How to stop picking my skin once and for all?

Many people pick at their skin once in a while, but sometimes it crosses the line into a condition called skin picking disorder (excoriation).

When this happens, picking at the skin – for example, picking a scab or the skin around your nails – can become so frequent and intense that it causes bleeding, sores, and scars.

Some people with this disorder repeatedly scratch to try to remove what they see as some kind of imperfection in their skin.

However, skin picking disorder can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and overall health. Below are some tips that can help you tackle your picking.

Try Journaling

Instead of defaulting to picking your skin as a coping mechanism, journaling every morning or night can help ease any frustration and anxiety creeping their way into your headspace.

Hide your mirror

Kick the bad habit of staring into a magnified mirror. They can reinforce picking by putting every "flaw" on display, which incites temptation.

See a dermatologist

Enlist the help of a professional to help heal your skin and determine a healthy skincare regimen designed for your specific skin type and skin concerns.

Consider therapy

Consider therapy if the picking is leading to scarring and perhaps even is interfering with other aspects of life or if it leads to self-sabotaging thoughts, low self-worth, and even depression.

Clip your nails

The key to not exacerbating your skin even more? Keeping your nails short. Plus, it makes picking to begin with more of a challenge.

Occupy your hands

Whether it’s something as simple as keeping a stress ball by your desk or simply getting into the kitchen and making a batch of cookies or a loaf of bread, keeping your hands busy (and thus, off your face) is another great option if you're trying to wean yourself off the habit of picking your skin.