Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Does it work?
We take a brief look at the types and effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy and how the skin benefits from quitting tobacco smoking.
At VIVO Body Studio, we are extremely fond of healthy, younger-looking skin. Why else would we be offering treatments such as the extremely popular Non-Surgical HIFU Facelift, Cryotherapy for Skin Imperfections, and Plasma Eye Lift Blepharoplasty?
All of the above-mentioned treatments are non-invasive, comfortable and super effective.
Having read the title, you are probably wondering, ‘Why am I being lectured about healthy skin and all these wonderful treatments that will make my skin softer and more supple?’
To get to the point – quitting smoking making can do wonders for your skin. Yes, the benefits to your overall health are countless. Your heart beats better, your lungs breathe clearer, and your sense of smell and taste become keener. And let’s not forget, your wallet, too, starts to feel heavier.
However, the skin is our focus.
Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, and most of them are responsible for damaging collagen and elastin. Furthermore, smoking results in the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients supply to the skin. More often than not, a smoker’s skin is more likely to lose elasticity and form wrinkles at a younger age than most. It also tends to form age spots and develop a pale appearance.
However, quitting smoking is not at all an easy endeavour.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
While many people can and have successfully quit smoking by going cold turkey, most people need a little extra help.
In recent years, electronic cigarettes have become a trendy alternative to regular tobacco cigarettes. Although smoking an e-cigarette or vaping is a safer nicotine intake method, it still has poses many of the same risks. There is a more effective method to quitting smoking altogether.
Doctors and medical experts recommend smokers use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help them quit. NRTs come in many forms, and they are meant to help overcome the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting cigarettes.
The different types of NRT:
- Chewing gum
Nicotine gums are over-the-counter products and can be found containing various amounts of nicotine content ranging from 1mg to 4mg. - Lozenges
Similar to gums, nicotine lozenges can be bought over-the-counter. These also have various nicotine content ranges. - Inhalators
Inhalators are plastic pipes with disposable nicotine cartridges. One can use them like they are smoking cigarettes, minus the smoke and tobacco. - Inhalers
They are similar to the inhalers asthma patients use. They can be acquired through prescriptions only. The inhaler devices deliver a precise amount of nicotine to the lungs in the form of aerosolized bursts.
- Nicotine patches
These look like adhesive plasters. You can buy them over the counter and stick them to your arm. The patches are transdermal and transfer nicotine into the bloodstream by being absorbed through the skin.
- Nasal sprays
The name is pretty self-explanatory: medicinal sprays that deliver nicotine to your system after spraying them through your nasal cavity. Nicotine nasal sprays can be purchased using prescriptions only.
How effective is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
According to a study published in 2018, NRT can increase the chances of quitting permanently by 55%. However, these are still tools to help you through the difficult withdrawal symptoms.
Without a proper strategy, most people attempting to quit can fall off the wagon, even they are using NRT. Some of the most common steps you can include in your quitting strategy can include:
- Making a plan where you have a set date, after which you will not even take a single drag.
- Sticking to the plan by telling yourself that you are a non-smoker now.
- Starting an easy exercise regime. Physical exercises have shown to help to increase the chances of permanently quitting cigarettes.
- Reminding yourself why you are quitting. Making a list of your goals make it easier, whether it is to achieve a healthier lifestyle, save money or achieve the best skin possible (wink!).
This NHS webpage has some exceptionally useful self-help tips that are sure to help.
NRT can be an absolute blessing in your plight to kick the habit permanently. However, there are many side-effects associated with NRT like nausea, headaches, and dry mouth, among others. It is always best to consult with a doctor when you think you need to use NRT. It is vital that you choose the correct dosage and make sure to use it only as often as required. Nicotine overdose can lead to poisoning.
Quitting smoking is an excellent way to ensure healthy, supple skin. But also, be sure to stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
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It's 2019 already! We all know what that means - it's your chance to start over and do things right....Happy Customers I had a fabulous HIFU Facial treatment with Roseanne today my skin already looks amazing. Roseanne made me feel very much at ease and explained how the treatment works and what it involved, she is excellent and obviously has a lot of experience making this treatment such a great experience. She is a very knowledgeable therapist. Oh wow what a fabulous treatment I had with Roseanne today. Although the Hifu facial is a little uncomfortable, Roseanne was excellent, explaining the whole process. She was extremely knowledgeable and put me at ease. I can see the results already. I’ll definitely be back. I had my first treatment of aqualyx on my stomach area and found the treatment perfect. There was little to no pain and sapphire was really helpful when answering my questions and gave really good advice and service. I would definitely recommend this clinic for treatments. Thank you to Yolanda and Rosanne, plasma performed , I have had this done in other clinics, but the knowledge and respect I received from these two ladies , I cannot praise them highly enough, thank you girls Rebecca was lovely throughout my treatment…very good at her job! Thank you! This is my second time at Vivo and I am super happy with my treatments.
This time around I had the pleasure of having Diana as my therapist and she was amazing. She explained everything in a simple and detailed way, allowed me to feel part of my treatment, recommended additional treatments with no pressure, and made me feel really at home.
When you are getting these kind of treatments it is very personal and you need to feel comfortable with your therapist and feel they know what they are doing.
Well my treatments were done over 2 plus hours and Diana really showed her expertise in the business of beauty. Sharing some of her previous experience and making me feel even more at ease.
Vivo has great prices and amazing people. In a neat, clean and welcoming space.
Highly recommended.
Thanks for everything Diana, I’ll be back again soon :)
JB. Sapphire is a highly skilled and professional therapist with a warm and friendly demeanor. She possesses extensive knowledge and has a strong reputation for providing safe and reliable care. I've undergone several treatments with her, including a recent Morpheus8 procedure, and I can't praise her enough! So far I had 2 sessions with Sapphire. She is a wonderful consultant. Friendly and professional. Very knowledgeable in the work she does.Definitely I would recommend Sapphire. I have booked more treatments with her. First time explained very well in detail by Shaymma would definitely recommend. First time for me to have fat freezing done .
This time around I had the pleasure of having Diana as my therapist and she was amazing. She explained everything in a simple and detailed way, allowed me to feel part of my treatment, recommended additional treatments with no pressure, and made me feel really at home.
When you are getting these kind of treatments it is very personal and you need to feel comfortable with your therapist and feel they know what they are doing.
Well my treatments were done over 2 plus hours and Diana really showed her expertise in the business of beauty. Sharing some of her previous experience and making me feel even more at ease.
Vivo has great prices and amazing people. In a neat, clean and welcoming space.
Highly recommended.
Thanks for everything Diana, I’ll be back again soon :)
JB.