Bad hair, dull skin: Some US netizens forfeit vapes to look better

For years in the US, vaping was considered cool. Many defended the habit to the hilt, arguing that vapes trump cigarettes as a stress reliever. Not any more, it seems.

- Wong Man Shun

They now say vaping gave them bad skin, dull hair and, most importantly, the "ick".

A slew of Americans have taken to social media, posting videos of themselves talking about improvements in their physical appearance since they stopped vaping.

This reverse vape trend started around 2023 but has gained momentum in recent months, producing a number of firebrands on social media.

"Number one: The puffiness in my eyes and face went down and my teeth got whiter," said Pilates instructor samfreeflow in a TikTok video that has received more than two million views since it was posted in December 2024.

In the video, she listed a number of positive changes to her appearance after she quit vaping and received largely warm responses.

The apparent trend of young vape users forfeiting nicotine vapor for beauty has traveled beyond American shores.