Come on in...
Can we talk about something that lots of people do, but very few people talk about?
Skin picking.
If your fingers seem to find their way to your face without you even thinking...
If you’ve ever promised yourself, ‘I won’t touch it this time,’ and then found yourself doing it anyway...
I’d love you to know something before we go any further.
You’re not weak.
You’re not silly.
And you’re certainly not the only one.
I’ve met so many teenagers over the years who have quietly told me, ‘I don’t even realise I’m doing it until it’s too late.’
If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company.
Let’s have a little chat.
Why Do We Do It
There isn’t one simple answer.
Sometimes we pick because a spot feels sore or bumpy. Sometimes we’re bored, worried or overwhelmed.
Sometimes we’re concentrating on homework, watching television or scrolling on our phones and our hands just... wander.
For some people, picking becomes a habit that happens almost without thinking. For others, the urge can feel much harder to stop.
Whatever your experience, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
It means your mind and your hands may have learnt a pattern together—and patterns can be understood, interrupted and supported.
What Happens When We Pick
I know there can be a tiny moment when it feels satisfying.
But your skin is usually already busy repairing itself. When we squeeze or pick, we can interrupt that healing.
That may mean:
NOTICE More redness or soreness
NOTICE A spot that takes longer to settle
NOTICE A greater chance of a mark or scar being left behind
NOTICE Broken skin that needs extra care
Your skin isn’t trying to punish you.
It is simply having to work a little harder to recover.
Let’s Make Life Easier for Your Hands
Instead of only telling yourself, ‘Don’t pick,’ try asking, ‘What could my hands do instead?’
You could try:
NOTICE Doodling or colouring while you watch television
NOTICE Holding a stress ball or fidget toy
NOTICE Reading with both hands on your book
NOTICE Giving Teddy a cuddle
NOTICE Taking a little walk when you notice the urge building
NOTICE Standing further back from the mirror instead of leaning right in
None of these needs to be perfect.
You’re simply giving your hands a different job.
Please Don’t Be Cross with Yourself
If you catch yourself picking, try not to think, ‘I’ve ruined everything.’
Instead:
NOTICE Pause
NOTICE Take one slow breath
NOTICE Wash your hands if you need to
NOTICE Be kind to your skin
NOTICE Simply begin again
One moment doesn’t undo all the care you’ve already given yourself.
From Skin Pickle’s Pantry Shelf
If you notice your hand moving towards one particular spot, Popi can give you a different next step: pause and care for the spot instead of squeezing or picking it.
Focused spot care with calming and skin-clearing ingredients.
Use Popi only as directed on the product label and only where the label says it is suitable. Do not apply a spot product to damaged or very sore skin unless its directions specifically say you can.
Popi can help you focus on caring for the spot. She does not treat the urge to pick—and needing help with that urge is nothing to be ashamed of.
If You’d Like a Little Extra Help
Sometimes skin picking is more than an occasional habit.
If it feels difficult to stop, causes damage that is not healing, upsets you or affects your everyday life, please tell a parent, carer or another trusted adult and speak to a GP or qualified healthcare professional.
Support can help you notice your triggers and practise a safer action when the urge appears.
If you have picked an area, keep it clean. Ask an adult or healthcare professional for help if it is not healing or you are worried about it.
Asking for support is a sign that you’re looking after yourself.
And that’s something to be proud of.
Before You Go
Can I ask you to try one tiny thing this week?
The next time you notice your hand drifting towards your face, don’t tell yourself off.
Just notice it.
That’s all.
Sometimes noticing is the very first step towards changing a pattern.
Small moments of awareness can grow into meaningful changes over time.
A Little Note from Skin Pickle
If I could sit beside you while you’re reading this, I don’t think we’d spend very long talking about your skin.
I’d probably ask how you’ve been feeling lately.
Because I’ve learnt that our skin and our feelings can have more conversations with each other than we realise.
So if life feels a little heavy at the moment, please be especially gentle with yourself.
You deserve the same kindness you so easily give to other people.
And if today wasn’t the day you managed to keep your hands away from your skin, tomorrow is another chance.
I’ll still be here.
Love,
Skin Pickle
Before You Wander
If you’ve been wondering why spots sometimes leave little marks behind, there’s another conversation waiting for you.
The Marks Spots Leave Behind... Will They Ever Fade?
I’ll keep the kettle warm until you get back.