Why Can't I Stop Picking At My Skin?
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich
Picking at your acne can have several negative consequences, including:
Making your acne worse: When you pick at your acne, you risk breaking the skin and spreading the bacteria and oil that causes breakouts, leading to more pimples and blackheads. This can also lead to cysts and nodules, which are more severe forms of acne that can take longer to heal.
Developing an infection: When you pick at your skin, you risk introducing bacteria from your hands into your pores, which can lead to infections and even abscesses (a painful collection of pus). This can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and may require medical treatment to resolve.
Creating permanent acne scars: Picking at acne can damage the skin's tissues and cause scarring, which can be difficult to treat. Acne scars can be raised or depressed, and can persist for months or even years after the blemish has healed.
Creating hyperpigmentation: Picking at acne can also cause discoloration of the skin, known as hyperpigmentation. This occurs when the skin produces too much melanin in response to inflammation, and can take months to fade. Hyperpigmentation can be especially visible on people with darker skin tones.
Damaging your skin permanently: In severe cases, picking at acne can cause permanent damage to the skin, including skin thinning, discoloration, and scarring. This can affect the texture and appearance of the skin, and may require medical treatment to improve.
How to stop picking at acne
Breaking the habit of picking at your acne can be challenging, but it's essential for the health of your skin. Here are some things you can try:
Keep your hands busy: Whenever you feel the urge to pick at your skin, try to occupy your hands with something else, such as knitting, drawing, or playing with a stress ball. This can help to distract you from the urge to pick, and give your skin time to heal.
Cover your skin: If you're worried about picking at your skin while you're sleeping, consider wearing gloves or wrapping your fingertips in bandages. You can also use acne patches or hydrocolloid bandages to protect your skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Use skincare products: There are several skincare products, such as acne patches or hydrocolloid bandages, that can help to protect your skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. You can also use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products to keep your skin clean and hydrated, without causing further irritation.
Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings when you're tempted to pick at your skin. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help you to become more aware of your habits and reduce the urge to pick. You can also try journaling to help manage stress and anxiety.
Reasons why you may be picking your skin
Understanding why you're picking at your skin can help you to address the root of the problem. Some common reasons why people pick at their skin include:
Stress and anxiety: Picking at your skin can be a way to cope with stress or anxiety, providing a temporary distraction from your worries. If you notice that you're more likely to pick at your skin when you're feeling stressed or anxious, try to find healthier ways to manage your emotions, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist.
Boredom: When you're bored, you may be more likely to pick at your skin as a way to pass the time. If you find yourself picking at your skin when you're bored, try to find other activities that can keep you occupied, such as reading or watching a movie.
Perfectionism: Some people may pick at their skin because they feel a compulsion to remove every blemish or imperfection. If you have a tendency towards perfectionism, we’d like to remind you that no one has perfect skin and that it's okay to have some imperfections!
Habit: Picking at your skin can become a habit, especially if you've been doing it for a long time. If you're struggling to break the habit, try to replace it with a healthier behavior, such as applying a skincare product or doing a quick exercise.
Lack of awareness: Some people may pick at their skin without even realizing it, especially if they're doing it absent-mindedly. Become more aware of your actions, such as by setting a timer to remind yourself to check in on your skin or keep a journal to track when you're most likely to pick.
By identifying the underlying reasons why you're picking at your skin, you can develop strategies to address the issue and break the habit.
In summary, picking at your acne can have serious consequences for the health and appearance of your skin. However, with the right strategies and awareness, you can break the habit and improve the health of your skin over time. If you're struggling with acne or skin picking, consider reaching out to a dermatologist or mental health professional for support.
Here at Aura Nur, we’d recommend a few skincare products to tackle your acne.
Rose Glow Face Mask
With ingredients like Kaolin and Illite Clay, Witch Hazel, Rose Water and Vitamin E, this mask will absorb excess oil or sebum, reduce skin redness, soothe skin irritation and acne as well as nourish, hydrate and even your skin tone.
Centella Jelly Face Mask
The mask is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which incorporates Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract and Hyaluronic Acid to soothe, moisturise and hydrate the skin, repairing and healing wounds, scars and blemishes as well.
Sebum Control Moisturiser
Effectively control excess sebum production with this gel / moisturiser, and see calmed itching, redness and a reduction in inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties control the acne, along with the hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract that will hydrate your skin.
That’s all this week!
If you have any concerns regarding today’s topic, drop us a text,
call us or even book an appointment with us! We’re here for you :)