She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Compulsive Skin Picking

A Personal Journey to Self-Acceptance

I still remember the day I finally broke free from the vicious cycle of skin picking. It was a typical morning, and I was getting ready to head out the door when I caught myself reaching for the moisturizer instead of my fingers. It may seem like a small victory, but for someone who had been struggling with compulsive skin picking for years, it was a major milestone.

The Innocent Beginning

As a teenager, I had relatively good skin, with only the occasional pimple that would pop up. But things took a turn for the worse when I started taking hormonal birth control pills in college. Suddenly, my face was plagued with deep, painful cysts that would take months to heal. I would squeeze and pick at them, hoping to get rid of the pus and smooth out my skin. But it always ended in disaster, leaving my face bloody and scarred.

The Realization

It wasn’t until my boyfriend pointed out my behavior that I realized I had a problem. He would often catch me picking at my skin and would gently remind me of the harm I was causing. It was then that I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggle. I started researching and discovered that skin picking, also known as excoriation, is a common impulse control disorder related to OCD.

Finding Solutions

Armed with this new knowledge, I set out to find ways to overcome my habit. Here are some of the strategies that worked for me:

• Short Nails: I cut my nails as short as possible to reduce the temptation to pick at my skin.
• Face Masks: I started using face masks at home, which not only nourished my skin but also made it difficult to pick at my face.
• Medical Tape: I used medical tape to cover up pimples, creating a physical barrier to picking.
• Dietary Changes: I researched the link between diet and hormonal acne and made changes to my diet, eliminating dairy and grains that triggered my acne.
• Mirror-Free Zone: When our bathroom mirror had to be removed due to pipe repairs, I discovered that not having a mirror in front of me helped me break the habit of constantly examining my skin.

The Journey to Smooth Skin

It’s not easy, and it takes constant effort to maintain my skin’s health. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to struggle and that seeking help is the first step towards healing. Today, my skin is smooth and acne-free, although it still bears the scars of my past struggles. I’m working with my dermatologist to improve my scarring and prevent future breakouts.

Breaking the Silence

I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who struggle with skin picking to know that they’re not alone. It’s time to break the silence and seek help. With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to overcome compulsive skin picking and enjoy the smooth, healthy skin you deserve.