Do wrinkles go away when you quit smoking?? does skin regain elasticity

[Ihankins58]

Hi! I've had several attempts of quitting cold turkey but I end up caving and then saying I'm cutting back but never do. Im restarting today for my health. After 3 years of smoking I also have been noticing WRINKLES and sagging skin. Im 21 so this sucks for me. To anyone who's quit. Do they go away and does your skin become tighter!?!?!?! I know its vain but I hate it at such a young age.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Huge welcome to our community Ihankins58 and congratulations on Day 1 smoke free!

I stopped cold turkey over 2 years ago and one of the first things I noticed that improved was my skin (stopped at 40 years old after smoking for 30 odd years, remarkably I didn't/don't have wrinkles yet - as a result of smoking or ageing!! ) Not sure if the wrinkles can be reversed if already there, but your skin gets stronger, alot clearer and good complexion when we stop smoking. I can't imagine the wrinkles are as bad as you think but they won't get worse as a result of smoking - drink plenty of water, it was my savior, drank it all day long for the first year using a water juicer bottle, put sliced cucumber, mint and lemon into it and topped it up with ice cold water throughout the day, works wonders for the cravings too...

Are you going cold turkey again?

Below is a link to some pinned posts worth a read if not already done so:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...

We look forward to your progress updates

[Ihankins58 in reply to RoisinO1]

Unfortunately I slipped and smoked one cigarrette. I have ocd so its really hard when im in the middle of anxiety. Did you have any slip ups when you went cold turkey? Thanks for your reply

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Ihankins58]

Sorry to read you slipped, I didn't have any slips when I stopped as knew I had to stop or I would end up with a serious lung illness (would say I was near Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ) - woke up in the early hours of 17 September 2015 coughing and unable to breath, after getting my breath back about 20 minutes later, lit up a cigarette, took a few pulls off it and put it out, that was the last one to touch my lips, I knew there and then I had to stop and was determined and focused to do it, it was not easy and a roller coaster of journey but so worth it now to be living and appreciating life again.

I would suggest getting some herbal supplements to help with your anxiety (your local health food shop should be able to recommend them to you), get your mind in the right place and re-start, learn from this attempt, read up as much as you can here and elsewhere as knowledge is power. Above all, don't loose faith, they say it takes at least 3 attempts before you successfully stop for good (this was my 4th attempt over a 10 year period). On a plus side, your age and length of time smoking is an excellent motivator to stop now.

Let us know when you start again and stay close to us - we will help you get through it as we all started off on Day 1

[Jared01 Valued Contributor in reply to RoisinO1]

Welcome Ihankins58 - agree with all Roisin suggested - we have to be in the fully focused and determined mindset to stop - herbal supplements will help but do look into maybe using NRT to kick start if you feel you can't go cold turkey (I am 2 years quit cold turkey as just wanted the horrible nasty nicotine out of me as soon as possible, but it took about 6 attempts before this one stuck)

Be sure to come back to us when you start again, try not to leave it prolong as you know you know yourself, tomorrow will become a thousand more tomorrow if you don't bite the bullet and do it...

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

How are you now Ihankins58 ?

[CocoaXChange Valued Contributor]

I've been told my skin looks better since I stopped, Ihankins. I don't think wrinkles go away, but I believe quitting slows down the process of new ones.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Thankins..Welcome ..Yes..Surely you will see some change...If not visible immediately it will improve..It seems you are quite young and came to your "senses" early enough.

There is a lot more advantages to quit then just skin improvement....!

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Hi Ihankins one of the big benefits of quitting is rejuvenation .My skin is very radiant after quitting ,and I’ve notice it’s much hidrated that’s why wrinkles are less noticeable ..I’m just delighted with my new smoke free life I count everyday all the benefits inside and out ..I also switched to caffeine free coffee and I consume more tea and that’s also helping me to reduce stress and anxiety ..it’s amazing !