Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide—although it can be because of personal choices and the environment around you, it is also predominantly genetic. You are doing nothing wrong, and we hope you know you are just as beautiful with or without. In any case, though, there are issues with acne beyond aesthetics: it can be painful, bothersome, or get infected, none of which we want.
To be more technical, acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the face, neck, chest, and back. While acne is often associated with adolescence and the teenage years, it can also occur in adults, and for some people, it can persist well into their 30s and 40s. Acne can be physically and emotionally challenging, causing discomfort, scarring, and self-esteem issues, so the best way to ease these issues is to eliminate acne! Ah, if only it were that easy.
Don’t worry; together, we will explore all the different ways you can stop picking at your acne and let your skin heal.
1. Keep your mind and hands busy
Often, one of the main reasons we peel and squeeze our acne is because our hands are fidgety and want something to pick at. Instead of picking at your skin, try playing with a stress ball, doodling in a notebook, or practicing a hobby that requires your hands, such as knitting or painting.
Moreover, if you take your mind off your skin and keep it focused on the task at hand, you can avoid thinking about it, deterring the possibility of scratching it further. By constantly picking at your acne when you are bored, you can exacerbate it, leading to scarring and further breakouts, introducing bacteria into the skin, and causing infections.
2. Avoid touching your face too much unnecessarily
Like the suggestion above, even if you can not keep your mind and hands, recognize the consequence of picking at your face and actively try to avoid doing so.
Your hands carry bacteria and oils that can exacerbate acne, so it’s best to keep them away from your face unless you wash your face or apply skincare products. By avoiding touching your face, you can minimize the spread of bacteria and prevent new breakouts from forming.
3. Avoid looking in the mirror too much
We understand the emotional toll of acne on you, and looking in the mirror can often exacerbate these feelings. When you see your acne, one of the first instincts is to want to get rid of it immediately by picking and scratching at it.
As such, getting rid of the temptation is the first step. Try to limit the amount of time you spend examining your skin in the mirror daily. If you need to look in the mirror, try to focus on the areas of your skin that are not affected by acne.
4. Use acne treatments as directed by professionals
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our skin is to seek professional help. We know that it may seem daunting— it is our skin. Why do we need somebody else to tell us how to heal our bodies?
Despite this mentality, dermatologists know our scope of understanding to help heal your acne and remove the temptation to pick at it. They may recommend changes to your habits. Additionally, an acne scar treatment can help reduce the severity of breakouts and make them heal faster. It is important to use these treatments as directed and not overdo it.
Overusing acne treatments can dry out your skin and make it more prone to irritation and inflammation, making you more likely to pick at it.
5. Keep your nails short and filed
By filing your nails and keeping them short, you can avoid the possibility of picking at your acne. Long nails can make it easier to pick at your skin and cause further damage, so you can minimize the damage you can do to your skin by trimming and filing your nails. Use nail clippers to keep your nails short and a nail file to smooth rough edges. A bonus: your nails look great!
6. Try mindfulness techniques
Mindfulness techniques can be great ways to get your mind off your acne and help you resist the urge to pick at it. Meditation and deep breathing can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and reduce stress, making it easier to resist the urge to pick at your skin.
When you feel the urge to pick, take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath. Try to let go of any thoughts or emotions that are contributing to your urge to pick. Over time, practicing mindfulness can help you become more in tune with your body and reduce the frequency and intensity of the urge to pick.
