21 days to break a habit

[FlawlessDesire]

I have not had a pick free day yet, but I am getting better, and I don't mind starting over.

I have gone longer lengths of time without picking and havent' created anything new, I just need to let old wounds die.

I'm excited about the future. I can feel it is getting closer. Since I am slowly looking better, I am feeling better. I'm hard on myself about the pick-free part, so anything little constitutes a slip up to me, and I won't consider it pick free...until it truly is.

I am very proud of you Moratorium. For me, last night I noticed that boredom has some relation to it. When I am not doing too much, even though there are things I should be doing, if I am not running around like I maniac, it tends to occupy some time.

I did see some products that people mentioned buying at GNC, I am going to try those as well.

I do have oral antibiotics, but I think I am probably becoming "immune" ...I think if I take a lot of them I will be instantly cured. I think that it is probably a bad thing, I am probably ruining some other part of my body now.

Anyways, you guys are doing so well. I'm proud of everyone, and I'm even proud of me, for trying--each day I look a little better and pick a little less.

And for some of the other girls. Let us know how your visit goes with your friend.
I'm sure it will go well.

Enjoy your time with friends and family. That is something that you can't get back, and picking can't take away from you , if you don't let it.

Great work...good luck! I'm pumped!

[bd8300]

hey girls, i've had a successful day 2!!! i'm really tired ao this is going to be short! I'm going to go take a quick shower and colour in my csp chart then go to bed.

Flawlessdesire, i'm glad you are improving and getting better at controling your picking, keep fighting for a pick free day.

Moratorium, way to go on day 13, i'm sooo proud of you.

To Anne, Buffy and the others, hang in there and stick to the plan, let's all keep this thread a positive one and overcome this habit all together.

Thinking of u all and praying for the best.

Never give up, be patient and have faith. Everything is possible and in time all will heal!

[anne]

Well tomorrow is my big day out, I've basically been hiding out this past week. I did pick some today in one spot that was healing but then had a breakout while healing Anyways I slapped some cortizone 10 ointment on it again and think I should be able to cover it relatively well by tomorrow. I was just trying to think what goes thru my mind before I pick and for the most part I tell myself, "It's ok just to pick this one spot, because it needs it. You aren't really being bad because it's just this one" I think we should analyze our reasoning and maybe even log it so we realize the mistake and learn from it. After I picked I looked at the destruction and realized I didn't really need to look like that, yea it looked bad before too but it would have worked itself out with the right care without my fingers. Also when it comes to anxiety over the damage on my skin like scars and things that will prompt me to do more picking to fix it, I am trying to tell myself "It is what it is. I can't change it right now in this moment, but down the road it will get better or I will get professional help to make it better but just need to relax and let it go for now." My mind wants to fight my skin but I need to teach it to find peace. Anyone that has any positive things we can tell ourselves to stop picking let me know ;D

[jenn]

hi all

i just wanted to say that ive had a few facials, and since the gal who did them told me that i had to keep my face extracted, cause stuff was caught underneath (i work in archaeology)...i cant seem to stop trying to pick. i think now i feel like i cant let anything just sit on my face, i have to try to get rid of it. any advice?

jenn

[Thanks for the support]

Thank for the support bd8300, it's nice when you see someone has responded to you by name.

It makes me feel like people really are reading my posts, and vice versa. I have to get better at the names thing.

Usually I read what someone said and then when I go to post I cannot remember who said what since I read so many.

But let us know how today goes for you guys, bd8300, anne, and Jen, are the most recent posts I have read.
As far as the extracting thing, did she have any suggestions, I would probably say she should have used the word exfoliating. Look into some of those products and maybe some mask type things, those should extract just fine when you pull them off maybe? I personally don't use them, as I find the more chemicals and peels I buy, the more irritated my skin gets, so I try to keep it simple. But everyone's skin responds to different things I suppose.

Mine is kind of oily at times throughout the day. (The T zone I guess they call it)

What kind of makeup for those of you that wear, do you use. Right now I use Neutrogena with peroxide foundation and powder, but it has been rather humid this summer and by the end of the day it is sliding off.

I wish there was something that looked a litttle nicer, for a longer period of time, but was still camoflauging. I get so sick of wearing makeup that looks like crap an hour later.

Alright, still not pick free....but still doing better.
I know the skin is healing, and it will be easier the more healed that it gets. After the shower, the stupid skin looks crappy, and it;s difficult not to wipe hard and start fresh, if you know what I mean.

Gotta run back to work,but thanks for listening.
Look forward to hearing from you guys.

[buffy]

Hi all,

I'm now on day 4 (round 2) and feel stronger than on did on the first round. i feel like I needed to learn a hard lesson .....so that I don't let off my guard this time around. Anyway I must say that despite breaking skin on Monday, the scabs are almost nill today and with the help of just a dab of cover up my skin is looking pretty damn good! My regimen included absolutely no makeup for three days (that was almost unbearable to endure!) tee tree oil, sunshine, and my cat's steroidal ointment (intended for his bottom). On Thurs I was forced to have a reunion with an old friend so that morning I went to the gym and sat in the steam room for 10 minutes and voila, much of my scabbing magically peeled itself off afterwards in the shower (no picking involved) I applied coverup very carefully and I honestly don't even think she could tell. This is the quickest healing I've ever done, which lifts my spirits and makes it a whole lot easier not to pick anymore.

To jenn, I had one of "those" facials once too. I was already a picker but i think that having someone else do it to me only reinforced my warped belief that I needed to rid myself of every nasty little thing that my exist under my skin. I think my picking increased 10 fold after that. But I also know that I have 10 times the amount of clogged pores if I do pick....which is a pretty good reason not to. Not picking is like giving yourself a mini facial without doing anything at all.

FYI, I bought some pricey face wash and pore minimizer at Macy's a couple of weeks ago, Biotherm. I think it's the best cleanser I've ever used and the pore minimizer seems to be working wonders. It's a fairly new line, I believe and would highly recommend it. it smells nice to.
Good luck to all...lets just hang in there.

[moratorium]

Hey buffy well done on day 4! I must say your scab defiant gusto should be an inspiration to all, whether or not we happen to be in the possession of some feline anal ointment. Although, I gather those of us that aren't are at quite a disadvantage!

Who needs to wallow in shame and embarrassment for having picked at yourself? If I ever pick again, I'll know I only have to infer that my pet is in rectal distress and snap up a veterinary drug to be assured of a fresh-faced complexion - all dignity remaining completely intact.

Lisa, I know it's an uphill struggle starting again. I hope you stick with it, you were one of the leading pick-free impresarios. I really believe you can do it, you have been such a positive force throughout this.

anne, slap on that cortisone cream and have a great day with your friend. Allowing yourself the authority to pick one spot can quickly escalate to a nasty, unwanted freeforall. I'm experiencing a standard menzies bacterial party at present, but I know if I take good care of my skin and treat the affected areas, it will be more or less gone after my period. Provided I don't pick, which can lead to me having to wait months on end for the damaged skin to look presentable. anne I hope you do find peace, not just through lasers either. Remember you are much more than a bunch of skin cells.

Playinwitfire/Jess, it would be a beautiful thing were you to join us in our quest. So pleased to hear you've been motivated by the chart, just looking at mine and seeing the evidence of all the self-restraint I've practiced over two weeks is almost empowering. It makes me think anything is possible! At least as long as I've got a trite chart to hand anyhow.

FlawlessDesire, you are such a lovely individual. Thanks so much for all your helpful insights and support for everyone. I'm not just saying that because you compliment me, although it might be a contributory factor. I'm thrilled that you're 'pumped' from coming here and venting. It really does help to elucidate upon this self-injurious behaviour of ours.

I know what you mean about make-up sliding off. Hot summers really do act as a kink in the armour for innocent pickers applying foundation for all their life's worth. Sweat is such an unknown quantity. I wish all the best for you and your T-zone - and I don't wish such things lightly!

Well, it is now the end of Day 14, I have near enough completed two whole weeks. Only one more week to fulfill the goal I set myself after my wake-up call. I have definitely changed my outlook. Sure, sometimes I catch myself off-guard and there are stirrings of picking energy rumbling under the surface. But I'm more accepting of that 'surface' now. It doesn't have to be 'perfect' and I'm not going to roll up my sleeves and dig in my nails to perform a ritual of dissatisfaction any longer.

[playinwitfire]

Heloa! ;D

2 weeks is a massive achievement..i failed after 2 days.. I'm bac to day one now but definitely not square 1..I think the more times i try the more likely I am to succeed..hopefully. I don't pick as much as I used to its gone to conscious brutal squeezing in front of the mirror in the last yea or so..i dont know if thats better or worse but it sure causes inflammation nauti me.

Well on this time round I've taken mirrors away and before bedtime I'm gona put candles everywhere so i cant c in the bathroom mirror and so i feel relaxed and dont pick in my sleep.

Saunas are great! My skin feels so much smoother afterwards, it softens everything its such a nice feeling when the scabs have come off without pain of picking them.

About the summer makeup trouble..I've discovered tinted moisturiser its so magical..plus you spend less time in front of the mirror cus its moisturiser and makeup in 1 step. I cab't live without mine its by dermalogica as are all my skin products their mazin! Its not bad for your skin either cus the tint in it is created by iron oxide which is actually good for your skin so it doesn't block your pores. ingenious i think. My trusted dermatologist has used dermalogica stuff with me for a while now and its the best thing ever..really gentle and does exactly what it says. I'm on an anti pigmentation thingy at the mo. Have a lookie!: (sorry don't get the hyperlink thingymabobo)

www.dermalogica.com

Keep going..u can do it put yau ass in2 it!
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

[moratorium]

Hey Jess,

Thanks so much for the dermalogica tip-off. That stuff looks absolutely terrific and I've promptly ordered some.

I know exactly what you mean by the 'brutal squeezing' alternative technique. I too got into that for a while, I thought it was an ingenius way to pick without breaking skin, but at the same time making my whole head swell to the size of a baboon's behind. I had a terrible episode a month or so back in which I had really squeezed so hard on my forehead trying to push out some tiny pustule that the swelling lasted for 2 days afterwards and I had to go to the dentist looking like I'd gone several rounds in the boxing ring. The dentist seemed suprised no teeth were missing, obviously presuming some may have been knocked out in combat. That was horrendous.

Shying away from mirrors is never a bad ploy, I hope it helps you refrain from the mighty pick. I do however think it's better to try to face yourself and come to terms with what you do see, as avoiding mirrors can lead to overwhelming pent-up anxiety. It's very hard of course, but I've really been trying a policy of 'acceptance' for any slight, bumpy flaw I see. It's actually fascinating to watch the skin regulate itself. If you just leave the things be, they can clear up miraculously.

All the best Jess. I hope it goes well for you and that you succeed.

[anonirresp]

hey how are u
i printed the chart and gonna join
i have been here before as djm..
anyhow i also have many scars on body and face

i now have 3 picked areas on my face and they are covered with "duoderm' i have mentioned this...before

i bought the DUODERM SIGNAL..cause its thin and can be covered by makeup like duoderm

it heald faster..

but i'm joining the no more..

and the rest of my face looks reltively good...so i'm gonna try to wear less makeup..especially now in the summer.

good luck to u all and wish me luck..

this is the site i bought the duoderm from:

www.homecaredelivered.com/catalog/product_detail.php?intItemID=388

by the way...it does not stick if u put anything like neosporin.
believe me..if it does not look infected, then this works great.
but either way...even withoug...the skin will heal..

lets just not harm it anymore : )

[doglover]

Hello,

I have been using Bare escentuals powder foundation. It covers very well. You can use a concealer brush and dot it on scarred, scabed, blemish areas. It also is not goopy nor does it slide off. I work 12 hour night shifts and it stays on the entire shift plus. You can order it on QVC or the bare escentuals website. It's great! Many of you may have seen the infomercials also. I also use dermalogica. It is really great. I am curious to see if the dermatologist I see later in August will agree or want me to change skin care lines/products. We will see.

Linda

[playinwitfire]

Hey every1

I get my dermalogica stuff from my dermatoligist I think it must be like the best stuff out there! It's great you've ordered some Moratorium..you'll fall in love with that stuff! ...pricey but FAB.

Like you I thought wow well if i squeeze then its not picking..its squeezing..my therapist does that..i can do it too. But then again I thought if she'd witness me 'unclogging pores' her face would be like ..no no no its def not allowed, I had to face up to that today, i had to sacrifice a square on my chart!i!i!i! I was trying to justify it in my head then i thought no I must start over so I'm sorry to say I'll be trying again tomorrow. How lame is that..she can't make it past day 1 raaaAAAAR!! I feel bad now..I'm gona have to make sure I have some positive stuff to say nex time...yes most certainly SHIT I squeezed just NOW.. uh WHYYYYY right OFF with the nails OFF WITH THEM.

ciao! x x x x x x Jess x x x x x x x

[bd8300]

hey girls, i've successfully completed day 5 and i'm so happy.

Sorry i didn't write yesterday but i was at a wedding.

N/e ways my boyfriend slept over last night since we got home late and i cut my usual bathroom time from 15 minutes to 8 (last night) and this morning i got ready in less than a half hour. I was able to rush more b/c he was here and that did me good.

Another thing i found has been helping me is not to bring any make-up w/ me if i'm out b/c then when i go to the bathroom i will touch up and notice things and try to hold back my picking urges, but not any more-all i bring w/ me is lipgloss-i wan't to train myself to look into the mirror as least as possible.

Not only do i want to stop picking but i want to eliminate this habit from my life forever. Hope u all are doing great.

Lisa

[Flawless Desire]

Hi again everyone,

Great tips on the makeup. Thanks! I am also going to try the derm makeup, as well as the other ointment someone recommended. As far as pricey-ness goes, I think we all are willing to PAY ANYTHING for products that will assist us in feeling better about ourselves. ha ha.

I am doing pretty good over here, my skin is healing well, I have not had a pick free day, but it is down to just a few minutes on the dried skin, so it doesn't look flaky under makeup.

I am going to be healed within the week I bet, and since I haven't created anything new, now it is just a waiting game for the existing stubborn ones to go away.

I sure would like to get some of that cat ointment which was mentioned though. LOL, isn't it funny I am willing to try anything? If someone says it works, I don't care what the intended purpose is, I want to buy it. So I look over at my cats and am like...hey guys...how are you feeling? Need any ointment today? LOL I wonder what the driving chemical was in it that worked so well, there must be something similar that is prescribed over the counter?

I have a funny story also. I remembered having wisdom teeth pulled and since my mouth was swollen, they gave me anti-biotics first for a week or so. I noticed that my skin cleared up wonderfully, however, when I ran out....it came creeping back in. So I would call the dentist and try to get another prescription for mouth inflammation, the old bag secretary did it once, but after a few months, she told me I had to come in and make an appointment. So that was the end of that trick. LOL

I don't know why I can't just go and see a dermatologist for the real purpose and get something that works. I think it is just the embarrassment, and the fear that they will look at me in horror, like What have you done to yourself ?

I have been to the plastic surgeons office though, and that is a tough one, but it was in a moment of desparation. I still haven't found one Dr. that makes me feel super comfortable.

One time I started crying, because it was the first time I had owned up to my feelings about my skin in front of someone, and it wasn't the easiest thing to do. The tears just started rolling out, I wasn't even prepared.

Instead of calming my fears and saying he could help The stupid asshole told me I needed to see a psychiatrist. I don't think that is the problem, obviously it couldn't hurt, but I know I would pick less if I didn't think my skin was scarred anyways, so who cares?

I think I just wanted him to tell me that he could help me and calm my fears. Instead he sent me away, and told me that he would have his secretary call me with a number of someone who could help me with this sort of thing. She never did. I was pissed.

Anyways, I still plan to get plastic surgery. I talked to a doctor who said that scars from acne is about the hardest thing to work with, but it can look "better" . Probably about a 60% improvement. He warned me of this.."Don't have your expectations at 100% though. " He said.

SO...I guess 60% is better then ZERO. I DO plan to have laser surgery, so I will keep you posted on when, and the outcome.

In the meantime, I'm just going to work on this picking thing getting better

With everyone's help....thanks for the support.

Flawless

[bd8300]

hey Flawless i'm so happy to hear how well u are doing. I just finished off day 6 and i'm doing well. I believe in a a/b a week or two i will be where i want to be w/ my skin. I was looking into doing Smoothbeam treatment on my skin after i'm healed.

Hope your success continues.

Lisa