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wildflower , 06 Apr 2010

Accomplishments

How about this topic for a place for anyone who is on a personal track to post where they are on it to let others know who's making headway to hopefully inspire others to begin a committed effort? --> eg. i'm on x days of no picking and what is helping me get by is xxxxx and xxxxx. ---> or oops, i picked today but forgive myself and will get back at it beginning now ---> or i'm venturing on a 21 day personal challenge ---> or something of that sort?
81 Answers
wildflower
April 23, 2010

In reply to by wildflower

i made it to day 48. i picked one on the 49th and started over. i made it a week and scrubbed too hard on a whte head with a wash cloth and then scratched at it on day 6. i'm on day 1 again now and i resolve to do better. it seems i must keep my wits and strength about me.
40daysfromnow
April 07, 2010
I'm on Day 11 I think. What is helping recently is doing things that make me happy and wearing eye makeup. Eye-makeup doesn't clog my pores (obviously) but gives me the impression that I have prettied up my face so I shouldn't pick at it, or I might ruin my makeup. I'm not sure if that makes sense... But I find I don't pick after I put on makeup because I don't want to mess it up, and having eye makeup on also makes me want to preserve my face. My skin is almost good enough to go without makeup again.
wildflower
April 07, 2010

In reply to by 40daysfromnow

awesome! absolutely awesome !! DAY 11 !! that is fabulous! so you've noticed improvements in your skin? that's great and so rewarding. i also found i didn't pick with makeup on not wanting to mess it up, wanting to look good. whatever works!! it does feel wonderful to be able to go out without makeup on too, though. you must be feeling really proud of yourself and deservedly so. it's great to read of your progress. keep strong! <3 <3 <3
40daysfromnow
April 12, 2010

In reply to by 40daysfromnow

I'm almost done day 15 now. The urges today were strong but I didn't give in and it wasn't too hard to walk away. I'm seeing the dermatologist tomorrow for a regular visit. I am putting on eye makeup when I wake up to deter me and it seems to be working. I just keep telling myself that blackheads are 1m times better than red dots! Good luck to everyone! Keep it up!
wildflower
April 12, 2010

In reply to by 40daysfromnow

omg !! ... that's awesome !! ... i can't wait to hear how your appt goes. i go to my new one soon and he'll see me the first time as a recovered picker ... i wonder how that'll go ... but i'm so happy about you !!! it's such great news. now you'll be inspiration for me !!
40daysfromnow
April 12, 2010

In reply to by wildflower

The dermatologist said that he didn't have anything to recommend for fading dark/ pink areas faster; I just have to wait. But he said my skin looks good!!!! :) Yay. He said with time, everything should heal fine and I should have no lasting scars. He also said there is no need to exfoliate and it can irritate your skin, so it might be better to avoid exfoliating if you have sensitive skin. That's it really. I treated myself to a new hairband to keep my hair out of my face (keep the oils off my face). Day 16 is looking good. I feel like I can really do this.
allforyou
April 25, 2010

In reply to by 40daysfromnow

that is a great idea! i loathe wearing face make-up .. especially any sort of powder or foundation i DREAD having to put on to go out at night, but often i feel the need to do it because i have picked so badly you can see all the marks. HOWEVER, wearing eyeshadow during this 40 day challenge definitely seems like it will do wonders!! i am going to go try that right now. awesome, thanks 40daysfromnow :)
violet
April 08, 2010
Ok: I'm already half way through day 2! Sometimes it seems really easy... I don't even think about picking at all. But I'm learning to recognize the problem times -- usually in the morning when I'm getting ready (in front of the mirror!) and at nite before I shower (also near a mirror). I guess there's almost always a mirror involved when I do the serious damage, so I'm trying not to spend much time in front of the mirror. Or, if I'm in the mirror and I'm tempted, I turn away immediately. I've also been trying to use different mirrors in my apartment instead of the bathroom one. I just think the change of surroundings might help break the habit. Other things I'm trying: wearing a watch to fiddle with; putting on eyeshadow so I feel like my face is pretty (thanks whoever suggested that!); telling my mom about the 40 days program; writing/thinking about how empowered I feel; using a new lotion that might help reduce my current scarring. Aaahh this is a crazy thing. It's just nuts to realize how picking was such a huge part of my day-to-day routine! Ok. Thanks everyone for the support and for existing as a community... I'm gonna do this!
wildflower
April 09, 2010

In reply to by violet

it's great to hear you say "I'm gonna do this!" ... and that you're about done day 2 !! ... and that you're recognizing some of the triggers! ... and most of all that you're thinking less about it !! ... way to go! ... you might try candle light in your bathroom too .. some say that works good ... keep up the good work !! ... <3 <3 <3
Mia
April 09, 2010
i am under a lot of tension nowadays. my final exams are coming up and the studies are really tough(dental student final year :p). i need to concentrate on my studies but i find myself picking a lot of times. i even bite my lips and examine my hands is there any skin left to pick or not. i have been determined a lot of times. i skin pick especially while i am under tension and mental torture but i bite even when im bored.ive been making a lot of plans to quit but all in vain. i dont have any plans right now except for forcing myself not to do it. i even never thought of it as a big problem as my brother and cousin bite their skin too. i really really wanna get rid of it because i feel ashamed of showing anyone my hands. oh and btw i feel kinda relaxed that a lot of other people suffer from it too
wildflower
April 09, 2010

In reply to by Mia

it is comforting, indeed, to know you are not alone. and now that you're aware of that and are more knowledgeable about the condition perhaps you're ready to research the tactics that will help you be kind to your skin, rather than harmful regardless of what your brother and cousin do. maybe you can be an example to them. use gloves, lotions, the elastic band on the wrist, and simple better basic skin care principles for the sake of wanting healthier skin. some good guidelines are as follows --------->>>> CLEAN your skin – use a gentle cleanser nightly with warm water, not hot. Hot water dehydrates. Do a final rinse with cool water to close pores and calm inflammation. Do it lovingly -- BANDAGE open sores - keep bandages on as long as possible to allow healing. Bandages deter sores from being picked at and keep wounds moist and protected from contamination -- MOISTURIZE your skin - avoiding bandaged areas. Use gentle effective moisturizers such as olive oil, Cetaphyl, or Aveeno, etc. especially in dry climates and seasons -- SLEEP well - Get 7hrs + nightly on bedding cleaned weekly (consider fragrance hypoallergenic laundry detergent) -- CLEAN gently with warm water and cool rinse in the morning -- MOISTURIZE again. -- DO NOT PICK !!!– use what deterrents help: snapping an elastic on your wrist, wearing gloves, using only candle light in bathrooms, sitting on hands watching tv, driving with both hands on the wheel, bandages kept on sores under clothing, avoiding situations used previously, anything that helps -- take a MULTIVITAMIN -- DRINK LOTS OF WATER throughout the day -- EAT WELL – a good diet for skin includes whole grains, water, green tea, omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, avocados), low fat yogurt, berries (esp blue berries), nuts (esp walnuts, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, pistachios), cottage cheese, mangoes, whole grains, good oils (olive, safflower, canola), and carrots/sweet potatoes -- AVOID too much caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and fried foods -- EXERCISE – take walks at minimum. It stimulates anti-depressant activity in the brain naturally -- AVOID STRESS/EMPLOY STRESS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES – research this to see what you can do within your limitations. Seek help with this. It may be the underlying cause of CPD -- NETWORK with others that understand skin picking disorders. -- SUPPORT EACH OTHER – this is the best, to know we are not alone. -- RESEARCH relevant topics: wound healing, skin needs, picking disorders, stress management
Mia
April 09, 2010

In reply to by wildflower

thank you so much. i will try to act upon your advice. i really liked the idea of using bandages. i never looked at it as a habit breaker. well i have been taking caffeine and fried food a lot to help me stay alert while i am studying. but i do drink lots of water. i in fact thought i should take some time off (i needed a break). i was lying down and started picking so i thought i should google it and well here i am talking about something i am really ashamed off. but it feels so good to have someone to talk to. Thank you so much
wildflower
April 09, 2010

In reply to by Mia

you're very welcome. i hope those guidelines will really help you. The bandages are a great tool to let your sores heal. Remember, though, it is your mind and determination that is the habit breaker. Everything else is tools. You must be strong and keep the promise to yourself. you will feel better and better with each passing day and your skin will heal and look better and better. i hope you do well with your studies, too! keep posting!
violet
April 14, 2010

In reply to by wildflower

this list is awesome... i'm going to try out some of this stuff. i like how you focus on comprehensive wellness... it's been a goal of mine for a while, but i might work on it even more if i know i'm helping myself stop pick :)
allforyou
April 25, 2010

In reply to by wildflower

wildflower, you are so sweet to take the time to write all of this. i am sure it help others a whole lot, i know it is inspiring me. this is GREAT advise. i am so thankful to finally have joined a forum and support group with people who suffer from the same addiction. especially to have the support of people like you ;) ♥ we can do this everyone!!! ♥
wildflower
April 25, 2010

In reply to by allforyou

thank you so much!! yes, i've taken a lot of time to write a lot of stuff here. like you, i'm trying to be inspiring and encourage a positive and hopeful atmosphere here because i don't believe we have to stay mired with this disorder and in negativity. i believe it is possible to beat it. we need to hear from each other positive messages to break away from our self harming behaviours and learn to think of ourselves as valuable and worthy of loving treatment, especially by our own hands. it's great that you have joined us with your enthusiasm. your support will be sure to be inspiring too. ....now however did you make those hearts?? ... askii codes? cut and paste? ♥ .... yes !! ... ♥♥♥ ... you "are" inspirational !! ... lol
violet
April 13, 2010
ok! today is day three! success! the only problem is that i've stil been biting my fingernails, but i can only expect so much from myself, right? i haven't picked my face or chest or shoulders or back, which is usually where i have massive problems. one more week to day 10, and then i get to have my first substantial reward... i'm buying myself some new earrings :) i have a question for all you skin experts: what do you do about whiteheads/those pimples that just BEG to be squeezed? is there a way to make them go away quicker? that's where i struggle the most: when i know that the bump would go away if i popped it...

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