'Spotty face' for women smokers

According to Italian research women smokers are more likely to develop a form of acne than those who do not smoke.

A study of 1,000 women, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, found over 40% of those who smoked had non-inflammatory acne, shown by blocked pores, large white heads and small cysts. This compared with 10% of non-smokers. The link, however, is controversial and the team from San Gallicano Dermatological Institute in Rome admit that other factors may play a role. These include hormonal changes, stress, occupational and environmental factors.

Nonetheless, the president of the British Association of Dermatologists, Colin Holden said "the study fitted into the trend of linking smoking to acne".

He added, "All of these findings will hopefully provide people with an extra incentive to quit".

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