Hands off: how to stop picking your skin

You know better than popping that pimple while looking straight at you in the mirror. But tell it to your hands. Before you know it, your face will look like a war zone where no one came out victorious. The truth is, we all touch, pick and poke our skin sometimes, even though we know we shouldn't. “Interfering with the skin's natural repair process can create a risk of cross-contamination. change in skin colorи permanent scarssays Wanda Serrador, esthetician and body care expert at The Body Shop. Ouch! "To kick the habit, you have to think about the irreparable damage [plucking] can do to the skin." But it's not always easy. Even imagining a worst-case scenario cannot curb the insatiable desire to pick out pimples and blemishes. Feel like you've exhausted all your options? Below are a few tips that can help you stop poking your nose into those pesky pimples once and for all. 

KEEP YOUR HANDS BUSY

If you find yourself picking at your skin, find ways to keep yourself busy - and your hands! - during the day. Engage in activities or hobbies that you enjoy and focus on the task at hand. Some ideas include: manicures or hand massages, playing cards, and knitting.

HIDE Flaws

Many people don't like how unsightly spots appear on their skin. What is ironic is that spot plucking often causes more irritation, making you feel worse as a result. Apply a tinted moisturizer, concealer, or foundation to even out skin tone and make blemishes less visible. As the old saying goes, out of sight, out of mind.

Need help choosing the right cover shape? We share our favorite concealers and foundations that can help cover breakouts on acne-prone skin. here!

Keep Spot Remedies Handy

Feeling picky? Instead of reaching for your face, apply a spot treatment containing acne fighting ingredientssuch as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Apply a small amount to the stains and be patient. It may not work instantly, but it will help you feel more active in treating your acne – the right way.

APPLY A GLOSS MASK

Clay masks are a great way to unclog pores and remove excess sebum that can lead to breakouts. And since you can't pick out stains when they're covered in clay, we think it's a win-win situation. SkinCeuticals Purifying Clay Mask The formula combines kaolin and bentonite clay with aloe and chamomile to soothe the skin, gently exfoliate, unclog pores and remove impurities. We understand that this is only a temporary solution - don't use it more than once a week - but continued use may help. keep the stains at bay. Who knows, maybe very soon there will be nothing to complain about! However, we do not make any promises.

AVOID TRIGGERS 

For some self-proclaimed leather gatherers, one kind of mirror makes them want to look and study each one. last. acne. Magnifying mirrors? Forget it. We don't encourage you to completely rid your home of these tools, but trying to avoid them - where possible - can be helpful.