How I cover up my marks from compulsive picking

Typically, individuals with excoriation disorder find that the disorder interferes with daily life. Hindered by shame, embarrassment, and humiliation, they may take measures to hide the evidence of the disorder by not leaving home, wearing long sleeves and pants even in heat, or covering visible damage to skin with bandages. Activities such as typing may be painful for those who pick at their fingers or hands, or walking for those who pick at the soles of their feet

For many dermatillomania sufferers, the face is a target of compulsive skin picking. This can often result in severe scarring and an in severe cases permanent damage to the appearance of the skin. Dermatillomania is already a disorder that causes the individual immense shame and guilt, but these negative feelings are further perpetuated by the physical consequences of the picking behavior. This can lead to the person avoiding social situations for fear of being harshly judged for their appearance, fears of bullying, or for fear of people asking too many questions about the condition of their skin.

There are studies that quantify the improvements in self-esteem and quality of life in women with skin problems who start using makeup. Suffice to say that covering your scars with makeup is the fastest and most reliable way to feel better about yourself when you are out and about.  Many people, women in particular use cosmetics as a way to overcome this difficulty, particularly when going out in public such as going to work or school. However applying cosmetics to cover scarring in a natural way is skill that needs to be learned in order to avoid pain and further damage to the skin. It is often a challenge for people with Dermatillomania to find products that cater for their sensitive skin however applying the makeup in a very gentle way may reduce pain.

Tips for covering up

Exfoliate and moisturise

What to look for: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer labelled "non-comedogenic" which is just a fancy way of saying that it won't clog your pores. Also look for ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which hold moisture in the skin. What to avoid? Heavy, greasy products that contain pimple-producing ingredients such as cocoa butter, mineral oil, or cold cream.

Be gentle with your skin

A gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that's formulated for your skin type (oily, dry, or combination) will do a lot more to reduce pain.

Use products brands that work for you.

There are many makeup products on the market and the trick is to find something that works for you and not products that are necessary expensive.