Looking and Feeling Better After Quitting

Will quitting smoking improve my appearance?

It certainly will! In fact, one of the biggest benefits of quitting smoking is the positive impact it can have on the way you look.

Take a look at the many benefits of quitting smoking on your appearance – some may surprise you!

• Healthier hair, skin, nails and eyes
• Fewer wrinkles
• Reduced risk of macular degeneration or cataracts
• Lower chance of acne and psoriasis
• Less risk of losing your teeth, having yellow teeth, or suffering from bad breath

Will I put on weight if I quit smoking?

A lot of smokers have concerns about putting on weight as a side effect of quitting smoking. In reality though, it’s not typical to gain excessive amounts of weight (over 10kg) when you quit smoking.

What’s more, the amazing benefits to your health and appearance make quitting smoking a far more attractive option than continuing to smoke.

If you’re concerned about weight gain as a side effect of quitting smoking, you should check out our information on Weight Gain and Quitting.

Will I regain my sense of taste and smell after I quit?

Recovering your sense of taste and smell is one of the first changes many smokers notice when they quit – often within just a few days.

Tobacco smoke can dull these senses, so once you quit, you might be amazed at simple pleasures such as being able to taste your food properly!

At the same time, you may find you begin to recognise the unpleasant smell of stale tobacco on your clothes or on other people. This can be a great motivator to keep yourself on track during your quit smoking journey.

Will quitting have an effect on my mental wellbeing?

Extensive research has shown that most people experience significant improvements in their mental wellbeing after they quit smoking, not just those with a mental illness.

While the amount, type and timeframes of improvements can vary from person to person, it is safe to say that you will experience a positive ‘mental boost’ when you quit.

But what if you feel that smoking is what helps your mental wellbeing in the first place, e.g. by making you feel calmer, happier, or less stressed?

Here’s a quick guide to what happens to your mental wellbeing when you quit:

*Average improvements