How to stop SKIN PICKING| Dr Dray 

Just came here after murdering my skin 🙋🏽‍♀️

Anyone who has skin picking disorder (dermatillomania), please like this comment to let others and myself know how many struggle with this mental disorder. I struggle with this and it's not easy to live life with it.

Skin picking is like a coping strategy that backfires. We pick at our skin (unclogging our pores, etc.) to make our complexions look better, yet they end up looking worse. We pick at our skin to help relieve anxiety, yet cause ourselves even more anxiety as the result of looking an absolute mess with wounds and scabs on our faces. I tell myself that my skin will look beautiful enough if I just let it be. I can't pick at my skin and immediately look better. There's a healing process involved, but if I just resist the urge to pick in the first place, I look absolutely well enough to function normally in society. A blackhead on the nose isn't as bad in my opinion as is a swollen red mark or scab. Where does it end, too? Pick at the clogged pore, then pick at the scab before the wound has properly healed. Skin picking can be an endless cycle. I have suffered from it myself for many, many years. I do feel the disorder is anxiety related. We can almost manage our anxiety throughout the day without any problems, but by the time night rolls around, the torture of abstaining becomes too great, and we break down and resort to the same old behavior. Great video, though, and I feel like you shared some good tips!

My parents didn’t believe this was an actual mental health issue until I showed them this video, thank u so much, now they’re taking me to therapy

This is what i have DoNe and worked : 1. I wore gloves like she said and helped the most l( when i can t wear both i wear one and i keep the other hand busy) 2. SMALL amounts of aspirin and dermatologist will warn you about this too !!! but i put aspirin mixed with water on my face so i can t reach my face but also it helps with inflammation . 3.I put patches 4. I sacrificed some face cream by putting a good amount until all my face was white :)) so i couldn t see what s underneath but still moisturizing my skin but i really had no acne so i don t know if it affects other people. also coconut oil made my healing faster but again i don t know if it s good for other types of skin . 5. When i felt the urge i said to my self that no i don t have the urge i tried to deny it until my brain believed it 6. I removed most of the mirrors and at night when it gets worse i try to not turn on the light in the bathroom i bring with me a flashlight:)) i know it sounds a little off but worked . YOu Can do it!!

Hey loves, I just wanted to come here and tell you that it is indeed possible to stop and put your bad habits to the past. I have now been ”sober” from picking my skin for a week and honestly my acne is improved drasticly. Its really almost gone and Im so happy about that!! I did it, You can do it too, love❤️

I can’t appreciate Dr Dray enough for talking about mental health. This is such a topic overlooked by the society. Even worse, skin picking disorder is even overlooked in the mental health realm, while most of the providers focus on depression, anxiety, trauma related issues. This is definitely something I will bring up in my next session with my doctor. Thank you Dr Dray!

I have been struggling with skin picking for a while, it started when i first started getting acne from puberty. i sometimes spend literally hours in front of the mirror squeezing every spot on my face, and its so difficult to stop. even worse, my mom was NOT supportive about it at all. She BLAMED it on me, and got really angry when she saw i had picked at my skin. she would take my phone for a day if she saw a picked pimple on my face, and did absolutely nothing to actually help me with the problem. this made the condition so much more stressful, and even made it worse since she treated me this way because of it. she has since stopped acting that way but i felt so emotionally and physically damaged from that experience. i still deal with skin picking to this day, and i really hope all these tips help my skin and my self confidence!!

I was literally picking my skin in the mirror when I saw this notification. I think it was destiny hahah

thank you for this, i’ve been struggling a lot with my skin picking recently and it’s embarrassing because i know that all the problems with my skin are my own fault and i feel guilty every time i do it because i know it’s making my skin so much worse

Here are some tips that could maybe help some people (gained them from years of experience)= - Cover your mirrors - wear gloves - use stressballs or toys - wear a necklace, so you can play with it when you feel the urge to pick - wear a elastic band around your wrist, so everytime you feel like picking, snatch it (the pain will bring you back to reality) - trimm your nails - sit on your hands, or make fists - create a move that you do, everytime you feel like picking (like snapping your fingers) so you get used to doing this - set a timer so you can challenge yourself how long you can go without picking (can be motivating) - make a checklist, so you can check off the days you didn't skin pick at (you can also do this with rewards for yourself) - eat healthy and take care of your skin Hope I can help :)

Great tips! Avoiding mirrors helps me. I usually avoid touching my face at all, because feeling any bumps etc makes me want to pick, so sometimes it makes doing my normal skincare routine hard. I find that if I can apply my products gently, it makes me feel like I'm actually taking care of my skin and I feel more motivated to not pick (because I don't want to ruin the skin I've just taken care of). I am also glad you pointed out the mental health aspect 😊

You really did the work on this. It's not a dermatologist's job to know about psychology, so it is a great comfort to hear you speak about this with understanding. I have been shamed by nearly every doctor I have gone to for help with the aftermath of my disorder. I have been turned away by estheticians as well. Most mental health professionals with a specialty in dermatillomania say that we have to let go of the shame in order to recover. It's difficult when everyone around you believes that you can "just stop picking".

i pick at my skin a lot and i’ve found that picking at dried glue or dried paint instead of my skin helps a lot. i also found that if i put on makeup i pick at my face probably like once or twice instead of like every 30 min. one last thing is weak nails as a result of fake nails/gel nails make it harder to pick! (coming from someone who spends literally like one hour a day picking at my skin)

Applying very expensive sunscreen during the day and moisturizer at night really helped me stop picking my skin. It made me focus more about the extreme cost of the products id be wasting than the compulsion to pick.

Thank you so much for this! I've struggled with picking at my skin since I was a little kid, I'd sit on the sink and just dig at my skin until I got something out of it. I've been trying to stop for years but it's just so hard.

Unfortunately I can relate. I have a greasy skin, large pores and oftentimes painful underskin pimples. Every night when I am the only one awake at home, while in front of the mirror, clearing my skin, I just can't resist the urge to squeeze and pick nearly every pore of my skin. Then my face is left red, bumpy, with a lot of wounds that heal really slow. So immediatley after I am done with the process of picking, I feel guilt for what I've done with my face, telling myself this is the last time, I must stop doing it, but this is until the next time when everything repeats again. It's a neverending cycle, and it's indeed relted to anxiety. But I don't know how to stop. Recently I am feel ashamed to be outside among people, so I need to put a ton of a concealer, but still the wounds can be seen by others. The feeling is that everyone scrutinizes your blemishes and this makes your insecurities even bigger...

'you are enough.' this short statement just really got to me. Thank you so much Dr. Dray!

I was able to stop my lifelong compulsive daily skin picking when I saw Dr Dray's Jan 19, 2018 video on post-inflammatory erythema. I'd had deep painful cystic acne since puberty and felt compelled to squeeze and pick my pimples in an effort to get rid of them, which would result in open infected sores all over my face, chest and back. In her 1/19/18 video, Dr Dray stressed that when you pick your skin you are essentially WOUNDING it. For some reason, as obvious as it seems, this had never occurred to me, and it sent a chill down my spine. Why would I want to wound myself? I stopped picking from that day forward. Her tips on simple, minimalist skin care have changed my life. I am 60 years old and my skin is now flawless every single day. Thank you most sincerely, Dr. Dray. I can''t begin to express my gratitude for your extraordinarily positive influence in my life. -Sam, A Loyal Viewer in Oregon

I thought I was the only person on the planet with this issue. Can’t thank you enough for this video, Dr. Dray!

I didnt even now dermatillomania was a thing. Thought I was just "nervous"

I pick my scalp from anxiety :/ it gets overwhelming

The only thing I can do is NOT TO GO to the bathroom. And when I need to go, I give myself only a few minutes. I tend to pick my closed comedones, this is the only reason I do it, I see the comedone underneath and I want it to desappear :(

Dr Dray "you are enough" Says it all

Literally cannot express how grateful I am to even see someone mention this. Everyone says it’s bad and not to pick at your skin, but it’s not so easy for everyone. Even when you’re trying really hard it doesn’t always work out. :(

I pick my skin and it’s so annoying! I literally had what I call a “picking spree” the day before this video went up. You always post at a great time!

I had just bought my third box of the 72 count of mighty patch the night before. Also, thank you for making us with dermatillomania feel heard. Means a lot. It’s gotten better over the years, but this year has caused so much stress that it’s returned with a vengeance!

I cover my pimple mark with makeup so I won't see it in the mirror. Cos whenever I see it dark and crusty spot I always feel the urge to peel the dry skin causing it to be a wound again 😭

Time for a re-watch there are great tips in this video and it really shows a lot of compassion. Great Job Dr. Dray!

I ordered the cream and the patches! I’m not a picker but I do have to resist picking my blemishes.

Such an important topic. I've driven myself crazy scratching until I bleed. It's so difficult to stop, thank you for your tips x

Thank you for talking about this. This is something I have struggled with my entire life and I have been working with a therapist over the past few years to improve this.

Dr Dray... thank you. I won’t post how I relate, I just want you to know I appreciate you.

My mom taught me when I was in 5th grade and had some blackheads on my nose, that if I didn't squeeze them out, they'd just make my pores bigger. I didn't learn till decades later it was wrong, and I've been trying to replace this habit with gentle methods. Major struggle...amplified by beauty marketing that never gives you permission to have flaws...the instant gratification of removing a "problem"...ugh! **shakes fist**

I know this is an older video and there are a ton of fantastic suggestions here, but for those who really don't want to keep their nails cut super short: acrylics, fiber builder gel nails, anything that makes your nails really thick and blunt makes them really bad for picking at your skin (and this is good!) This has helped me a LOT.

i needed this video for about 20 years!

would love to see an informative video on trichotilomania (hair pulling) and dealing with the physical damage from it. it im sure lots of people would !

Yup-described me. Scaring on arms, back and legs. My provider is aware and has focused on the mental health issues. The new antidepressant has helped. It’s so nice to know there are other topical products to help active wounds. I’ve kept the same sore “going” for months. I’ve caught myself doing while waking up. Crazy disorder. I hope all of you going through this can get better.

Thank you so much for posting this! I have been looking for solutions like these for so long, especially for something to help put on the lesions. I appreciate you for leaving out the shame and judgement and being helpful and informative instead.

I have KP and some mild acne, and I end up attacking my skin after a long day or a stressful week. It's such a frustrating habit that is hard to control!

hey! Please talk about trichotillomania... plucking your hair... It has literally destroyed my self confidence

I've struggled with this for a long time, thank you for posting this video. My acne never gets better because I pick at it and cover it up with makeup which makes it worse. so when I breakout again I cant help but start hunting for upwards of over an hour to find imperfections in my skin, especially after a long day of work or when I'm stressed out

Thank you for taking about this. It’s taken me years to find coping mechanisms... I didn’t know it was an actual disorder until recently. ❤️

Thank you SO much, for talking about this, for suggesting behavioral changes, for suggesting therapy and medicine to consider, AND for suggesting how to fix the skin. Thank you thank you thank you, this means so much

I think it wonderful that you encourage and support people that have skin conditions to seek out not only dermatology services but mental health services! You are a credit to your profession and in my opinion far and above most on RU-vid giving out atrocious advice on skin care. You do good work!! Happy Wednesday Stay safe and healthy everyone 😷🍁

timely video and pertinent info, as always! Thank you!

Y'all, if the area you're picking at isn't your face, I recommend using regular bandaids as a cheaper option, I often pick at skin on my chest and stomach, and the last few days I've covered the scabs and pimples I've been picking at, and they're finally healing. 😌💜 I've noticed often times I don't even realise I'm about to do it, but the bandaids are stopping me from it.

Thank you for addressing this severe condition.

OOOOMYYYYYGGGGGG Literally was just hating myself for picking my skin 5 mins ago. Thanks for this. Wearing long sleeves and avoiding mirrors have helped. But my face..... I can't exactly cover it. 😭

Thank you so much for this video

Thank you for this! As a dermatology PA, I see this practically every day and will be recommending these. Can you please do a video on delusions of parasitosis? I would SO appreciate that.

Wow! I just picked my face yesterday! Thank you this couldn’t of come at a better time! Love you so much

I feel attacked.

Hey Dr. Dray! I love your videos and really appreciate you posting about dermatillomania. I personally have struggled with this the past 3 or 4 years and I wanted to let you know that for some people, this mental health issue can be closely linked with trauma or traumatic events. Especially for those who are either currently addicted to amphetamines (a drug class that’s known to cause severe dermatillomania) or have used in the past, there are certain words or phrases that can be triggering. “skin picking” being a big one. I couldn’t watch beyond the first 5 minutes because those triggers were so overwhelming. Using “dermatillomania” tends to be less triggering for people I think, as well as adding a trigger warning at the beginning of the video. Anything having to do with a persons skin, face, body, or hair is deeply connected to their identity and sense of self. When a person struggles with dermatillomania, they can also suffer from extreme embarrassment, humiliation, insecurity, etc. so being aware of this can help some viewers feel safer when looking for advice. Thanks again, and I am really happy to see that more people are talking about this!! Good work!(: 💕

WOW this is such a great video! So clear and concise and applicable with concrete solutions! Thank you SO much, I am going to check out the products too.

Thank you so much for making this video these tips are great!

I pick my thighs so bad I’ve taken to wearing onesie pajamas when I’m home. Not only do I look adorable (lol) it’s harder to get in there. I’ve been a picker for so long and medication doesn’t seem to make a difference but being diligent about using methods to make picking “harder” does work. My methods: keep the area covered/unreachable, knowing your pick zones (mine is bed and watching tv), medical tape (you can rip off pieces to fit over scabs and it heals them faster as well.

I never put two and two together, and realized this is an actual disorder. At times of anxiety and stress and just a nervous tick, I find myself picking at my face and neck to the point of ugly scarring. Thank you for sharing!

Whew this hits close to home. Habit tracker and journaling helped.

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I'm glad to see I'm not alone with this problem.

Was literally picking at my face when I saw this video. Gotta do what the doctor says!

For everyone in the path of Laura, I'm praying that everyone makes it through unscathed. 🙏❤

I have been struggling with this for over 12 years, thank you for sharing

I've been looking out for a video from you talking about this!! Thank you Dr Dray!!

Thank you for making a video about skin picking. This is me 😢 I’ve been picking at my fingers to the point of disfigurement. It’s really embarrassing. Surprisingly, wearing a mask all day at work has helped.

Thanks for this video. I have dermatillomania and it's definitely a battle. I found that getting acrylic nails helped a lot because my nails were more blunt at the end because they were so thick. That made me pick less. Also those hydrocolloid bandages are lifesavers, I wear them all the time, even out doing errands. Because they work better the longer that you have them on, I resist taking them off and picking at my skin or else I would have wasted money on the patch.

This was the best video I've seen on this topic. Thank you!

I’m so glad I found this video. I feel so understood. Thank you for this.

Thank you so much for being incredibly validating and understanding to how this condition can be very emotionally and psychologically involving and draining for individuals who suffer with this. With the severity of my situation I’ve been faced with high risk of infection but am very lucky. To anyone reading this, you are beautiful regardless if you pick. Keep fighting, you’re doing a good job ❤️

this literally came at the perfect time for me :) so guilty of this

Thank you Dr. Dray! Giving love to you, Mama Dray and Tybee! Your glasses are sooooo cute! You should wear them more often.

Can you do a video on trichotillomania? I feel like some of these tips can help with that, but a more in depth video would be great! I really enjoy the information you provide

Wow. I’ve been picking at my face for 2 years. I didn’t even know it was an issue before. I need to stop. Thank you.

Omg I have an unopened pack of mighty patches in my bathroom that I was scared to try, I’m so glad they’re Dr. Dray approved! Quarantine has made my urge (not compulsion, thankfully) to pick at my healing acne sooo strong because I’m just sitting at home with my anxiety all day.

I was JUST looking for videos on this very subject last night!!

Thank you for posting a link to TLC!

My prob!eh is I pick at my scalp :( it gets bad when I'm stressed. Definitely related to my anxiety.

This video came in just right time. I feel like you are giving me counselling hahahh. Love from Nepal, Dr. Dray ❤💙

Thank you so so much for posting this video!!!

Thank you for talking about BFRB!

I’m on my 5th month of accutane. I’ve been in the habit of picking for so long. I do it without even noticing. This couldn’t be better timing. I have to let me skin just heal. Thank you!

I was literally going to buy some patches to stop myself from picking at my skin, and this video pops up. It's a sign!!!!

I appreciate you doing a video on this topic! I have made progress in this. I have all three mental health issues. I'm in treatment. First step admitting you have a problem.

Thank you for making this video. I have struggled with severe skin picking for 20 years. It causes me a great deal of distress and embarrassment. This was the best video or feedback in general that I have seen on the topic. I purchased the patches, hoping they will help! I previously thought my only option was to get acrylic nails but that is expensive and not my style. Thank you!

Thank you, Dr Dray, I can’t stop scratching my scalp so I’m going to get some cotton gloves from the chemist. Thank you for that idea. Take care❤️🌻🕊.

i tend to pick my skin when i'm stressed. it was a lot worse when i was younger. i caused a couple of deep scars by digging into my skin with a sewing needle. seeing the permanent damage i did got me to stop

"You are enough!" Thank you Dr. Dray! This video describes me since I was 5 years old. I'm 51 now. It has been a journey!

As someone who has trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) it is great that you are talking about BFRBs. I would also suggest searching Reddit for threads about these conditions. I've gotten a lot of support, tips, tricks and laughs from people going through something similar.

My tips for people that manifest through scratching on the body like the legs. The la Roche posay anti-itch body cream and body wash and making it a habit of moisturizing every night have helped me so much. I also keep a little tube of the hand cream next to my bed for when little spots start to itch and I put it on there and just keep putting it on until the itch has gone. A little mindfulness meditation like headspace for a few minutes or a 15 minute yoga session just on RU-vid really helps too 💗

I had dermatilomania and still find myself skin picking especially healthy skin around my right-hand fingers. I used to keep on picking so constantly that I didn't let the wounds heal, then I got a bad case of erysipelas. The infection got my whole right arm and it was too severe. I had to be hospitalized for 8 days taking 2 antibiotics through my vein every 4 hours. My skin is oily and I remember that my skin, including my mouth and tongue, got so dry it was cracking and hurting because of the high dosage of antibiotics. Those days were hell. So I stopped skin picking, sometimes I catch myself picking but it's easier to deal with, especially now that I've been undergoing therapy. If you are a skin picker, please, go seek help.

Really really good video!! Very thoughtful

Great video and topic to cover - thank you x

I have trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) since I was 10. I am finally growing out my hair though! Ive gone though so many cycles of pulling for years. It can be so hard to stop.. but i finally found a good medication. I still pull sometimes but im much more self aware. I appreciate your channel and not only sharing amazing simple fragrance free skin care but also talking in depth about other things in dermatology. You are absolutely amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤😭 ps I use gloves sometimes to help stop pulling or if its getting really bad. I've heard people with derma can wear the gloves as well and has helped.

I’ve always had such a problem with picking. My KP + anxiety means my upper arms always have at least one lesion 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ll try these tips!

Thank you for covering this.

This is such a helpful video. During highly stressful times, I catch myself going at my cuticles. Ugh! Thanks Dr. Dray! :)

I pick my scalp when I get nervous. Makes it look like I have dandruff. Difficult to deal with.

My husband does this. Was wondering what suddenly caused it. Its relatively new since we're married for 20 years!

I used to pick my face due to anxiety from bullying when I was younger. This video would’ve been rlly helpful!

Man. There is so much good information packed into the video. 🙏❤️