Let's break the ice on a serious topic with a dash of humor, shall we? While most of you are busy picking out the flavor for your coffee or the cutest fit for the day, I'm over here aimlessly picking my face.
See, we’re not that different, we all pick something! We also all have something we're trying to “cover up”, whether it's that hot coffee with a koozie or our bodies from insecurities. For me, it's covering up open sores and scabs with makeup.
But maybe it's time we shed our layers and let our differences and insecurities shine through. Speaking of insecurities, I have a confession to make, I struggle with skin picking disorder aka Excoriation disorder.
So… what the hell is that?? For me, it’s mindlessly touching my face searching for skin imperfections, and then spending all day fighting the urge to pick at them (majority of the time giving in to the urge). Its finding a pimple (or basically creating one) and then squeezing the life out of it until something inside me feels some sort of completeness; then picking at the same area for days on end trying to make it “go away”.
It’s the weird satisfaction that comes with this disorder and then the equally dreaded feeling of defeat and sadness of seeing what I have done to my skin. It’s telling myself over and over I won’t touch my face again and then realizing I have been touching my face again. It’s my way of dealing with anxiety, stress and overthinking.
The Reality of Living with Excoriation Disorder
Living with Excoriation Disorder is like being stuck in a crazy game of "Don't Touch That!" where your skin is the forbidden fruit. Imagine battling an itch that's screaming to be scratched, but you can't give in, but then you d
o and nothing good came from it. It's like being a warrior, fighting the urge to pick, squeeze, or just plain hurt yourself. It's a tough fight, but the good news is, if this sounds like you, you're not in this alone!
There are loads of ways to soothe your mind and your skin, to get the support you need. It’s time to give those tweezers a break, put down the magnifying mirror and pamper yourself in a good way! Make self-care and positive vibes your new besties. Let's show your skin who the boss is!
Skincare and Self-Care Have Become My Skin’s Saving Grace Against Excoriation Disorder
I whole heartedly believe in the healing powers of a good skincare routine, including face masks to help resist skin-picking urges.
If you struggle like I do, make time for yourself in the morning and night to focus on REAL selfcare. This includes double cleansing your skin, 
then gently applying Rose Glow Oil to nurture your skin. All while resisting the urge to pop or pick by telling yourself positive affirmations or setting personal skin goals.
Once a week treat yourself to the Hibiscus Rose clay mask, this is like your “superhero cape” to create a barrier between you and your fingers. It will also help to smooth your skin and “heal” any picked on areas. Once you have completed your skincare routine, step away, you don’t want to spend too much time in front of the mirror, sometimes what the eye doesn’t see the fingers “can’t feel.”
Keep yourself busy throughout the day so you are not tempted to touch your skin again. Remind yourself of the selfcare time you are going to make for yourself that evening to pamper your skin and become the best version for yourself.
And trust me, both your skin and hands will thank you for this!
Maintaining a Positive Attitude Despite the Struggle
Maintaining a positive attitude in the midst of battling Excoriation Disorder can be as challenging as trying to keep a squirrel out of your bird feeder. But fear not! Remember, you are not alone in this crazy finger dance. Obviously, we can’t indulge in skincare and face masks all day, so we must find something else to occupy our hands to prevent the urge to pick and touch our skin.
Get some stress balls and leave them in places where you often are, pick at the edges of paper, find some playdoh or even fidget spinners are pretty cool too!
Laughter and creativity can be powerful weapons against the frustrating urge to pick, but the best method I have found so far is sticking to my skincare routine, speaking positive affirmations to myself, reminding myself of my goals and trying to keep my hands away from my face, especially when I am alone or in the car.
To my fellow skin pickers and beyond… WE GOT THIS!!!
