We’ve all been there — you noticed a tiny bump, gave it a squeeze (or several), and suddenly your skin’s red, sore, and possibly bleeding. Whether it was a whitehead, an ingrown hair or just some nervous fidgeting during mirror time, skin picking is a common habit, but it can leave your skin looking and feeling worse than before. Don’t worry — with the right care, you can repair the damage and learn to break the cycle.
What Exactly Is Skin Picking?
It may seem like a harmless habit, but frequently picking at your skin can be a sign of dermatillomania — a condition where the urge to pick becomes compulsive. From popping pimples and scratching scabs to plucking hairs or squeezing pores, this behaviour often worsens stress, anxiety, and ultimately, your skin’s health.
What Happens When You Pick?
Unfortunately, skin picking doesn’t just end with the initial damage. Here’s what you might be left dealing with:
- Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Scars that take a long time to fade — or might become permanent
- Infections, even if your hands were clean at the time
Your skin barrier is your best friend. Picking breaks it, leaving your skin exposed to bacteria, inflammation, and further irritation.
Why Do We Pick Our Skin?
The reasons vary, but often it’s a mix of:
- Boredom
- Stress or anxiety
- Over-analysing your skin in the mirror
- A need for control or distraction
Understanding your triggers is half the battle. If you find yourself reaching for your face when anxious or bored, try keeping your hands busy — journalling, knitting, stress balls or fidget toys can help break the habit loop.
How to Stop Picking (And Actually Stick to It)
Stopping isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. A few quick swaps:
- Trim your nails short to reduce skin damage
- Use pimple patches — they protect the area and stop you from touching it
- Walk away from the mirror — no good decisions happen after 10 minutes of pore-prodding
- Seek professional help if it feels compulsive. Speaking to a dermatologist or mental health specialist can give you the tools to manage it without shame.
Picked Already? Here’s How to Repair the Damage
Okay, so you picked. Now what?
Step 1: Cleanse gently
Use a mild, non-stripping cleanser. No scrubs, no actives — just something calming to keep the area clean without irritation.
Step 2: Tone carefully
Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula. These soothe the skin and help reduce redness and swelling.
Step 3: Moisturise (properly!)
Skip the harsh spot treatments at this stage — they’ll only dry and damage the broken skin further. Instead, go for:
- A hydrating balm or healing ointment
- Moisturisers that focus on barrier repair
- Something that keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and sealed
How Long Will It Take to Heal?
Healing depends on the extent of the picking:
- A light poke or squeeze? You could be looking at 2–5 days.
- A full-blown picking session? It might take a few weeks, or even months if scarring occurs.
Top tip: Keep the area moisturised and protected. Avoid makeup if you can, and definitely skip exfoliants or retinoids while it’s healing.
When to See a Professional
Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or dermatologist if:
- The area becomes swollen, oozing or painful
- It’s not healing even after weeks of care
- You feel unable to stop picking, despite trying
You’re not alone, and there’s absolutely no shame in getting support. Skin picking is more common than people admit — and help is available.