Tips

[Sasha]

I have been doing a lot better for the last couple of weeks and thought I would share what seems to be working. First, I signed up with StopPicking.com and although it has yet to be the answer to my prayers, it makes me much more aware of my triggers so I can avoid them. Plus I get upset seeing my daily picking log graphed out, so it challenges me to really try and cut back the time I spend picking. It has made me feel much more empowered with this situation.

Secondly, I have been using ProActiv Solutions religiously. It has made a huge difference in smoothing out my skin and clearing up the acne without drying it out. But you really have to stick with it every day no matter what.

Also, I just started using Dermablend cover creme, powder and moisturizer. I feel so liberated by it! It covers the red, ruddy patches and brown marks really well and looks very natural. For the first time in 20 years I don't look like I have a pound of foundation on. It does NOT cover my open wounds too well. But that has been motivating me to try harder.

Also I placed thick tape on the light switches in the bathroom so I can't turn the lights on. I do all my skin regimen in the dark or dimly lit mirror (I only allow light from the ajacent room in). My brain is finally getting used to not needing to wake up in the morning and go straight to the mirror to pick. And it is not available when I get ready for bed either, so slowly I am craving it less. When I really need to be in the mirror with full lighting to put on makeup I ask my fiance to sit in the room with me (I would never pick right in front of him!).

If I do happen to spot a zit forming I immediately place a big glob of Proactiv Refining Mask on it (thick white Sulfur based cream) and it usually clears overnight.

I wear light mittens for when I watch TV (I tend to pick mindlessly while watching TV).

Most importantly, I have been getting my butt up each day to exercise. I took up running (which in a million years I never thought I would be able to do) and also aerobics and hiking. It has made a huge difference in my mood, stress and energy level.

I have finally accepted that I will have relapses through all this and to not beat myself up about them!!!! I will just keep on moving forward.

I realize that it will take a long time to retrain my brain to kick this addiction. I am so hugely conditioned to pick (picking >20yrs now). The independent film "What the *&?!#* (bleep) Do We Know" does a great job of demonstrating how our brains become addicted to things/routines/love/people. Very similar to how our brain becomes addicted to drugs. It will take a lot of deconditioning, reconditioning and retraining my brain to become accustomed to new routines. I think it will be a bit like going through withdrawal.

There seems to be no easy answer for all of this.
I don't recommend waiting for a miracle drug or skin product. I believe we ultimately have to find ways to become stronger than this habit (reconditioning! Changing our patterns until our brains adapt). No quick fixes. Good Luck!