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stupidgirl , 22 Oct 2013

Who's with me for a 2 week no picking challenge?

I've had this stupid compulsion for 2 and a half years. It all started when I wanted to get my skin cleared, and resulted in a full blown compulsion. Funny thing is, I pick at my skin with the hopes that the "raised bumps" i have on my skin go away, but despite knowing it'll make it worse, I CONTINUE DOING IT. (they're always raised bumps at this point, i wash my skin so much, it's become irritated and all red) I just don't understand why my brain can't understand this. I would rather have any other compulsion than this. I swear I'd rather have an ocd with checking the door or cleaning the house 5 hours every day , than ruining my appearance so dramatically. I've put my foot down today and need a supportive group of people who are willing to do this with me :/
20 Answers
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Breathitout
October 22, 2013
I'm with you, I posted half and hour ago about doing a challenge, I really don't care how long, I just need to stop. I feel really related to you, I pick at my little bumps and it's stupid because they don't ever go away, and parts of my face that were normal before are now full of bumps after picking at the skin. I don't know what kind of products you use but at the moment I don't use anything but natural stuff because anything else is way too strong and strips off my skin and I think it makes everything worse. I would recommend not washing your face so much, I just wash it at night to get rid of make up and bacteria, in the mornings i just splash cold water, at least it worked for me. Good luck, I'll be checking your posts :)
stupidgirl
October 22, 2013
I'm so glad to have at least one person with me. Not only does it remind me I'm not alone with this, but offers a nice push of motivation :) This compulsion has destroyed my life, has it yours? I can't even look in the mirror anymore with the lights fully on, so while in the bathroom, I turn on a nightlight. Completely pathetic, I know. I threw away 2 years of my life for this. I can't even look at people anymore. I just want to hide away from utter embarrassment. And the cherry on top of this , is that I'm a perfectionist. I just want to be perfect. I want to look perfect and be perfect. Various compulsions result with this obviously. What natural products do you use? I have about 100 products in my bathroom cabinet. :/ Burt's Bees sensitive cleanser, (which doesn't really agree with my skin) Clean and Clear morning burst, deep clean clean and clear, green tea scrubs from st.ives, moisturizing scrubs, just absolutely every company name you can think of, I HAVE. I'm insane! I just buy new products every month, but it's really not about the product, but my skin picking. So until I eliminate my picking, the products I use won't make any difference to the quality of my skin. We just HAVE to do this. Not only to look good, but to feel good and never to feel tempted to resort to destroying ourselves. I'll do what you said, wash my face with cold water in the morning and cleanser in the evening. GOOD luck to you too. Thanks so much :D
Breathitout
October 23, 2013
I'm a perfectionist too. There's something I don't understand though. I've tried to stop many times, and there was one time that i went 5 days without doing it and my skin looked clear and soft and good. But then I just ruined it again even though I knew it would make it worse. I hope this time we can really manage to go for as long as possible. By the way, there are many tricks I've read online like keeping your hands busy or setting an alarm whenever you go into the bathroom, and also going in the bathroom with the light off so you won't see your face and you won't have the urge to pick, so actually turning a nighlight for whatever the reason may help aswell! There's this website that helped me a lot, specially the part where you should "scare yourself into stopping". You should give it a try if you haven't! http://www.thelovevitamin.com/1445/5-ways-to-stop-touching-or-picking-your-skin/#.UmeobPkvkrk And the products I use are clinique cleanser soap bar at night, but I find it too strong and drying so I use just a little bit and a lot of water, and as a moisturizer I use jojoba oil and rosewater as a toner. At first I wasn't sure about all this natural stuff but now it's all I ever use. I'm still trying to find something to use as a cleanser, i've read you can use honey and a bunch of crazy things that clean your skin gently. Then again, as you said, it doesn't matter if we buy the best products ever if we keep picking, so maybe this could be a motivation. Stop picking to see what products actually work best for us and don't make our skin look like crap. I hope this helps you somehow. So today is day 1 and I'm doing good for now, but my face looks pretty red and dry. Trying not to think about it and let it heal. Good luck! xx
nastyab
October 26, 2013
Hi ladies, got some advice. This worked for me. Go to a dermatologist. He will put you on an anti acne regimen. If you can't, best website is beautypedia.com. It reviews all over the counter products and helps you pic the best one. I never shop without checking w Paula (the website's host) first. Once you have a plan on getting your skin clear, best thing to do is to avoid touching your face (so you don't "accidentally" feel those bumps), avoid mirrors and be around people as much as possible. I live with my boyfriend which helps because hanging out with him gets my mind off picking plus I don't want him to see me with nasty red blotchy skin, so I control my urges better. I still have relapses but things r getting better.
stupidgirl
October 27, 2013
Thanks for the advice :) However, I don't have acne. I just pick at the same scabs over and over again. I don't let them heal. I've had the same stupid scabs for around 2 years. It's ridiculous. But I'm getting better and I believe I can stop. I'm proud of you !!!
Jezabeljean
October 27, 2013
Hi, I just stumbled onto this page because I just got done picking my face and I feel horrible about it. I have had this problem for over 10 yrs now. Every yr. I have made it a new yrs resolution to stop, I'm lucky if I ever last a week. I too am a perfectionist and the fact that I'm trying to make my face perfect constantly and all I see is damage is exhausting. As with many other nights I didn't go out tonight because I feel embarrassed about my face. I'm glad to know there are others out there with this problem and I'm going to try the picking challenge with you. You are my motivation! Good luck with your non picking!
stupidgirl
October 27, 2013
I'm so sorry about your picking compulsion. I JUST finished ANOTHER picking session and I feel horrible about it as well. This challenge is not off to a good start, but every single day is a fresh start. In fact every 5 minutes can be made a fresh start. I am always embarrassed about my face. I don't even look into the mirror anymore. Whenever I come across a mirror I just look away.When I wash my hands in public bathrooms I look down only on my hands. People must look at me from the side and wonder why I don't look into the mirror even for a split second, but that isn't my concern lol. LET'S DO IT. Thank you. I'm starting AGAIN now. I am such an idiot. -_- You too!! <3
stupidgirl
October 23, 2013
Ugh. I just have to update my terrible progress. I had a picking spree just a couple hours ago, and kind of fucked things over. DAY 1 starting tomorrow. I'm never going to give up.
Breathitout
October 24, 2013
It's okay, don't be hard on yourself. It's hard as hell to quit so just think positive. Tomorrow's a new day. Try avoiding the mirrors and picture yourself not doing it, smiling, being happy and just try to stop stressing and thinking about it.You can do this!
Breathitout
October 26, 2013
How are things with you? I hope you're doing better x
stupidgirl
October 29, 2013
Just an update people, I'm doing extraordinarily well!!! Today I came to a revelation that life is very simple, and controlling my picking compulsion should be just as simple as life itself. Getting clear skin is simple, and everything is just, SIMPLE! I think I am overcomplicating the possibility of having an immaculate complexion. I feel as though I'm unworthy of clear skin so I just keep on picking and picking. (Also it is an anxiety relieving activity) I think this false belief and my tendency to overcomplicate simple things has made me continuously pick at my skin out of mere frustration and anger, but now that I've identified it (through a very long period of introspection UGH ) I think I am strong enough to TRULY stop for good . My face is kind of red and there are still some scars, but they should go away in about a week if i keep this positive mentality up and leave my hands off my skin , wash properly, and eat healthy (lots of fruit, tea , soups) :) I hope everyone else is also doing well! good luck to all :) xo
Breathitout
October 29, 2013
That makes so much sense to me too. And i feel unworthy of clear skin aswell which is sooooo stupid to think to be honest. I'm so happy you're doing better and thinking positive, we do deserve to have normal skin and not have to worry about it. After all it's JUST SKIN. Why do we have to make such a big deal out of it? Good luck ! :)
stupidgirl
November 01, 2013
how is your progress coming along, btw? I am experiencing some major speed bumps and feel the need to starve myself until i get clear skin. interesting logic. but i am very angry at myself and need to punish myself for being so stupid. ugh.
stupidgirl
November 01, 2013
Just a mere update, I just washed my face with biore exfoliating cleanser and I feel beyond amazing. The freshness you get after is to die for. You feel like you have clear skin, it's very motivating :) I highly recommend getting an exfoliating wash guys.
Breathitout
November 04, 2013
alright i guess. I kinda slipped last night so I'm starting over today. It wasn't bad at all but I feel like cheating if I keep counting. I'm feeling really happy though, and positive and not anxious so that's great. How are you? I hope you're even better xx
light4god
November 13, 2013
I was just searching the web to find out about skin picking and found this site. I can not believe how many people have the same issues as I do. I have always picked at my pimples but until recently I have not really wanted to stop. I have a 4 year old daughter and I know she see me picking. I try no to do it in front of her because I don't want her to think it is ok to do. I then think to myself who am I to make sure she is not going to do it if I am also doing it. I have also started selling skin care products. I feel like people look and me and think it has to be a joke. I am selling these products and yet my face looks awful. I also hate spending so much time putting lots of cover up make up on. I even keep some in my purse and in the car. I do not get out of the car without checking to make sure my scabs are covered up. I go to church one day and realized I did not have any makeup. It had been a long day and so most of mine had worn off. I didn't even want to go it because I felt so ashamed. I really thought about going home! My husband would have thought I was crazy. I hate feeling like this though. I also hate being a 34 year old woman and dealing with picking pimples! I am going to start paying more attention and really make an effort to stop. I really want to stop if anything for my daughter. She is pretty and I hate the thought of her possibly picking up my habits. I will be doing the 2 week challenge.
light4god
November 13, 2013
I was just searching the web to find out about skin picking and found this site. I can not believe how many people have the same issues as I do. I have always picked at my pimples but until recently I have not really wanted to stop. I have a 4 year old daughter and I know she see me picking. I try no to do it in front of her because I don't want her to think it is ok to do. I then think to myself who am I to make sure she is not going to do it if I am also doing it. I have also started selling skin care products. I feel like people look and me and think it has to be a joke. I am selling these products and yet my face looks awful. I also hate spending so much time putting lots of cover up make up on. I even keep some in my purse and in the car. I do not get out of the car without checking to make sure my scabs are covered up. I go to church one day and realized I did not have any makeup. It had been a long day and so most of mine had worn off. I didn't even want to go it because I felt so ashamed. I really thought about going home! My husband would have thought I was crazy. I hate feeling like this though. I also hate being a 34 year old woman and dealing with picking pimples! I am going to start paying more attention and really make an effort to stop. I really want to stop if anything for my daughter. She is pretty and I hate the thought of her possibly picking up my habits. I will be doing the 2 week challenge.

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