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bottervliegie , 20 Sep 2010

21-Day Challenge

Hi everyone! I hate how I feel about myself and I hate how my skin looks when all I really want is smooth and beautiful skin. I figure that we've got this absolute desire to be beautiful and have perfect skin while spots, blackheads, coarse cuticles, ingrown hairs, etc. is not welcome on beautiful skin. So, a combination of this perfectionism, impulse and, well, addiction, makes us scar ourselves and also hate ourselves for doing so. .................................................................................................................................................... Now, here's my challenge: You've probably heard that it takes 21 days to combat and quit a bad habit. I am going to try and do it with skin picking. I have posted post-its on all my mirrors and usual picking spots in the house with just "DAY 1" to remind me of what I am up against. I will change this daily, but if I falter, I have to start back at day 1. .................................................................................................................................................... I really want to change my life and be free of this and I am going to take the bull by the horns... WHO'S WITH ME?? I will post my progress on this topic and I encourage you to do the same, starting with today as DAY 1!
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bottervliegie
September 20, 2010
Oh, yeah, just to clarify: this is a "quit cold turkey" challenge for 21 days. NO picking allowed. If you have a huge zit or something that needs urgent attention, you may squeeze it under supervision (that is, get someone in the room with you to watch you...) and ONLY get that one thing and you have to report it to this topic. If you've got trich, this goes for eyebrow shaping as well. These exceptions are only for seriously urgent conditions, not a loophole in the challenge. If someone else can do the thing for you, whatever it is, even better. Together we can be stronger...
minxymoo
September 21, 2010
Hey - so great to see someone being so positive and motivational. I'm in too. I really believe in positive visualisation, so I'm going to visualise everyone here writing about how they've finally found a way to stop - FOREVER : D
cocooncat
September 22, 2010
Hi Everyone, Yesterday I did great no picking ;o) So far today I've been 50/50 not bothering my face but itching at my back ( another problem area for me). I actually went to take to a therapist this afternoon about options and I'm going to attend a support group next Monday. I'm pretty terrified to sit down in front of people and talk about this but it might be the only way I stop. I'll keep you all informed as to how it goes. If any one else is in the Seattle area you should come! It's a big step for me as I think it would be for many of us. Stay strong!
cant_stop
September 24, 2010
so happy I found this! I tried last week to start a non-pick but within a day I found myself pulling at dried flakey skin...then scabs...then a couple little baby pimples and whaddaya know, now my face broke out again from being messed with all week. I've toyed with the idea of talking to a friend about this but I just can't get up the courage to do so, hence I've joined this site. So today is day one! I find that having some sort of mask on, egg white or aspirin helps to keep me from touching when I'm just sitting at home. But then I have to wash it off eventually...anyway. Hope everyone is having success so far!
bottervliegie
September 25, 2010
I like the mask idea. It will also help to get a healthier skin. Hmmm... definately worth looking into... Oh, and use an exfoliator in the flaky-skin-phase. It gets rid of the flakiness (it may take a few days of exfoliating) without picking and it's good for you. But try to get a "peeling" exfoliator with fruit acids or something instead of the scrubs. A scrub may work, but sometimes it can spread germs to new pores and create new breakouts, especially when you have (diagnosed) acne. Good luck on the challenge!
vix
September 20, 2010
Good luck! I wish you all the success in the world with this. I want so badly to stop picking but I am unable to control my urges. I've been doing it for 7 years and no matter how much I want to stop and tell myself that I will I never can stop. It almost seems to control me and it has ruined my life and I can never forgive myself for what I have done to myself. Good luck again, I hope you succeed, I fear I am beyond help.
bottervliegie
September 20, 2010
No-one is beyond help. I've been picking for 22 years, since I was about 5 years old. This is the only life I know. Everyone is unique, so what works for one may not even make a difference another. This technique is not for you, but I'm sure you will find something someday that will help you out of this deep hole we all share! Thanks for the wishes of success! I will keep my fingers crossed for you and don't lose hope! Good luck to you as well.
Peachy
September 20, 2010
I just joined this site and need some inspiration so I'm going to try the 21 day challenge also. It's going to be hard but I really want to do it!! Now I need to go buy some post it notes and picture how great I'll look when I finally stop picking. Do you reckon if we succeed we'll have much better skin in three weeks time?
bottervliegie
September 20, 2010
Because so much of our skin problems are caused by our constantly touching our faces (and everywhere else), spreading germs to fresh wounds, I'd think our skins would look a lot better in a few weeks. Many of our spots are actually caused by inflammation because of picking and not actually acne, although it may look like it. Let's be strong and give it a try!
cherrycolalola
September 20, 2010
Ok Im in! I missed the last one so Im glad you posted another. Its always better to be doing this stuff with others. Id be interested in IM-ing or emailing people who want to try it.(or just anyone who wants a buddy) In the past I've found that having a one-on -one connection really helps. I just created a new account flwrpwr2011. email me peeps!
bottervliegie
September 20, 2010
I'm so glad you guys are in! Yes, lets get together one-on-one as well, so we can check each other up. I have a gmail address, contact me there and we can hold each others hands: skinpickanon@gmail.com
bottervliegie
September 20, 2010
I've also started a blog to use as a journal during this challenge and to inspire all of you who are going to do this with me. Please go to the blog and follow it or at least comment on the days as we go along. http://skinpickanon.blogspot.com/
cocooncat
September 21, 2010
Hi Everyone, just found you... I've been struggling with skin picking more an more over the last few years and it's become a painful hold on my life. I've tried the sticky note thing before but never with others I really hope we can help each other with this, there's really nothing like it. Thanks for being out there!
bottervliegie
September 21, 2010
DAY 1: I was keeping busy most of the day and had little time to pick, which was good. I spent quite some time on my computer when I noticed that my hand automatically go to my face and scalp very often, which can start a picking expedition. I refrained form picking entirely, which I am very proud of! ............................................................................................................................... The hardest part of the day was getting ready for my bath and the huge mirror displayed every little imperfection which says to my mind: "Get rid of it! Spots are ugly!" It was so hard not to inspect them from nearer by and pick at them. I am now off to bed and I am very pleased with how day 1 turned out to be. ............................................................................................................................... Please visit my blog for my full journal of my days and also post your experiences there: skinpickanon.blogspot.com .......................... This is a place for us to take hands and share and heal! Thanks for joining me!
cherrycolalola
September 21, 2010
Wow good for you bottervliegie! So far I've been doing good. I touched my face while looking in the mirror/ a few other times today but did NOT PICK! Ive been chatting with people all day trying to keep my goal in mind and remember I am not alone in this. Its helping. As I've mentioned before, night is hardest for me, but I am going to make it! I have faith in the power of the group. There are so many people on here who are FIGHTING so hard every day to get healthy. You guys are inspiring me to keep tackling this thing. Alone I can't do it, but with other pickers support I feel I can. Thanks for being here. Im sending all of you love.

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