Re: So embarassing…but skin picking, anyone?

[allovertheplace]

Hi Elizabeth,

Doesn’t it suck? I also just changed my makeup temporarily (long ADD story involved there) and I think it is making me break out even more. Argh.

Have you found anything that helps you?

One thing I found that helps is I did go see a special make up artist who helps to camouflage people’s birthmarks and stuff (she also does regular makeup application). That was so valuable because it taught me some great tips for covering up some significant damage. And that is so useful in getting out of the house when I just wanted to stay in until it healed which takes like a week or two. And let’s not even talk about the temptation to pick an almost-healed zit.

I know what you mean with those things (I think they might be called milia or something) from moisturizing; I think they might also just be one of those lovely things some people like us are more prone to have (lucky us!)

I’m certain the skin picking doesn’t help the self esteem. I think for me it is partly caused by some neurological wiring and for me, the presence of pimples, no matter how small. When I took accutane many years ago, my skin was P E R F E C T! I hardly had anything to pick. Oh the joy. As soon as I stopped the meds, it came right back.

For me I think it might be linked with the ADD. It is just one of those immed gratification activities that I will do 1. out of habit at the bathroom mirror and 2. standing there trying to figure out what else I am supposed to do (and this happens often I believe due to ADD overwhelm/difficulty prioritizing and sequencing tasks in my day). So then the skin picking became a way to avoid and escape. Just like internet, TV, shopping and almost anything else. However, with TV and internet, it is just shame and wasted time. With skin picking, it is shame and physical evidence, which begets more shame, and people saying “why don’t you just stop?” I love that- just like why don’t I just get to work and do my job and stay focused. Or just make a list. Oh, silly me. I didn’t realize it was that easy! ;op

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