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Hands Off! 3 Surefire Ways to Break Your Picking Habit

Kick your picking habit with these easy tips.

If you don’t think there’s anything wrong with popping your pimples, think again. Although it’s tempting to take a hands-on approach with your acne, picking at your breakouts will only make them worse. Touching your skin can contribute to the spread of p. Acnes, the bacteria that causes pustules and cysts. Plus, poking at your zits may further irritate them, causing breakouts to last longer than they would otherwise.

Here are some easy ways to break your picking habit once and for all.

1) Identify Your Triggers

Become aware of the circumstances in which you’re tempted to pick at your skin. Whether it’s boredom, nerves, or standing too long in front of a mirror, identify the forces triggering your habit. With heightened awareness, you can find something else to do with your hands the next time the urge strikes.

2) Study Up

Did you know that picking at your pimples can lead to scars? A little research can go a long way in helping you kick your habit. Consider asking your dermatologist what happens to people’s skin when they stop popping pimples, or research some of the damage pimple-popping can cause.

Whether you’re prodding a zit, or just an acne look-alike, your picking habit could have serious, long-term repercussions for your skin. The next time you have the urge to pick, invest in some benzoyl peroxide or a nice facial rather than trying to perform extractions yourself.

3) Write a Note

Breaking a bad habit isn’t easy, and sometimes you need a friendly reminder to keep your hands away from your face. Place little notes on your bathroom mirror, your phone, your laptop — places you look at frequently, even every day. Whether you want to write words of warning or encouragement, a little prompt should help you stay strong on your path towards clearer, healthier skin.

Still having a hard time breaking your picking habit? Talk to a dermatologist to get a more personalized list of tips and tricks.