Every October marks the beginning of "Stoptober" -
when the nation's smokers are given the support they need to quit smoking or
start a plan to quit. It's no surprise when you hear that smoking is horrible
for your health and can result in a multitude of life-threatening issues. Besides the horrible stats, however, new research has surfaced about smoking actually affecting your looks. Here's how quitting can improve your appearance:
1. Your Skin Will Become More Youthful
2. Your Complexion Will Improve
Smoking increases inflammation in the body and skin. This is
because smoking injures your skin's vascular system. In response your body
attempts to repair the damage and, often, puffy reddened skin is the result. In fact,
even exposure to second-hand smoke can cause your skin to lose its natural
radiance. The good news is that if you quit smoking the inflammation may begin
to reverse itself. The Feinstein Medical Research Institute in Manhasset, New
York, conducted a study and found that most women showed immediate
improvement in inflammation symptoms once they quit smoking.
3. Dark Circles Will Disappear
While there's no miracle cure for dark under-eye circles,
smoking does make them worse. Even if you don't have dark circles, you'll
notice brighter and clearer looking eyes if you break the smoking habit.
Cigarette smoke contains toxins which damage the sensitive tissue under your
eyes.
4. Get A Smoother Complexion
Believe it or not, the longer someone smokes, the more
rapidly they age. Smoking has been linked to premature wrinkling and blotchy
skin tone. It also can cause the skin to rapidly lose its youthful radiance. Current research has revealed that
our bodies age 2.5 extra years for every
10 years of smoking!
5. Your Teeth and Nails Will Be Whiter
It's common knowledge that smoking causes teeth to yellow
and creates bad breath. But you may not know that frequent smoking also stains
your nails. The good news is this damage is totally reversible if you quit smoking.
6. Gain Your Self-Confidence Back
Stopping smoking will not only improve your general appearance, but you'll also
feel better about yourself and your health. A study conducted in 2006 which was published by
the American Journal of Health Behaviors revealed that young women who smoked
were more dissatisfied with their looks than those who did not. In fact, the
more a young woman reported she smoked the worst she reported feeling about
herself.
If you find it hard to quit, trying an electronic cigarette that contains e liquid may be a good place to start.
There are also various NRT therapies including nicotine patches and gum.
Thankfully I've never smoked but both my parents died early from smoking related diseases and both suffered terribly too - so the more we can get this message out, the better! It's more than just looks that are at stake.
ReplyDeleteI quit 2 years ago, tried all sorts but eventually stopped after reading a book form of hypnotherapy x
ReplyDeleteIts amazing how your skin is effected and by quitting how you can get it back.
ReplyDeleteI quit back in 2011 and have never gone back! Good luck to anyone trying to quit this Stoptober!
ReplyDeleteLuckily I never have smoked and I'm so glad about that!
ReplyDeleteI never smoked, my aunt does and now got lung cancer. I think smoking is vile. xx
ReplyDeletewww.annanuttall.com
I don't smoke but do encourage people to take part in Stoptober xo
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rachelnicole.co.uk
Fab post for those struggling to quit smoking.
ReplyDeleteBeing someone with Asthma I welcome this post 100%
ReplyDeleteI don't actually see the post in smoking its not cool in my eyes its just a huge waste of money.
Great post hun.
Charlotte x
Luckily I don't smoke! Everyone in my family did and I wad the onky one who was not interested its not something I've ever seen as cool or anything! I also have asthma so it would be horrendous for me if I did
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have never smoked in my life. I think smoking is disgusting and smells awful.
ReplyDeleteI've never smoked but my husband did for years, it is a filthy habit and if people can quit, so much the better.
ReplyDeleteBoth my folks quit smoking 8 years ago and have never looked back. It was bloody hard though. A great incentive list!
ReplyDeleteI've never been a smoker but seen the effects it can have on people, great to get the message out there.
ReplyDeleteI've never smoked, but i know that it can be such a challenge to stop.
ReplyDeleteI've never smoked but my mum used to so I'm all for people quitting and whatever helps! All these points are so true!
ReplyDeleteI've only smoked whilst drinking which isn't often at all but my partner smoked and I've noticed his nails and teeth colour have changed within 2 years of quitting
ReplyDelete