Final answer:
The claim that smoking affects the skin solely through a decrease in an enzyme stimulating collagen destruction is false. Smoking damages the skin by reducing blood flow, oxygen supply, and harming collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that smoking's effect on the skin is due to the decreased production of an enzyme that stimulates collagen destruction is false. Smoking affects the skin through several mechanisms, mainly by reducing the blood flow and oxygen supply to the skin which is essential for maintaining skin health. Additionally, the chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin, which are the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity.
Smoking has been shown to accelerate the aging process of skin, and this is not just limited to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It contributes to the formation of wrinkles and may lead to a sallow, yellowed complexion. Furthermore, smoking can also increase the risk of developing skin cancers. The skin damage from smoking is due to the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, not just a decrease in an enzyme that stimulates collagen destruction.
Thus, it's clear that smoking has many negative effects on the body, including the skin, apart from its well-known impacts on the respiratory and cardiovascular system.