Smoking has been linked to a number of health problems ranging from lung diseases to cancer, but a new study has found another undesirable side effect of smoking cigarettes, particularly in women – acne.

Italian researchers from the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute in Rome have found that smoking causes acne in humans, and effects women the most.

Researchers were able to discover a particular type of acne known as NIA (non-inflammatory acne) as common amongst smokers.

"Smokers' acne" is characterized by blocked pores and large blackheads, but less inflamed spots than normal acne.

The team studied 100 women between the ages of 25 to 50, and found that 42 percent of smokers had acne, while only one out of ten non-smokers were found to have the skin disorder.

In addition, smokers who had suffered acne in their teens were found to be four times more likely to suffer acne as an adult than non-smokers who also had experienced teenage acne.

The researchers said the smokers in the group had half the levels of skin secretions of vitamin E compared with non-smokers, as well as other variations in skin make-up. Other factors have however already been identified in the development of NIA, including hormonal alterations, stress, occupational and environmental factors.

Environmental factors were found in half of the 10 percent of non-smokers with the condition. Such factors included the skin being exposed for instance to intense smoke or steam, usually in a place of work such as a kitchen.