Everyone gets pimples. Not everyone gets quit zits.
Quit zits are a specific type of pimple that can appear when you quit smoking. They are caused by the body’s release of toxins as it tries to cleanse itself of nicotine and other chemicals.
Quit zits can be annoying and uncomfortable, but they are usually not a cause for concern. Here’s everything you need to know about quit zits, including how long they last and what you can do to treat them.
How Long Do Quit Zits Last?
Quit zits typically last for 2-6 weeks. However, some people may experience them for a longer or shorter period of time. The severity of the zit can also vary, with some people experiencing only a few small bumps, while others may have larger, more painful zits.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long quit zits last. The duration of the pimples will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Your age: Younger people tend to experience quit zits for a shorter period of time than older people.
- Your health: People with healthy immune systems tend to have quit zits for a shorter period of time than people with weakened immune systems.
- Your smoking history: How long and how much you smoked before quitting can affect the severity and duration of your quit zits.
- Your skin type: People with oily skin tend to have more quit zits than people with dry skin.
What Causes Quit Zits?
Quit zits are caused by the body’s release of toxins as it tries to cleanse itself of nicotine and other chemicals. When you quit smoking, your body goes through a detoxification process. During this process, toxins are released into the bloodstream. These toxins can cause inflammation and breakouts.
Quit zits are not a sign that you are not quitting smoking correctly. In fact, they are a sign that your body is healing itself.
How to Treat Quit Zits
There is no cure for quit zits, but there are a few things you can do to treat them and reduce their severity.
- Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs and products that contain alcohol, as these can irritate your skin.
- Use a topical acne treatment: There are a number of topical acne treatments available over-the-counter. These treatments can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Moisturize your skin: Quit zits can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. To help prevent this, moisturize your skin twice a day.
- Don’t pick at your zits: Picking at your zits can make them worse. If you have a zit that is bothering you, try to resist the urge to pick at it.
- See a dermatologist: If your quit zits are severe or do not improve with home treatment, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger acne treatments that can help to clear up your skin.
How to Prevent Quit Zits
There is no surefire way to prevent quit zits, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them.
- Quit smoking gradually: If you are a heavy smoker, quitting cold turkey can increase your risk of developing quit zits. To reduce your risk, try to quit gradually by cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help to flush toxins from your body. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your skin’s health and reduce inflammation. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
- Get enough sleep: When you are sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
