brands such as bellyME, which focus on supporting the microbiome with targeted probiotics and postbiotics as part of a broader beauty and wellness routine. By combining gut support with ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich botanicals, the aim is to support healthier skin from within, rather than relying solely on topical products. The shift also reflects changing attitudes around beauty more broadly. Increasingly, consumers are looking for routines that feel holistic, sustainable and connected to overall wellbeing, rather than chasing quick fixes or overly complicated skincare regimens. That doesn’t mean traditional skincare is disappearing any time soon. Cleansers, moisturisers and SPF still play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. But experts say the future of beauty is likely to involve a combination of internal and external care working together. The takeaway? Your skincare routine might not be wrong – it could just be incomplete.