If you're looking to quit smoking by switching to an electronic cigarette, it's important to choose the right e-liquid for your specific needs. There are several parameters you must take into account when doing so, especially the liquid's nicotine content, which plays a key part in the success of your smoking withdrawal.
We know it can be a bit complicated to find the right nicotine dosage for your e-liquid, especially if you're new to e-cigarettes. You may also ignore how important nicotine is when you quit smoking. Indeed, it's the key to a successful smoking withdrawal.
Want to know how it works? Well, read on! We've listed all the essential information so that you can fully understand nicotine's role and thus choose your e-liquid's nicotine content appropriately!
What is nicotine exactly?
As we said, it's important to understand what nicotine is and how it works if you want to find the right nicotine ratio for your particular needs.
Nicotine is a plant-derived alkaloid that is naturally present in the tobacco plant. It acts directly on the nervous system and triggers a well-known feeling of dependency. However, contrary to popular belief, nicotine is neither harmful nor carcinogenic.
It's important to know that what makes tobacco dangerous is its combustion. Indeed, the latter produces carbon monoxide and tars which, combined with all of tobacco's additives, cause cancers and various other diseases. The nicotine itself is in no way responsible for these ailments.
Nicotine and electronic cigarettes
Today, the whole of Europe is subject to the European Tobacco Products Directive, known as the TPD. The directive's aim is to combat tobacco smoking, by imposing various regulations upon e-liquid manufacturers, among others.
One of these regulations states that the maximum concentration of nicotine in any e-liquid cannot exceed 20 mg/ml, and that a product containing nicotine cannot be sold in volumes larger than 10 ml.
Despite this very strict legal framework, electronic cigarettes continue to prove effective as smoking withdrawal tools. Indeed, they allow you to perpetuate your nicotine intake in a healthy way whilst avoiding all the tobacco-related diseases. That's why the electronic cigarette is a great alternative to tobacco, and why it appeals to more and more smokers every day.
The reason why it's so successful is because it helps former smokers quit tobacco, and then when that's done it allows them to reduce their addiction to the nicotine molecule.
Vaping greatly reduces the withdrawal symptoms and provides a similar 'hit' to that of traditional cigarettes (the muscle contraction you feel in your throat when the vapour passes through). Of course, the key element in all this is an appropriate nicotine level for your specific needs.
The importance of the 'hit'
The 'hit' is the name given to a muscular contraction in the larynx, caused by the vapour going down your throat when you inhale. This particular feeling also occurs when smoking, and that's why it's so important to vapers.
The hit and its impact varies depending on your e-liquid's nicotine dosage. So, finding the right nicotine level is akin to finding your favourite hit. Indeed, if the hit is too weak you won't feel it enough. Conversely, if the hit is too strong, it'll irritate your throat and make you cough.
However, know that smokers who switch from tobacco to electronic cigarettes can cough for a few days. If it can be caused by a nicotine dosage that's too high, most of the time it's due to the withdrawal process.
Indeed, tobacco contains various additives that minimise this irritation. Obviously, when you quit smoking you no longer inhale these additives. Therefore, it may take a few days for this irritation to disappear completely.
Starting with the right nicotine level
As you can see, choosing the right nicotine content for your e-liquid is essential, especially if you want your transition from tobacco to electronic cigarettes to succeed.
Before you begin, it's important to determine what your tobacco habit was like, in order to define the nicotine dosage that'll perfectly meet your needs. Indeed, the number of cigarettes you smoke each day can be helpful in choosing the right nicotine level.
Here's a rough guide of what your daily cigarette consumption can correspond to in terms of nicotine dosage:
- If you smoke fewer than 5 cigarettes / day, choose a 3 mg/ml dosage
- If you smoke between 5 and 15 cigarettes / day, choose a 6 mg/ml dosage
- If you smoke between 15 and 25 cigarettes / day, choose a 12 mg/ml dosage
- If you smoke more than 25 cigarettes / day, choose a 16 or 18 mg/ml dosage
Beware of nicotine overdoses and underdoses
Choosing the right nicotine level means that you have to find the right balance between a dosage that would be either too high or too low for you.
Choosing an e-liquid with an insufficient nicotine level might make you go back to your old tobacco habit. So, it's important to find the right dosage to ensure a successful smoking withdrawal.
If this dosage is too low, your body's nicotine craving won't be satisfied. Conversely, if the e-liquid has a dosage that's too high for you, you risk overdosing, which can lead to various symptoms such as bad coughs, headaches and nausea. These can easily be avoided if you choose the right nicotine level.
Trust your feelings and adjust this dosage accordingly. If you feel that your vaping experience is a bit lacking, try increasing your dosage. On the contrary, if you feel any of the aforementioned symptoms appear, lower your dosage.
You can also make your very own e-liquid and choose the exact amount of nicotine you put in it. This is known as 'DIYing' in the vaping world. It might sound complicated, but don't worry! We have a base and booster calculator on our website that'll help you find the right mix for your preparation.
The importance of taking your time
We can't stress this enough. Quitting smoking is a process that takes a variable amount of time, as no one is the same and people have varying levels of addiction.
If you want to reduce your nicotine intake as part of your withdrawal, let your body get used to the change first.
The first major change is your transition from tobacco to electronic cigarettes. Trying to lower your nicotine dosage too quickly could incite you to return to your old smoking habits.
Secondly, you shouldn't change your dosage too frequently. If you do, give your body time to adapt, then adjust if necessary.
Remember, giving yourself time is the key to success!
Should you lower your nicotine level?
In order to successfully withdraw from nicotine, you must reduce your nicotine intake gradually. This won't happen at the same rate for everyone.
Some people will need to keep a high nicotine dosage to stay away from tobacco. Whereas some will only need a few weeks before lowering their nicotine dosage. Also, remember that you don't have to lower your dosage!
Whatever the case, it's important to listen to your body, trust your feelings and take your time before reducing your dosage. That way, you're sure of maximising your chances of success.
Using the right equipment
An electronic cigarette's main goal is to allow you to inhale nicotine, contained within the vapour it produces. This is why it's important to use a quality device that can consistently deliver the right nicotine dosage with each puff.
If you're new to vaping, pick a straightforward device such as a podmod electronic cigarette or an all-in-one kit (AIO). If you're still unsure, follow our guide on choosing your first electronic cigarette, or contact our customer service if you have any more questions.
It's important to remember that your equipment must be suited to your nicotine level. If you've browsed through our store, you may have noticed that some electronic cigarettes are more powerful than others. This power alters your nicotine intake. To put it simply, the higher the power, the lower your nicotine content has to be.
Beginners who are quitting smoking are advised to choose an e-cigarette with a low power (between 10 and 20w). These kits are designed for novices, and should be used with an e-liquid whose nicotine content suits your specific needs, if you want to maximise your chances of success. E-cigs like the Exceed D19, Aegis Mini or Coolfire Z80 will get you started in no time and for a low cost, all while offering you a flawless vape.
Our guides for choosing your e-liquid
- Learn how to choose your first e-liquid flavour
- Choosing the right PG / VG content for your e-liquid
- Everything you need to know about electronic cigarette e-liquids