Gary Cockerill's tips on tackling the effects of smoking

Week 1 – Tackle your face and complexion

Facts

The most noticeable effect of smoking is in the ageing of the skin. Smoking adds years to your complexion and greatly reduces the skin’s elasticitySmoking depletes levels of essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants from the body system and greatly reduces the skin’s radianceQuitting smoking improves the blood supply to the skin and gives previously pale skin a more 'natural' appearance

My Tips

To support your new smokefree life, eat fruits rich in vitamin C and foods containing zinc - they stimulate the formation of collagen, which is important for healthy looking skinTo reduce wrinkles replenish your levels of vitamin A – foods such as lettuce and carrots are rich in thisVitamin E is key to keeping your skin youthful and can be found in tomatoes, seeds, nuts and leafy greensKeeping your skin hydrated is vital to restoring your healthy glow, but you don’t need to use expensive products so try some simple skin nourishing cream and night cream to help improve your complexion

Week 2 - Tackle the teeth - the smile to the soul

Facts

Smoking wrecks your teeth and gums. It causes teeth discoloration and stains, bad breath, teeth loss, gum disease and can trigger oral cancersThe 4,000 toxic chemicals found in tar deposit a sticky residue on the surface of your teeth. Couple this with the fact that the same chemicals coat your teeth with plaque, and your (formerly) pearly whites don't stand a chance!

My Tips

Get a check up at the dentist - after years of smoking they will put you on the right path to a healthy mouthFloss daily, brush using an ultrasonic toothbrush twice a day, and use an alcohol-free?mouthwash?with an anti-bacterial agent to combat bad breath

Week 3 – Tackle your hair

Facts

When you smoke, your red blood cells are hijacked by carbon monoxide, depriving your hair of nutrients and oxygen, which results in brittle endsSmokers are more likely to experience balding and thinning of the hair, as smoking damages the hair follicle and interferes with circulation and hormone production in the scalp

My Tips

It may take some time to wash the smell out but use the most sweet smelling shampoos and hair products available and after a few washes, your hair should smell fresher

Week 4 – Tackle the rest!

By now, you should have started to notice significant improvements in the way you feel. After years of smoking, your lips can turn dark, caused by the rupture of the cells situated in the bottom of the epidermisAfter regular handling of cigarettes and tobacco, you will end up with tar stained fingers and fingernails. This is especially the case if you roll your own

My Tips

Simply rub salt and lemon juice together and this can remove the tar colour from your stained fingersQuitting means the hormone levels in your body can return to normal. This allows your body shape to recover from the effects of smoking and you can start to enjoy a healthier looking you

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