This topic is a lot more serious than you think, and I doubt my video really does the topic enough justice. Habitual acne picking is a big problem. In fact, it has been linked to obsessive compulsive disorder. First, have a look at my video:
I encourage you to visit the course if you haven’t already done so. The course is very long so you’ll need to take your time to read it, as in a few days at least.
This information may shock you
Skin picking, or in my case spot picking (pimples, blackheads and whiteheads) you think is a normal part of having acne, but really its not. It’s actually a very serious problem, and one which can prolong your acne condition. I’m convinced now that if I left my skin alone then my acne would have cleared up within a couple of months instead of a year. And I’ve now been left with damaged skin from picking at it and all the products I’ve put onto my face.
The course explains how picking one blackhead or pimple can create ten more, or even a face full of them. I thought this was just a myth but now I believe it to be true. It also talks about the psychology behind pimple picking. I actually felt a huge sense of relief when I read the course because without realising it I was going form mirror to mirror staring and picking at my reflection. I was wasting literally hours of my life in front of the mirror, and I was practically mutilating myself by picking at my spots. If I just left them alone they would heal a lot faster and wouldn’t end up bleeding or being as red and inflamed on my face.
Why do we pick?
I can’t answer for everybody here, but there’s a lot of psychology behind it. The French actually have a name for it, they call it ‘des Juennes Filles’ or ‘little girls disease’ and it’s apparently quite common in young girls in France. It’s called ‘little girls disease’ because it’s believed that young girls pick their spots so their acne stays on their face. This make them unattractive to men which is their intention, because they want to remain as girls and not turn into women.
My case was/is completely different. I only got severe acne (classed as severe because of cystic acne) after a traumatic experience last year. I think I was always a spot picker but I think it got a lot worse when I moved into my own place. The fact that I was living alone and single for the first time in ten years created a lot of emotional disturbance. I ended up focusing so much on my skin and picking at it as a distraction. If something was really bothering me I guess, focusing on my skin was an easy way to get my mind off it. I can even see a pattern now, every time I got a bit down or depressed, I’d start to see my skin as ‘spottier’ and more of a problem and I’d pick at it more. It probably wasn’t worse at all, but I think I made it worse by picking at it constantly.
I also had the idea that if my skin was clear then everything would be okay. This is so not true. I can tell you now that if my skin was 100% perfect all of a sudden, then I’d start focusing on something else. I guess I started to believe this because it was easy, it was almost something I could control.
My 30 day challenge
Every time I’m in front of the mirror and I have the urge to pick at a spot, I look at myself sternly and think ‘NO!’.
To all of my friends and family who are reading this, don’t be concerned, I’m not a crazy lunatic – I’ve probably made it sound a lot worse than it actually is. And so I don’t turn into a crazy lunatic and continue this behaviour, I’ve given myself a 30 day challenge. I’m not allowed to pick at my face or my spots for 30 days. This includes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and dry skin. I’m onto my third day and it’s already been a bit difficult. But making this promise to myself is enough to prevent me from doing it …and I’m confident that I can last the whole 30 days.
Every time I’m in front of the mirror and I have the urge to pick at a spot, I look at myself sternly and think ‘NO!’. It’s a bit lame but it works. I’m also trying a ‘lighter’ approach to my skin. Watching the process of a blackhead turning into a pimple with curiosity and interest. Observe the full formation without attacking it.
Worried about going out? Well, the way I look at it if you’ve got a scab or a bleeding spot from picking a pimple then that’s the most obvious thing on your face and people will notice it. They won’t notice unpicked spots as much. Also start thinking of yourself as beautiful more. It’s not you, it’s just a skin condition! If people don’t like the way you look then they’ll just have to get over it. The only important thing is you feeling happy and confident in yourself, and this can be achieved just by your own positive thoughts, by reminding yourself constantly that you look good. Beauty comes from confidence and if you feel happy and confident in yourself then it will radiate out of you and that’s what people will see.
Hopefully by the end of the 30 days I’ll notice a significant improvement in my skin, my confidence and my well being. My aim is to also curb the habit permanently.
It’s kind of like when I was a little kid. I used to pick my nails a lot – it had become a really bad habit (I guess it’s not that different to picking your spots, only I didn’t have them then). My dad decided to teach me to stop picking them so he gave me the challenge of not picking them at all for two weeks. If I didn’t pick them then he would give me a present. I LOVE presents so I followed the rules and didn’t pick. He gave me a nail maintenance set as a present :) It was so lovely and I’ve never picked my nails again. So I guess these bad habits can be stopped.
If you’re a spot picker, even if you just do it a little bit. I encourage you to join me in my 30 day challenge. Yes, it’s going to be damn hard when we have a huge zit in the middle of our face, but I’m willing to guarantee that if it’s left alone it will heal a lot faster.
:) Fran
Fran
96 responses ↓
Fran, I have been trying to do this for a while now but have been failing! Starting today I am now not going to pick any of my spots for 30 days, and I am positive that this will help my skin, I agree with you 100%!!!
Gemma
Hi Gemma, yeah, it’s been really hard but I’m sure it’s going to have great results. It’s been a few days for me now and it’s been hard now and again but I’ve been able to do it so far!
Well, I’ll put my name down for this. :) I’m usually very naughty at picking spots, but if I’ve told someone I’m not going to do it then perhaps I’ll succeed.
I did give up my 10+ year habit of nail-biting a few weeks back and quit smoking 4 years ago, so I know I can do things if I really put my mind to it.
It’s a lot easier than I thought ..until …I get a little pimple that forms a head. Then it’s super hard because those are the ‘embarrassing’ ones. So far so good though. The important thing for me is to not focus on my skin so much and look for bad stuff.
Luckily I haven’t had any new spots for a few days, the hard bit is going to be when my period comes around. I always break out then, and it’s usually big plump ones on my chin and jaw too.
I’ve taken to not looking in the mirror every time I pass it and so I haven’t really been thinking about my skin. It will be interesting to see how quickly and cleanly my spots clear up if I’m not fiddling with them.
Jaw and chin pimples are the classic PMT areas for breaking out. If it bothers you, you could try some supplements. I’ve had great success in the past from supplements alone for PMT spots.
Hi Fran, I have decided to take on the challenge, I know it will be one of the hardest things for me. I started picking 4 years ago, it started on my arms then face. I have tried to stop in the past but I always end up back where I started and it makes me depressed. I just hate when people say to me that if I keep picking I will get scars but they dont understand that I already know this and that fact does not prompt me to stop. My arms are the disaster area as I do not need a mirror to pick which makes it even harder to stop. From today I will not pick/scratch/ bust any spots anywhere on my body for 30 days! If anyone needs some support I am here.
Hi Kelly, that’s awesome! I’m so happy that you’re starting the challenge. Mine is over now but I’m still keeping it up which is the best result for me.
I did find that the first 2 weeks were easy and then for a few days I went almost back to my old ways and picked a little. It made me feel so guilty that I realised it wasn’t worth it so I stopped again.
It can be very hard, especially when it’s an old habit. I find that when I stressed or sad that I’m more tempted to do it so the first thing is to make sure I’m as happy and relaxed as possible.
Keep me posted on your progress.
I am with you all. I am trying to figure out what is wrong with me. Nervous habit? OCD? French girls desease although I am 39 years Old. I pick! I hate it. Start today! Thank you for this Fran
Mooch
Chicago, IL
Hi Fran,
I moved to a new city for a job opportunity in September. Having just graduated college, I thought this would be an exciting and stress-free time in my life, and the habit would disappear. Unfortunately, I am very lonely in a big city and still have the habit. I recently began dating someone but am very embarressed and ashamed of my skin. I’m signing up for the 30-day challenge today! I promise to give updates. Ps. I find tremendous comfort in that I do not suffer alone.
Hi Ashley,
You’re definitely not alone. I’ve received a lot of private emails and youTube messages from women who have the same problem.
I understand about the lonely thing too – I’ve been living alone (for the first time) for about 10 months now and this Saturday I’m moving in with a friend for a while. I’m kind of relieved because I think when I get lonely I feel more stress and start picking at my face more.
Please don’t be ashamed of your skin. The people we date don’t even notice our skin, they especially don’t notice as much as we do. My very best male friend who I hang out with a lot, saw me when my acne was at its worst. He saw me in all types of lighting, and even without makeup on. It was only when we were on a short holiday together that I asked him if he thought I needed to wear makeup that day to cover my pimples …he rolled his eyes and said he could hardly even see them anyway, so I showed him up close and it was only then that he could see them. He had to be REALLY looking at up VERY close to my face.
My point is – we’re the ones that stare at our face 2 inches away from the mirror. Nobody else does that. They just don’t see it because they’re not interested in starting at our skin for that long :)
AND if they’re dating you, I think they like you a lot so they wouldn’t care :)
fran
Hi Fran,
It didn’t occur to me that others don’t stand 2 inches from the mirror and stare at their skin. I try to catch myself leaning towards the mirror or unconsciously touching my skin.
For the 30-day challenge, I lasted 4 days, and my skin healed immediatly. I gave in for a couple days and became unhappy. I decided to not pick a spot, and the next morning, it disappeared. The lesson here is that our skin knows how to heal itself. Keeping this in mind, my skin is clear again.
Thank you for your support, and I hope you are doing well.
Hey Fran,
Im 16. My skin really is not bad at all, pore wise. My mom is more of the driving force behind how I feel about my skin. around when i was 13 or so, just when its normal to start developing mild acne or just a few pimples, she would make me go to facalists, and they would basically squeeze my skin and pick it for me. But i hated going to them. becuase i feel like i know more about how my face works that they do, like the ones i have to touch, the ones i know are problem pimples. But lately, i going like 1 inch from the mirror, and stare at my face, and when i see the smallest clogged pore i go wild. I have 2 types of medication from the dermotologist. because my mom was always scrutinizing my appearance when i picked. They cause scabs. How i stumbled across your blog was I typed it into google, I literally 10 mins ago just picked at my face. and I hadnt in so long. But i really felt the need to almost cleanse my face, that i hate seeing that its dirty. Can you relate to this at all? or am i just being over-ly paranoid. Also, to add onto it. I have a boyfriend. to whom ive been with for a long time, through the bad skin and teh good, but i still HATE it when i see him and im self concious about it, especially his parents i dont want any to judge me. I just feel uncomfertable. and its not a confidence things, its just beucase i KNOW its there. hopefully when i wake up in the morning my skin doenst look that bad!!!! any advice on my situation?
Hi Sue-Ann, I’m sorry that your mum acted this way. I wish she just gave you a hug and told you that you’re beautiful!
Have you read Laura’s article on Acne Dysmorphia? If you haven’t, please read it. You also might want to send her an email or talk to her through the forums because I know that you could benefit a lot from her experience and benefit a lot from talking to her.
Here is the article:
http://www.highonhealth.org/living-with-acne-dysmorphia-desperation-for-a-clear-complexion/
The best thing you can do is try to STOP thinking about your skin if you can although I know it’s hard. You need to take your mind elsewhere. As soon as you stop focusing on it so much it will just go away by itself. And people are not judging you for your skin, they probably think your skin is perfect. Trust me on this one.
Please contact me or Laura if you need more help, that’s what we’re here for :)
The best thing you can do is
Dear Fran,
Thank you so much for this challenge. I have been picking for many years. I grew up in an unstable environment with a lot of emotional abuse. I watched my brother pick and began doing it myself when I was in elementary school before I even had acne. Now I am 28 and have some scarring on my face. I too have had the frustrating experience of never finding anything that works. I know now that this is because of my habit of picking my skin. I will take the 30 challenge starting now, and am excited to begin to see the new me emerge. Thank you so much!
Hey, I just came upon this site the other day, after feeling truly fed up with how I could not seem to stop picking at my face and body. I havent seen any recent responses on this site, but I thought I would try to find out how everyone did on this challange and if it really made a difference on their acne. I started this challange myself two days ago and have thus far kept my hands away from my face, even though Ive gotton some really bad whiteheads around my mouth which hurt so bad! I am letting them heal on their own though and am excited to see what will happen when I dont mess with nature. Thank you so much Fran, for creating this site. It has inspired me!
I admit I’m a really bad picker, although I’ve gotten better lately. I’ve tried several times to stop. (I’ve even tried a thirty day challenge before) I always seem to go back to picking though. Before I used to pick at my face for hours EVERY night, now I still pick, but not every night and not for as long. I know this is extremely damaging to my skin and it’s already caused some scars, but even scars haven’t seemed to motivate me to stop. (any advise there?) Anyway I’m starting again on this challenge. I love your web-site Fran! Thanks for taking the time to help other acne sufferers!
Boomer- I find when that when I’m happy I don’t pick, and when I’m stressed or sad I automatically just start picking without even thinking about it.
So while 30 day challenges are helpful, the number one thing you want to do is make yourself as happy and as stress free as possible. Unfortunately that can be the biggest challenge of all! But making yourself happy can be a fun challenge too :)
I just turned 39 and always am either analyzing my face in the mirror or picking at bumps. I too know that picking makes it worse and can spread bacteria. I am starting the 30 day challenge. I hope I can do it. Even a dermatologist told me not to pick because those little ones can turn into cysts by picking them. I am so disgusted with my face. Every morning I wake up with some new spot.
Kim that’s fantastic you’re starting the challenge! I can tell you in all honesty that it will make a huge difference. I’ve completely stopped picking now and my skin has never looked better for it. Even if I get a small inflammation (which can be embarassing), I just leave it and it ends up going away faster and not leaving a scar.
I did need to get to the root of my picking problem though before I could fix it. I was using it as a distraction from all my problems. When I picked I was 100% focused on that task and all my problems went out of my head. So now I’ll do something constructive instead like laps in the pool, rollerblade or go and visit family or a friend :)
As I am looking thru your website, I am also looking into finding new skincare. I have tried Proactiv and am now using a line from my aesthetician (sp?) and still break out (Pevonia). I just wish I could find something to help. I’ve also gone back to drinking more water.
Hi Fran,
I just went seraching the net for cuticle/scab/pimple picking help and found stoppickingonme.com. I thought it looked interesting but was sceptical, then found your video and after watching it have decided to give it a try. I am 34 and have been picking in some form for as long as I can remember: when I finally stopped biting my nails as a child, I went to work on my cuticles, then as soon as I began to get pimples… It is totally compulsive and I have tried EVERYTHING to stop. It is amazing how powerful the compulsion is when it is so revolting and embarrassing! I am excited and hopeful about beginning to read the course and beginning to understand my skin and how important it is that I begin to care for it. Thanks for convincing me to make a commitment to this!
HI FRAN
Thanks for the 30 day challenge.Today is my second day and here and there i get tempted to pick but i just say a loud,NO.Its tough but i have to cope.I started picking at my pimples when i was a teenage now i am 31.This is the end i am tired of looking like a leopard.I have done enough damage to my face now i have said goodbye to the habit forever.You have changed me and there is no more turning back.
Oh I’m so happy that you’re doing the challenge! I wish you the best of luck. This is the second time the skin picking issue has come up today, I think it’s almost time for a recap video.
Well I’m back to restarting the 30 day challenge. Darn this is harder than I thought it would be. I can’t stand to see whiteheads or blackheads sitting on my face. I keep getting cysts on my chin and not sure if its from picking or what. I did just get the Bee Yummy skin food sample the other day. It seems nice but not sure if its helping my skin or not. I also really need to alter my diet. I truly believe that sugar and junk food is not good for the skin, I read its causes inflammation…. Fran, I’m at a loss of how to stop these cysts. I’m getting back to the point of wanting to not go outside or just take the easy approach and get an injection from the dermatologist. Any wise suggestions?
Kim, the Bee Yummy can purge your skin for up to a month so keep that in mind. You may find that your skin gets worse before it gets better.
Not picking is a very good start, so try and stick with that. Diet is also a big factor so you’ve got the right idea there. If your diet is currently poor, you should see amazing results with a transformed diet.
I also find that cysts are often hormonal. So you could try taking supplements to help balance our your hormones (although a modified diet will help balance your hormones out a lot too).
Thanks Fran. I’ve been using the Bee Yummy for about a week and I started using Philosophys cleanswer you recommended. I use the Bee Yummy at night for my moisturizer and am using Philosophy Moisturizer for Congested Skin in the morning.
Yes my skin did get worse a few days after using Bee Yummy. I just had my tubes tied in December so not sure how to balance my hormones….
I’m definitely joining you in this 30 day challenge. I just can’t stop myself from picking and I know it’s so bad for you to pick your skin. I hope I can do it — the challenge starts today! :)
Thanks for creating such a wonderful space for acne sufferers to vent and get some help. :)
i’d like to start this 30day challenge too – Lately i’ve made it up to about 1 week without picking, after which my old wounds from my last “session” has healed and i would fight with myself TO NOT PICK. Well i fell off the wagon after i got really angry during the day – and what do you know… took it out on my skin again. Its hard, you know its going to look a million times worse, like it does now :/
But after its healed up again i’m going with the 30day plan, hell i’ll even remove the mirrors in the house if i have to! – even with one week of no scratching the results are amazing, it makes me really happy – instead now i’m depressed again because my skin looks horrible.
To all those on this plan GOOD LUCK!
I try so hard not to pick but its impossible. when it scabs up, i pick. When I think there’s more to get out, I pick. Right now I use Mario Badescu products and they are wonderful. I’ve been using for 2 weeks and my skin has been really good since then. I tried to use the Purity Cleanser (I have oily skin, with cystic acne) but it looked so bad after a few weeks, clogged my skin horribly. Anyways, here I am AGAIN trying not to pick.
Hey Dee, you can do it! Remember the first 30 days wasn’t smooth sailing for me either. A few times I did slip but as time went on it got a lot easier to break the habit. I can tell you with confidence that it makes a HUGE difference with your skin if you don’t pick at it.
Like you I would also cover the mirrors in my house. It made a difference. And get outside more, go out and do stuff ..get your mind off it. That helps too :)
Hey there! I found your video through youtube and it led me here. Im almost 20 now and ive had acne that I have picked at since I was 12. So as you can imagine I do have a lot of scars and a messed up complexion. Its so hard not to pick at pimples especially when it seems to clear them faster in the short run. When I went a week without picking, the pimples on my face seemed to me to get worse… Who knows why. But anyways then I ended up going crazy and sqeezing them all and now they seem to be healing better because they dont have all the pus in them. But it still looks bad and I cant help but think: what would it look like if I had just continued cleansing it and not picking? They might be bumpier but less red. Anyways how did it all turn out for you? Did you notice any big changes after the 30 days (and after continuing)? I like your videos on superfoods too. Thanks for all the GREAT info and support to this community!
Hi Katie,
It was a slow healing process. Remember the skin does take a while to heal so you’ll need to give it at least 30 days to start to notice the difference. Now that I haven’t picked in a long time I can really notice a big change in my skin. And when I occasionally slip, that spot takes a lot longer to heal, and often looks a bit redder and angrier.
But a week is not long enough. It has to be at least 1 month.
Hey Fran!
First of all, let me start by saying I am relieved that I have found a site with so many people with the same problem as me. Most of these (if not all) were posted by females, but I wanted to say that I’m a 26 year old male and have had this problem since I was about 15, and it is just as embarrassing.
I am going to try to stop picking at my face, but here are my questions, and I would be appreciative of any advice you could give me.
Being a guy I have facial hair, and that seems to be the source of most of my acne. I have nice skin but thick hairs from shaving, and a lot of time they become ingrown *(which then required me to get them Ungrown) and thus acne. Sometimes they have turned into cystic acne, but I have never went to a dermatologist and frankly can’t afford shots or anything.
Because of the ingrown hair problem I have resorted to Plucking the areas of my mustache that I would normally shave because if I shave it makes ALL the hairs in that area ungrown which causes me severe acne. Now that this has been going on (mainly for about the last 4 years severely) I now have these spots on my face that are darker due to all the constant trauma.
I’ve decided to save up and get laser hair removal as it’s permanent and they can just focus on the problem areas. But as far as the dark spots, what can I do?
Is there a scar creme that you would suggest, or getting a facial peel? PLEASE help. This is definitely a confidence buster and I haven’t felt like myself in a long time.
-Shawn
Hey Shawn, I remember watching a video recently about this ingrown hair problem! I wish I could remember where it was :( I just had a look for you but I couldn’t fit it. It MAY have been on the renegade health show with Kevin Gianni.
I’m certain that once you leave your skin alone the darker spots will fade. It may take a bit of time but they will go away. Just chill out and give your skin a break.
I’m currently writing an acne scar book which i think will help you out a lot. I’ll let my everyone know by email when it’s out.
Hi Shawn,
I have used the Skin Lightening Gel by Murad. Its kinda expensive ($55 USD) but it definitely works. If you choose to do nothing just make sure you use either sunscreen or stay out of the sun because I’ve found that my red spots get worse when out in the sun for a while. Hope this helps and good luck!
I’m 15 and i just hate pimples and getting them. But it’s a part of life, i guess. I saw this and it’s a great idea! I’m starting today not picking my face. Do you think I still put oxy or polysporin to heal my other pimples? Or just leave it alone?
Is Picking pimples the same as Popping pimples?
Wow. I’m so jealous you were able to do a 30 day challenge. I’ve tried so many times. I have been trying to do that for about 6 months. I got to 7 days once which was awesome for me. But I can’t seem to get any further. I know everything in my head about why I shouldn’t do it, but my body just takes over I guess. I suddenly find myself up against the mirror. I have spent soo much money on trying to get my skin better so there is less to pick but I think you’re right – i just need to stop thinking about my skin. And definitely do something to keep myself away from the mirror.
Anyway,
It’s nice to see it can be done :)
i also pick my pimples even when there is nothing there i just seem to make new spots out of nothing or a small unnoticable blackhead. I HAVE TO STOP. i go to school trying to cover them up and they look even worse becase of all the makeup. I have tryed to stop before so many times its just so har , i have got the mirror out of my room and in the bathroom. This helps a little but i always seem to find new ways of looking at my reflection. I will try the 30 day challenge and i WILL SUCEED and be positive and stop my horrible disorder… i have been using tea tree oil on my sores and scabs and am just wondering if this is the right thing, or should i apply toothpaste.
natarsha, don’t apply toothpaste. TTO is okay but the scabs are better off just left alone because usually there is no longer any bacteria in there. A good trick to help with the mind games is to apply a clay mixed with apple cider vinegar or water to each spot at night. This will help to heal your pimples, AND you won’t be able to see them because there will be a big blob of clay on top. It’s great for preventing picking. You’ll look a bit funny but who cares :)
uhh i’m only 13. and out of my whole class and all i don’t really have acne. i think i’m paranoid because i scrutinze at myself every day and night. recently i got a massive under the skin pimple (luckily in the holidays) and i’ve been putting toothpaste and tea tree oil. now it’s a lot lighter and kinda flat like not bulging out. is there a way to get rid of it because i worry too much…
I’m going to try your challenge because my prom is in a month and I really want my skin to clear up. However, I am a massive picker and I pick at everything, even ripping my skin in the process. As a result, I have the dottiest face in school ( as far as I can see) and I really want my skin to heal.
Other than not picking it…do you have any ideas how I could help my skin heal faster?
Akira — You should just relax. Only because your friends have acne, doesn’t mean you’ll get it too. Stop worrying about things that may never even happen! You’re way too young to be worrying about anything.
Dotty — You should get at least 8 or more hours of sleep every night. Your skin heals faster when you are getting enough sleep. When my skin gets terribly dry from all the acne creams and stuff I put on, I’ll put tons of vaseline on my face and go to sleep (for 9-10 usually on the weekend).. When I wake up my skin feels SO good!!! If you don’t get any kind of reaction to vaseline, I suggest you try that. But SLEEP A LOT! ;)
Dotty- Follow the steps in my mini-course. Good luck with the skin picking, leaving your face alone for a while will make a big difference!
I have had a big problem with squeezing pimples for at least two years now- and I hate it.
I can relate to every comment posted here, and as I was reading this blog I realised that I had already visited “Stop Picking On Me”, read the whole thing, and then gone back on my word and started squeezing all over again.
The worst part is the horrible guilt and regret afterwards, and the fact that you have to anxiously wait to see how it turns out the next morning. I literally groan as I get up every morning, dreading the results of my picking the night before.
Just as my skin will start to clear up, I’ll search it for any tiny visible bumps to squeeze out…it’s like an obsession! It seems like nothing and no-one can stop me, despite all the warnings I’ve heard.
Even my friends have asked why I have bruises on my forehead…only to suddenly realise that it’s a scab I’ve tried to cover up.
It’s humiliating and crushing, and today I’m going to stop. If all these people can do it, then there has to be a way. Thankyou for writing this blog, and I’m officially signing up to change my life for the better.
l am only 13 and have the WORST habit of picking at my pimples. l am now detrmined to complete this 30 day no picking challenge, l belive that it will really work. l use Clean&Clear advantage, it has helped A LOT. But my horrible habit just causes the darn things to multiply.
l will complete this challenge with confidence that my face and the wa l feel about myself improve. And besides, who dosent like a good (HARD!) challenge?
Thankyou for bringing this to my attention, maybe now, it will be easier.
I made it to 24 days and then I picked! I was so close.
Starting today I will not pick my pimples. Well, try not to.
What is a good face wash to use? Does using a tough scrub good for your skin, because it takes off the dead skin cells?
Are all natural products good for your skin? I’m using Burt’s bees body wash for my face, is that alright? I wash in the morning and when I come home from school.
Heather, 24 days is fantastic! You should be so proud of yourself for making it that far.
All of your questions are answered in my mini-course and my blog ..so sign up to my mini-course if you haven’t already (it’s free) – http://www.highonhealth.org/newsletter.php and do a search in my blog (search button is on the right hand side of this page)
Hi Fran!! =) I was so happy to find this website. I think motivation is all I need to stop. Its hard i have lasted a few weeks without it before, but in the end without even noticing im back at it. When i start i can’t stop I find it imposible. When i mess up one spot that changes into a huge scab i tend 2 check it every few minutes in the mirror which just makes me notice other pimples, and developes into my whole face being destroyed. I feel like i am missing out on life because i cancel going out with friends because i feel so ashamed of my mutated face. My self confidence has sank so low ever since i started getting blemishes on my face. Fran i look up to you!! I really hope the 30 day challege will help me…Thanks a million
hi fran,
am trying to stop picking at my pimples for ages now ..i can hold myself for 6 dayz then i make my face a mess…it’s the worst problem ever i had to deal with in my whole life…but seeing u try and the others here gives little hope
i wish this time it works
thank you very much
ahh, how do you/did you not pick at dry skin, i hate it, i just have this fear that if i don’t rid myself of dry dead skin after washing my face prior to applying toner & moisturizer that my face will break out before of the dry skin just sitting on my face and me applying toner & moisturizer to it. Any help? Is this more of a delusion I have? Please give me some wisdom Fran:)
Hi,
Day 1. I have only succeeded for a week at a time. 30 days is touch but I have to do this for myself. I know I can, and I will.
Thank you, Fran for the first thorough article I have found. I am only fourteen years old, but I pick and pop subconsciously when I am unhappy or just bored and I am sick of it, so even if I cannot do it at the same time as you, I begin now on the 30 day challenge. I am inspired that all of you could actually do it, so you will be my motivator to stop and do something constructive like my schoolwork. Thanks again,
Serena
Thanks to your 30 day challenge, I am face picking free!!!!! Its is great, I haven’t been counting but its been at least 2 months. My skin looks amazing! To help me with the challenge I started using a new skin care program. Helps me look forward to taking care of my face and excited for improvement. It is and anti aging skin care program by Arbonne. Before I was using an acne wash and facial lotion and it just seemed like it was irritating my skin and making pimples worse. I stop using spot treatments and all, only using Arbonne. My skin has never looked better! Thank you again, I’d been struggling with this for several years. I feel so much more comforable in front of the mirror and out in public.
I will not pick at ANYTHING on ANY part of my face or body for 30 days (until march 18, and hopefully forever there after).
Hi, I’m starting this in the morning, so i’ll start by cutting my nails, cleaning them and putting clear nail varnish on. (I would put White to see the dirt but school doesnt let me.)
Good luck to everyone else. I’ll start to keep my hands occupied, too!
Hi – I am going to try to start today. The most I have been able to do is 14 days but I would love more than anything to get to 30. Thank you for sharing your story and giving me hope that it can be done. Very inspiring!
Hi,
I am going to start today today. I have tried before but felt that I was alone with this problem. Thanks for everything!
Hey Fran,
I am starting today! wish me luck x
Wow…so glad to have found this website. I have been picking since age 13 or 14 and I’m 32 now. For the last year I have been working on my stress and dissatisfaction with life with the help of a therapist and support group. And for the first time in my life I’m feeling true care and love form myself so I’d like to stop being so dissatisfied with my skin. And so I’m signing up for 30-days free of picking, putting that dab of green clay mixed with apple cider when feeling the urge coming up, and also I’ll be treating myself to something nice at the end of the 30 days. Not sure what i’ll be but I have all that time to think about it. Happy thoughts and best wishes to everyone on the same boat.
I have been a picker ever since I was a little girl when my friend showed me that you could squeeze puss out of pores on the nose. I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted picking at my skin. It makes me feel so bad and it makes me moody around my boyfriend – causing problems in an otherwise beautiful relationship. My skin is not terrible. I have blackheads in every pore on my nose and T-zone, but they are relatively small. Also, when I pull at my forehead skin, many raised bumps appear and I pick at those like crazy. Last year, I discovered bumps on my cheeks and began picking those (What a nightmare!.) About three months ago, I started scratching at my back. (Listen to me describe my skin….I’m a flippin psycho! lol) I know my skin would be more beautiful if I didn’t touch it, it just feels so darn impure when I don’t get those invader black heads and bumps out of my skin. I’ve tried not picking before and I last about five days or so. BUT!!!…. I feel really inspired having listened to you. It is so obvious and simple what you’ve said here, but maybe I just needed to hear these things from someone as down-to-earth as you. I am starting my 30 day no-pick today! Wish me luck :) Thank you! Breath in…Breath out.
Over the last year or so i’ve been working very hard at changing my self-esteem and my skin from the inside out. Its increadibly hard work but I believe it pays off. Ive spent so much time in my life… almost every day for the last oh, nine years or so, in front of a mirror feeling shame and frustration. It has a been desperately destructive path. Now I know my skin is damaged as a result of an illusion. The illusion that I am not good enough, ugly, trying to project myself superficially and getting confused about the concept of beauty. Beauty really does come from the inside, and is in the eye of the beholder. Other’s eyes can often act as a mirror to us. I really believe now after all this experience that our thoughts/ emotions/ attitude towards anything will influence it, especially ourselves. I think maybe a key in this process that should not be overlooked is the challenge and work of self-acceptance. You need to change what is on the inside to change what is on the outside. It really helps to just gently remind yourself to be conscious and remember, when you catch yourself putting yourself down in your own reflection, pick yourself back up (but dont pick anything else) and give yourself some love. This can be really hard to do because you might just experience pain doubt fear anxiety… but time after time if you practise looking at yourself in the mirror and really truely tell yourself that you accept yourself no matter what you look like (or feel like), hopefully you can start to have compassion and love for yourself and this can help immensely if you are trying to stop harming yourself on the outside. But impulses are tricky things. They feed off of confusion and negetivity. Getting to really know yourself deep down and know your impulses and when they are worst is very important. Okay I think thats enought typing ;P
Wishing everybody a fulfilling and healthy life!
-peace!
Wow Fran!
I thought I was the only crazy obsessed woman with this addiction! My face isn’t bad at all…i dont’ have acne by any means….i get a pimple now and then, so I dont’ even have anything to pick at, but i find myself in the mirror for long periods of time picking at and trying to empty out any little bump or blackhead or anything that I can find on my face…it’s crazy!!! it’s an obsession!! i find, just like you said, that it’s when i feel depressed, or down, or out of control in other areas of my life!!! wow, i’m so glad i checked out this website! it helps to know that i’m not the only one and that although it is not healthy or “normal”, it is normal, and there are other people out there that do the same thing as me!!!! soooooooooo, i’m signing up for this 30 day challenge with you…i think it will help me and give me the motivation to stop picking and i will think twice when i bend over my sink and get 1 inch from the mirror and start looking for pores to empty out…thank you! i’m doing this…and i hope that once my skin is totally cleared up, i will feel in control and stop this addiction once and for all…for good! because just like you, it is mental thing for me and DEFINITELY a control thing!
I joined the fight! Two days ago I started my own website/blog to track my process. Its about Picking, eating and sitting on my ass. Its mainly for my eyes only (and a few friends who get a kick outta it). Im using it like a personal Journal of some sort. It allows me to rant a bit and to pat myself on the back when I do a job well done. I want to thank you for inspiring me. It was your words saying that You need to forgive yourself when you start picking, and to remind yourself not to pick at all. Im going for a cold turkey method, so wish me luck!!!
Even though this was posted in FEB, I’ve decided to join in. By reading this article (alongside the book you recommended) I’ve decided its my inner perfectionist/OCD.
HELP! I wish I could not think about my skin, but the problem is that my face itches throughout the day so when i rub/itch i end up feeling acne that I could pop and it drives me crazy till I do it. I use facial moisturizers (even ones w/ sunscreen though its bad for acne) but it doesn’t help the itching….. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS PROBLEM? Let me know if something has worked for you on that……. other than that I will not pick or scratch off dead skin for 30 days!
yeah tammy, mines come to the point of it being OCD like. very habitual, wonder if i’d even stop if my skin did look really good. a big issu i have is leaving dry skin and just toning/moisturizing over it without picking it away, i just feel like if i dont pick it away its going to clog my pores by leting it sit there, then lead to more blemishes which would lead to more picking….vicious cycle…
Hi Tammy,
Do you by any chance have rosacea? I do and sometimes my skin will start to itch before a flair up. It is really hard not to touch and then start touching other areas. I have to keep telling myself over and over that it will only make it work. You have to let things naturally heal. Much easier said than done.
There is another site called stoppickingonme.com that has great information on the skin and on healing.
Good luck to everyone. I am on day 25 of no picking (started June 1). In the final stretch but has been very hard. Honestly, it has just taken sheer determination and will power. I have tried and failed before. Not sure what made this different other than I finally had enough and realize I deserve to treat myself and my body better.
Best of luck to you all.
Chrissy, I hadn’t thought of that and I dont know maybe I do… people are always saying my cheeks look sunburned when they aren’t.
Confession. I picked one today… I had 3 come up and i hadn’t touched them for 2 days and last night i scratched my face and today it looked worse so I picked it. gross… and I feel bad so I left the other 2 alone.
Scott, have you read the article?
The article helped me not pick the other two. I immediately thought “you’re body is getting rid of them well by itself and wont leave you scars… while you’re creating a battlefield people can see”
My face is pretty cleared up besides the little ones here and there nothing too bad. :)
Hi Tammy,
That might be rosacea. If you can, see a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. I get red in the face as well as breakouts on my cheeks.
Good luck with the picking. I just made it 30 days (started June 1) but it has taken me a VERY long time to achieve this. Honestly, it has just been sheer will power but I won’t lie it’s tough. But it can be done. I have picked on and off for years and FINALLY am breaking free.
Take care,
Chrissy
Well I am going to take the 30 day challenge which I know is going to be extremely difficult due to the amount of picking I have been doing for the last 4 years. I have been a picker since the age of 11 or so and now it has become out of control. I cannot fathom the hours I have wasted in front of a mirror or focused on my skin. I know I have an OCD disorder. I am a classic far ahead thinker. I rarely live in the “now” except for when I’m picking. But I must stop for the sake of my son. It’s ridiculous that mommy disappears into the bathroom to pick until he seeks me out.. The lost time with him is my inspiration. Just thinking about not picking makes me nervous and itchy.. That’s Crazy! I’m just so glad I have gotten lucky so far with minimal scarring.. But now that I’m getting older I am noticing the damage. I guess Im writing this so I stick with it. If I say to others I’m going to do it I will try my hardest.
Writing this to acknowledge that someone saw your msg Keli, to strengthen the whole ‘if i told others i’m going to do it’ motivation for you! Good luck!
Good luck Keli. It isn’t easy but it can be done. Think of all the time you get back with your son. After about 3 weeks, it is a lot easier. They say most habits take about 3 weeks to break and I think that is true. Just keep telling yourself you will feel better if you stop.
Best wishes and good luck!
Hi…. im 18 now,,, and my sister always had and still has this habit of pickin at her skin ,, she has really bad acne.. But about a year ago a started pickn too,, now i dnt hav acne prone skin at all— i like to say that i just create my own acne !!! its really bad ,, its like an addiction and i cant stop!! i will pick at things that isnt even there and yess… this has been a huge problem!.. but i think it has a lot of psycological reasons!! because the last year or 2 i’m not really happy ,, my life has changed a lot,,
But from 2morrow the 3rd of sept im really gonna start this 30days of no picking!!! i never really comment ,, but now i have to =) … thanx so much for yr web!!! is there anythin else i can do?? like instead of pickin.? any suggestions?? like 2 keep my hands busy… =)
I totally have this disorder! I can’t believe I never saw it or looked into it before. Reading this seriously made me cry because all this time I thought I was alone. I never knew how many people this really affects. It has been completely eye-opening. Thank you for giving me hope!
I am going to do the 30 day challenge starting now!!! I have been doing this since starting high school and it’s bad for my skin!!!
I’m officially starting this today. I’ve tried before and failed, but i know in my heart i can do this if i really give it my all. I’m tired of coming up with excuses and saying “ok just one more… ok just this other one” its time to let go of this habit and let my skin do the healing naturally.
Thank u Fran for the idea of doing this challenge
and for the rest of us doing the challenge, remember that all things are possible and every day there is progress if we let it!!!!!
Yeah, that damn excuse i hear you. The voice that says ‘it’s not gonna heal unless i do this to it, if i don’t do this I’m going to break out more’ oh the mind, a great gift, but can be our greatest enemy too. Love you all out there struggling out there with this like me, good luck!!!!
I’m going to do it. Starting today. Thank you much.
I have also been doing this challenge for about a year and it seems to have helped my skin. I still do pick when I get a big whitehead, but mostly I do not pick and ignore most mirrors and it seems to have helped my skin a lot. Good luck to everyone doing this challenge and I would recommend it!!
Also for those of you who may have ezcema or acne blemishes I highly recommend natural products from lush.co.uk. Personally I find Lush’s Dream Cream great for my skin for my blemishes and Anti-Inflammatory Cream from activeformulas.co.uk or skinactives.com if not in the UK . And Clean and Clear Advantage Quick Spot Treatment gel is also good for spots I get.
Hope this info may help someone with similar skin problems.
Peace!!
day ten for me, and my skin has cleared a lot!
Day 1 of the challenge…..I can do this, I can do this, I can do this. The longest I’ve got is only a couple of days so I’m excited and hopeful that I can go a full 30 days without picking at my skin! I know I can do it!
Day 2 of the challenge…..still going really strong. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.
Day 3, I can’t believe I’ve come this far!!! The weekends are always my hardest time and that’s coming up after tomorrow. But, if I can stop for 3 days, then I can stop for 30! Wish me luck!!
I can do this, I can do this, I CAN DO THIS!!!
I decided to join the challenge… Thank you for the motivation :)
I am decided to join as well!! I am tired of skin picking habit!! I knew it bad but I am keep doing it!! I am taking this challenge no matter what! thanks Fran!
I take this challenge!
I just turned 15, and my acne has definitely gone worse since I go into high school. I used to pick in my middle school days, but not as much as now.
I just neeeeeeed to pick it sometimes, and I KNOW the consequences. BUT I JUST CANT STOP. I honestly can feel my hand twitching sometimes from the urge to pick. I do not necessarly pick it when Im under stress, but I pick it when im bored. My hand just glides over my face so naturally, sometimes I dont even notice Im picking at it (I know it sounds kooky but its true).
I want clear skin SO bad, and I will try my best to achieve it.
Thanks for the motivation. NO PICKING FOR 30 DAYS STARTS NOW. i will update.
Anyone want to finally take the plunge with me? i think it’ll be better if there’s someone doing it with me and we both have to remain accountable and not let one another down. Could be a good opportunity to form a meaningful friendship, even if it is just online through emails, chat, etc. I shall await a response, lets finally stare fear in the eye until it’s the one that looks away, not us!
I thought it was important to share this. I suffered with picking throughout high school, college, and a few years after graduating. Around November 2010, I had an epiphany and realized it was more than a bad habit. I realized I had a disorder famously known as OCD. Looking back, I had OCD the entire time, which I attribute to a chemical imbalance in my brain. So, in order to regain balance, research told me to take vitamin B-50 complex once a day. Soon after I felt happier, and the habit disappeared like magic. For those of you suffering, please consider taking this vitamin. I can finally start the next chapter in my life.
Hi,
I’m so relieved that I found your website and your post of picking pimples. I’ve had this bad habit of picking every scab, pimple, blackhead and pretty much every piece of unsmooth skin.
I’ve always wanted to cure myself of this bad habit and have good skin like everyone else by reading and trying lots of fancy skin products.
Now I’ve realised that the cure is just so simple – to overcome the psychological urge to pick my skin, probably just a form of anxiety or OCD symptoms.
So I guess its just down to self-discipline and will power.
I’ll give this a try and see what I’m like in 30 days…
Hi, I am so excited that I found this site. I started a 30 challenge 8 days ago but now its getting kind of hard, my skin seems to be breaking out and its really getting to me. I have tried a 2 week challenge of not picking my face and made it through the whole two weeks but then I reverted back to old habits before I knew it. This time I want to get it right, I HATE picking my face so much…actually, it seems that now that I am aware of the habit the picking has gotten a lot worse. My boyfriend mentioned that my scars has gotten worse now than it was when he first met me. I hide behind makeup all the time but I am so tired of it. I know I probably won’t be able to do this alone, so is anyone willing to take on the challenge with me? Email me if you are.
Hi Sherri,
I feel your pain as I am in similar situation where my skin has got a lot worse from picking spots and skin. I will join you in this challenge as it would be great to have some support. How are you doing so far? :) x
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