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Has anyone ever fully 'recovered' from this?
I am desperate to be cured of the incessant compulsion to pick at my skin. My problem is with picking pimples and imperfections on mainly my face. I got a shock factor to do something about it when I realised my skin was just not healing like it used to and I was at a stage of despair from the fact I could have horrible scars that I had created for the rest of my life!
So I've had cbt, and it did help to look at the habitual side of things and got me looking at ways to break a habit/ change it to a new one. It is difficult because it's pretty well ingrained in there, but I'm working on it. One thing I did find really helpful was realising the biology of the skin (and you can find it on another stop picking site). Because I really do care about my skin and I do just want to not worry or obsess about it anymore. Other things that help me are having a project or occupation to do with my hands when I'm idle- I'm very creative and often have alot of nervous energy that I need to put into some activity. So - I do feel I am on the road to recovery and appreciate it will not be a quick process but I do find myself just picking again- and it's so easy to do. I was just wondering if it's possible to be completely free of this or if it will be a constant battle? It's probably not likely that people who are 'cured' are on here but if anyone know of anyone, or is on the road to recovery themselves I'd love to hear about it.
Yes there is always hope. Keeping the hands busy helps a lot . I stopped picking my face, head scalp, nail and finger skin biting a few months ago. Thankfully no relapse yet. Skin grows back and my cuticles are recovering. Constant moisturizing with polysporin ointment, trimming and using emery board on my raggedy rough nails cuticles was my solution. Washing my face with wet face makeup cleaning wipes kept encouraging me to stop "adding germs" to my face. Keeping my hair clean and reminding myself to resist the urge to scratch my scalp helped. I kept thinking my mind is strong I can do this. So far so good. Wish you the best !
Hi! I am new here. I mostly pick my scalp but sometimes also my ears. I've been doing this off and on for probably 30 years. Yesterday I did really good and I tried to keep busy. It's like my hands always go to my head without me even thinking about it. Today I started picking again so frustrating!
Hey there! I apologize that I have been off of this site for a few months. I am happy to tell you that I am in the same boat you are currently in. I could have wrote the same thing myself. I am also very happy to tell you that you will more than likely not have scars in the future as long as you are applying the right products to your skin as your skin heals through the new acne/boils and open skin as well as scabs. You have a completely new layers of skin around every 30 days! That is how fast your skin cells fall off and renew. CRAZY. Let's let that happen. But you need to know what to put on your skin and how to wash it. I own a handheld face scrubber thingy. It's the Olay version of the one from Clarisonic- but if you can afford that one go for it becuase i understand that it is much softer depending on what piece you attach to it. Anyway, first step is to decide that TODAY IS THE DAY! Step 2: Wash your pillow case, bed, sheets, and blankets, and don't wear dirty clothing. Step 3: Get your hair out of your face and keep it that way!!! Step 4: Wash your face. Don't pick it one last time. Wash it. Put don't just pick up anything just yet. I suggest investing in these items: Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E soap, and a gentle cleanser without any acne medication. go as natural as possible. Apple Cider Vinegar, Witch Hazel, 100% Aloe Vera Gel, and a good moisturizer based on your skin type. I have oily/dry skin (combination skin) but mostly oily, so I use a gel based moisturizer, like: Take a Deep Breath -from Philosophy. Steps to washing your face: remove makeup (if any) with makeup remover. apply jojoba oil. rub in. think of it as a massage for your face. with hand held face scrubber or soft washcloth, wash your face in gentle circular motions with warm water and the vitamin e soap. when everything is nice and sudsy, rinse with cool water. DO NOT SCRUB TOO HARD as you want to be able to do this gentle exfoliation once a day. preferably before bed time. PAT your skin dry. don't wipe it dry. think of being gentle with it. Now, if you don't have any open wounds on your face, proceed with the apple cider vinegar as a toner. use on a cotton swab or other gentle fabric or cotton pad. If you apply this to open wounds it will BURN. sometimes i still do it in front of a fan and then immediately apply the witch hazel after to calm it down. if you do not want it to burn at all, just use the witch hazel. Next step is to apply aloe vera gel. at this point, it is best to apply acne treatment if desired- only on the spots you need it! treatments can dry out your skin causing more acne. Then apply moisturizer. if you plan on wearing makeup after this, it is a great routine, but it is also a great routine to start your day. now in the mornings you may not have time for this, so..... i suggest cleaning your face with some soap (don't scrub) be gentle. don't touch face. apply apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, aloe vera gel. head to kitchen. eat breakfast. now here is where preventing scarring is fun. make sure you buy lemons at the grocery store. when your in the kitchen, get some lemon juice, put it on your skin, and then let it dry. if you are heading out without makeup- apply moisturizer and sunscreen asap, and if you do plan to wear makeup- invest in a good bb cream that won't clog pores. But always use sunscreen. no higher than spf 35 is what i think is best. also, don't forget to wash your makeup brushes and towels every few days. this may be the one area that you slack off horribly in. i do anyway but i need to get better at it. Think Clean. Think Fresh. Think I CAN DO THIS!!!