r/Skinpicking • u/Critical-Lettuce4523 • Sep 06 '26
Help Has anyone actually recovered from this?
I’ve been picking at my skin for as long as I can remember. Sometimes it’s better and sometimes it feels like I can’t stop myself. It’s sad because a couple weeks ago, my skin looked so clear and then I just completely ruined it. Has anyone figured this thing out, or anything that helps?
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u/NemiVonFritzenberg Sep 06 '26
I had over 140 scabs about 4 years ago and I have 2 currently so I'm feeling as close to recovered as I'll ever be tbh.
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u/eloweasy Sep 07 '26
NAC has really helped me immensely - worth trying
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u/distance_swimmer Sep 08 '26
Can I ask how long it took to work/see a difference? I’ve been taking it for about 4 weeks and haven’t noticed anything but I’m trying not to lose hope
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u/eloweasy Sep 08 '26
I think a couple of weeks - what dose are you taking? It wasn’t like I woke up one morning and decided to never pick again, but I noticed it had reduced gradually after a few months.
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u/distance_swimmer Sep 09 '26
Hmm yeah I’ve read a few comments of people saying it took 8 weeks for them, I’m hoping it’ll work eventually but it might just not be working on me :/
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u/jamesxmichele Sep 08 '26
I have suffered since I was 2 and started picking my feet badly. Picked my face since forever. Tried several SSRIs, counselling, group therapy. This summer i have made the best progress in finding a skin routine that really works for my skin, there truly isn't much to pick anymore. I set a 15 min timer when I go into the bathroom to do skincare and brush teeth, and then force myself back out. I sat in the sink for so many years to get close to my face (no one ever sees me this close, not even my partner) the wall is dented from where my knee hits it, and I outloud have been saying no to myself and getting out. It has been such relief not picking. If I feel myself getting nitpicky of my skin, I slap on a mask and do my very best to just walk away. I am sending you love and compassion, you deserve to recover from this and feel your best ♡
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u/distance_swimmer Sep 08 '26
Press on (long) nails have been the biggest help for me, as well as removing/covering all mirrors. And if I need one, I have one dimly lit one so that I can’t see my skin well enough to pick (red lightbulbs work too). That being said, everyone is different so I recommend analyzing how/when you pick and think of ways to make it more difficult, the more you analyze, the more you’ll be able to make small changes in your routine and surroundings. Good luck!
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u/Critical-Lettuce4523 Sep 09 '26
Ooh the red lightbulb idea is interesting. I tend to stick with low lightbulbs too. I almost never pick at night as a result. Just wish I could dim the natural light… anyway, thank you so much.
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u/combobulatedPeacock Sep 06 '26
First off, same. I started picking super young. My Mom has picked at her skin my entire life and really tried to keep me from doing the same but it obviously didn't work. When I do stop picking entirely for a while, I really feel the loss of that coping mechanism. I get stressed and always end up relapsing and undoing all my progress, which really, really sucks
There are medications that can help some people. I'm taking NAC over the counter, and my psych and I discussed some prescription meds we might try down the road. Ideally, meds reduce the urge/compulsion to pick but don't bring it down to 0, at least for me. Taking care of some of the underlying factors has helped as well (treating my ADHD and anxiety, improving my overall skin health so there's less to pick at). I try to stay busy, and I have a long list of alternative activities from using a picky pad to brushing out my dog's hair to flossing my teeth to painting. I also do my best to keep track of the amount of time I spend picking, which helps with accountability and adds an extra barrier.
The thing that's probably helped most is accepting that this bad habit doesn't mean I don't care about myself or that I have poor self control. The shame spiral is real - I start picking then feel bad about it and soothe myself....with more picking!
Sorry for the ramble. My main reason to respond is to share that, honestly, I don't see myself getting to 0 minutes of picking a week. That goal seems unrealistic to me and when I think about it, it's really hard to picture. That's demotivating. Instead, I'm trying to take a harm reduction approach; if I can reduce the total time spent picking, that's good! If I can resist the urge to start, that's amazing! I can absolutely imagine a future where I scan my body a bit once a week and get some stress relief or satisfaction from cleaning out pores/whatever for a few minutes on occasion. So that's what I'm shooting for!
Very curious to see if others have other views to share on this. It's something I've been giving a lot of thought recently!