I was standing in the shoebox-sized bedroom of my study-abroad homestay in Barcelona, Spain.
I’m still not sure why it began in that bedroom in Barcelonaperhaps I was homesick andanxious.
Make it hard or completely unsatisfying to pick."
Stocksy
Watching TV at home was similar.
Although not pitch black, it was a time when one mindless, trance-like activity begot another.
Picking at work was a bit different.
But I would find myself picking while staring at the computer screen any time I wasn’t directly typing.
The desk/computer-screen-picking connection became most apparent after a holiday vacation.
Dieux’sInstant Angel Moisturizerprovides the perfect blend of lasting hydration while reinforcing the skin’s barrier.
Harness What Motivates You
We all have things that motivate us.
For instance, a fear ofwrinklesis a pretty powerful motivator for melet alone early onset wrinkles.
I could always feel and knew this was happening.
Like applying Neosporin and Band-Aids after making my cuticles bleed, it was always just part of the ritual.
But toseeit happening was a different story.
Thumb-wise, the longest period I ever went without picking was leading up to my best friend’s wedding.
To set yourself up for success, make picking the skin as hard as possible.
Removing your nails is a great place to start.
“You want nothing but the pads of your fingers when your palm faces you,” says Palermino.
You want zero ability to scratch when you touch your skin.
If you’re able to scratch someone’s back, you haven’t cut them short enough."
I found that the busier I was, the less time I had to pick, logistically speaking.
You don’t have the ability to be doing something active and simultaneously picking.
It was those down times for me, sitting on a couch watching TV, that were seductive.
I retrained myself to fiddle with them when the urge struck, instead of picking at my problem areas.
“Good vibes don’t hurt, so if they happen to impart that as well, bonus.”
Seek Support
Don’t be afraid to seek supportfrom friends, family, and professionals.
Stay Positive
I found it incredibly helpful in my healing process to stay positive.
When I was doing really well, and then had a setback, I was bummed, no doubt.
But I knew that getting down on myself or demoralized wouldn’t help.
Remember that the skin is a regenerative organ with an amazing capacity to heal itself.
And if youdopick, keep in mind thesepost-picking solutions to help minimize damage.
“They’re transparent, incredibly thin, have a beveled edge, and stick to the skin.
You have the reminder when your fingers hit plastic to retreat.
Just check that to replace it right after.”
Luckily, our skin can heal itself, so wounds made from picking are not permanent.
Once its healing I love usingDeliveranceto soothe skin and start helping with hyperpigmentation," Palermino advises.
If you feel like your skin picking is linked to anxiety, consider speaking to a mental health professional.
Yes, if you are prone to picking the same spot, it may cause scarring.
