Quick Tips to Stop Picking Your Pimples

Can't keep your hands off your face? 

Skin picking, or pimple picking, is a common concern that affects numerous acne sufferers. Most people do it in response to an active acne lesion that feels itchy or painful, while others do it purely for the satisfaction of squeezing out the nastiness. For some pickers, it's simply a habit they do due to concentration -- or in other words, while watching TV, reading, or working at their desks. According to dermatologists, pimple picking can also be associated with anxiety, stress, and OCD. 

If skin picking is disrupting your life and you want to learn how to stop, keep reading for quick tips on how to stop picking your pimples. 

#1: Remember That Picking Can Have Permanent Side Effects

You may think squeezing your breakouts will help them heal quicker, but that's not true. By picking your blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules, you're disrupting the skin barrier and creating a wound that may lead to acne scars and possibly even infection.

Acne scars are tough to get rid of once you have them. It's far better to prevent them from happening in the first place by keeping your hands off your face until your blemishes heal. 

Whenever you feel the urge to pick, bear this fact in mind. The more you pick, the more likely you'll end up with acne scars that may take years to heal. 

#2: Know Your Triggers

If you can't stop picking your skin, try identifying your triggers so you can stop yourself before it happens again. People pick for a variety of reasons, including boredom, discomfort, or negative emotions. Some even find the experience pleasurable, which is why it becomes a habit. 

Understanding your triggers can be a great step in figuring out the best treatment option. For instance, if your picking is triggered by anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, consult a mental health professional for advice. If you pick your zits because they itch or hurt, you may have an undiagnosed skin condition. In this case, see a dermatologist for prescribed skincare products or oral medication.

#3: Hide Your Magnified Mirror

If you have a habit of constantly analysing your blemishes in front of a magnifying mirror, do yourself a favor and kick the habit. These mirrors reinforce pimple picking by highlighting every flaw on the skin. It reveals blemishes that would not be noticed by the human eye. For that reason, it can be detrimental to your mental health and in turn your skin picking disorder. 

On the subject of mirrors, avoid spending too much time in front of any mirror. It'll only encourage you to start picking again.

#4: Try Pimple Patches

Pimple patches are basically stickers infused with zit-draining hydrocolloid and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. They work by draining the active pimple of fluid while injecting it with acne-fighting goodness to clear up your breakout, while preventing you from picking -- since it will be covered up.

Wearing these patches won't just actively treat your breakouts, it'll help you stop picking and prevent blemishes from turning into scars. Plus, they're fun to use!

#5: Focus on Your Skincare Routine

Skin picking can be an obsessive habit that's hard to break. A good way to train yourself to stop picking is to focus more time and energy on your skincare regimen. In addition to addressing active issues, just knowing that you've spent time applying different products may help to keep your hands off. It should be a strong motivation booster!

Need some inspiration for a skincare routine? Always start with a gentle cleanser followed by a hydrating toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once a week, incorporate exfoliation into your routine to slough away dead skin cells, un-clog pores, and prevent zits from forming.

Try our exfoliating Glow Serum, which contains a blend of glycolic acid and bakuchiol to buff away dead skin, diminish clogged pores, and promote an illuminated complexion.

#6: Meditate

According to mental health professionals, meditation can be highly effective at helping you develop new habits and feelings. It can also reduce stress and improve concentration. 

"Refocusing with healthier ways of redirecting energy can be adequate can break the habit of picking," says Michele Farber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group. 

So download an meditation app or enrol in an online class and feel your stress levels and your urge to pick begin to subside.

#7: Apply a Face Mask

Face masks are a great excuse to unwind, relax, and pamper your skin. Best of all, you can use them pretty much anywhere. Face masks can work as a barrier to stop you from picking. Alongside this, using face masks on a regular basis can keep your skin nourished and minimize irritation and breakouts, making the notion of picking less appealing.

Choose a formula like Rainbow's exfoliating Glow Mask or moisturizing Hydrate Mask to keep your complexion clear and covered while deleting dryness and dullness.

#8: Seek Professional Help

Skin picking isn't necessarily something to be worried about unless it's linked with feelings of anxiety and distress. In some cases, pimple picking can be a symptom of a psychological disorder. 

Skincare psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Zakhary describes it as a repetitive behavior that causes distress and impairment. If you can't stop the habit you should seek professional help as soon as possible, as skin picking disorder can be treated by cognitive behavioral therapy. Unfortunately, not many people do, which is why it goes untreated and issues like scarring occur.

"Less than 20 percent of patients who pick will actually seek any kind of treatment for skin picking," says Zakhary. "That's because most people don't know that skin picking is something that can be helped or treated. And also, many people are ashamed or embarrassed about it."

You definitely don't need to be embarrassed. Skin picking is super common and can be treated with therapy and certain medications. You may also be prescribed topical medication to treat active zits or scars.