(Part 2) Top products from r/CompulsiveSkinPicking

You probably have buildup on your scalp. The apple cider vinegar can be a good way to rinse your hair but it’ll burn like fire if your scalp is raw.

Try this:

• Wash with Suave Clarifying Shampoo. (I pay $2 for it at Target and the grocery store, but I’m using Amazon.com links just for convenience sakes.) Use your fingertips (not your nails) to gently massage your scalp and then rinse thoroughly.
  
  
• Condition with Suave Essentials Coconut Conditioner. Again, massage scalp gently and use a lot of conditioner to cover hair from roots to tips. Rinse thoroughly.
  
  
• Condition one more time, but this time leave a little conditioner in your hair. Some people like to gently splash their hair with water to distribute it evenly rather than allowing the shower water to hit it directly (which would just rinse one spot completely and force all the excess conditioner to another spot. Either way, gently squish your hair from ends up to the roots using a scrunching motion until the water is just slightly milky when it squished out. Maybe leaving 10% of the conditioner in your hair?
  
  
• Eschew ALL of your mousses, gels, sprays, waxes, etc in favor of ‘curly girl approved’ options. Just google those words and you’ll see what you can replace your current products with.
  
  You may have to repeat step 1 a couple times to get rid of the buildup but it’ll happen, I promise!
  
  As for the science behind all of this, it’s my weak area so bear with me:
  
  

1. This shampoo has sulfates (harsh cleansers) but no silicones (stuff that costs each individual strand to make it feel soft). My theory is it strips your hair of the junk that has been deposited by previous products and is basically sitting on your scalp being gross. The shampoo is just shampoo, though, and even though it has sulfates it is designed to be gentle on skin.
   
   
2. The conditioner adds back some moisture to your scalp and hair after you’ve stripped it of the funk. It also has no silicones so it won’t deposit any grossness. It just gently moisturizes (this is why we massage it in).
   
   
3. Of you’re a true curly girl, your hair is probably dry but your scalp (in its normal non-gunky state) isn’t. You need to leave just a little conditioner in your hair so it’ll continue to hang around the strands make it shiny and (most importantly) manageable.
   
   4- None of this works if you go putting a bunch of silicone back on it via gels and other styling products. Drying alcohols are also prevalent in these and we avoid those too.
   
   There are TONS of great methods and products (I use the cheapest ones in the instructions above because why invest a lot until you know it works, right?) in subs like r/curlyhair. It can be overwhelming at first because there’s a lot of science behind all of this but there are also tutorials for simple methods.
   
   I hope that helps. :)

I can totally empathize, as it suddenly got very bad for me too. My picking issue concerns chronic ingrown hairs (some legitimate, some self-induced by creating an "environment" really conducive to their development via picking). Exfoliation is touted as the best treatment, but, well, I kinda don't think it really does dick. I have used these and also usually just over my jawline and neck. I feel like they help a little in preventing/reducing the occurrence, maybe better than nothing. I like 'em because they contain both AHA and BHA, which are supposed to work pretty well synergistically. But pretty expensive.

AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc. in a variety of concentrations and formulations) is good for surface stuff like whiteheads and uneven skin tone. It will burn like mad for a few seconds if you use it over any open wounds (and possibly even if you don't). Also pretty drying. You'll be red and flushed, so moisturizer and SPF is a must after applying anything with an AHA.

BHA (aka salicylic acid, like Stridex pads) penetrates deeper into the pore. Good for blackheads and reduces inflammation. Not nearly as intense as AHAs (you rarely find concentrations of more than 2%) but still a bit drying in my experience. My skin tends towards dry anyway, so I always have to use a moisturizer.

There's some controversy over whether physical or purely chemical exfoliation is better. I've heard of the medicated pads having the potential to make "micro tears" in your skin, leading to breakouts but that really smacks of some bullshit. If you find that physical exfoliants are too harsh, don't use 'em. Whenever my skin seems to react badly to the pads, I tend to use this gel. Paula's Choice does have some nice chemical options in the form of leave-on gels, liquids, and creams, but like you said, expensive as fuck. Honestly, drugstore/generic equivalents will probably get the job done without breaking the bank. The fewer ingredients, the better (as a rule of thumb).

I've learned that keeping my wounds from drying out and scabbing over is key to speeding healing and minimizing scarring. Occlusives like Neosporin, Aquaphor, or even plain Vaseline are your best bets. Apparently you're not supposed to use Neosporin for more than a few days, but I used to slather myself with that stuff for weeks at a time before discovering Aquaphor. Didn't have any issues (except perhaps more resistant bacteria? Who knows). People also swear by hydrocolloidal bandages (think blister patches). They promote a moist healing environment w/o having to use any chemicals and you can leave on for several days.

There doesn't seem to be anything that helps very much with those hard bumps except time. Moisture + SPF should keep them from getting worse, at least. Sigh.

That's the beauty of it, there are so many methods and just about everyone is correct. I will try my best to explain, but please also do your research on the subject as there are many details I can't cover in a post.

I started with a book [Minfdfulness for Everyday Living] (http://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Everyday-Living-Christopher-Titmuss/dp/0764122606) and using the Headspace app, which is a guided meditation aid. I think it's important to go into it with an open mind and no expectations. The goal isn't to eliminate your thoughts, but rather to allow them to come and go without dwelling on them (or giving in to them, for those of us with CSP habits).

As far as the actual practice goes, it's very simple. Sit in a comfortable, upright position and close your eyes. Begin by drawing long breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. After a few minutes, you can breathe normally (in and out through your nose). As you're doing this, focus on the breath. Your mind will wonder, and think about other things. Each time you notice your focus straying from the breath, just gently recenter it. You'll want to meditate for 15-20 minutes a day, and making it part of your daily routine is imperative for your mind to grow into this "new habit".

Again, there is much to it and I highly recommend you do your own research to see what styles work for you. The Headspace app is free for 10 days and a great place to start. I hope this helps someone as much as it has helped me.

Honestly, washing with straight castor oil shows dramatic improvement overnight for me every time I start breaking out. It sounds counterproductive, but it's always worked for me and those I've told it about. This is the stuff I use.

1. Wet face with warm water
   
   
2. Massage oil into face gently for a good minute or two.
   
   
3. Let sit for another couple minutes minimum.
   
   
4. Use a clean hot washcloth to gently melt excess oil away "No scrubbing"
   
   
5. Use a clean towel to pat dry your face.
   
   
6. Apply your normal skin hydration cream.

Hey! I have the exact problem as you do, except probably more advanced. I'm 28 and have been picking target areas of my skin since Elementary School. I think the scalp picking happened just after high school ended for me. I remember a time where I can run my own fingers through my hair and not lift a bunch of skin off my scalp to leave terrible looking flakes in my hair... I have to basically take a very fine tooth comb to pull the dead skin out of my hair follicles that lifted off of my damaged scalp. No fun. I feel that I've picked my scalp so much that it hasn't ever really had time to heal and so I'm here with a deranged form of dandruff where the flakes are large disks and not small flecks.

So, yeah it does gets worse for you. The worst area is right at the crown of my head right at the hairline. I'll have just taken a shower, after scrubbing my scalp free of dead flakes and I'll get out to find MORE lifted up. In plain sight, for everyone to see. I have to wear certain hairstyles to hide it and know I can't at ALL touch my hair lest I release another dandruff-looking monster. And, I hope you know that any scarring on the scalp is going to be a spot hair can't grow back. So there's that, too.

I just wanted to get all my horror stories out of the way before I get into some of the whys and fixes. Compulsive skin picking is indeed in the OCD family, and part of how it works is similar to having a drug addiction. We look for imperfections on our skin, and when we give into our moments of picking we not only get a large sense of relief, we are releasing endorphins and getting a mini high off of doing it! So, just know that when you care little about the damage you cause yourself and give into the feel-goods, you're giving into your brain and body's twisted urges and it may not be a conscious choice of yours at all.

I'm still trying to find ways to heal my scalp quicker than I pick it (because we all have bad days). I need to do research on Head & Shoulders because I don't think it's as good as I was lead to believe. Sucks too, because I found a SCALP CARE version of the shampoo. I purchased a $9 tub of hair masque from a beauty store recently and I use that a few times a week when I feel I really need a 'pick me up' for my scalp. I've also just ordered a "scalp shampoo brush" and tea tree oil shampoo from Amazon, which neither I have experience with yet but have heard wonderful things, especially about the shampoo brush.

Gotta end my babble here because I have to get to work, sorry if any of this is a jumbled mess to read. Hopefully, there's something helpful in there for you. I know giving into our impulses feels great, but out body can't handle these habits indefinitely.

Scalp Shampoo Brush (there's more options too)

Tee Tree Oil Shampoo

Read the reviews and questions for more about them and how they've helped folk. :)

This will not work for you scalp, but for all of the other places, I really recommend hydrocolloid bandages. You can cut them to the size of the open wound/scab, sanitize/wash the area, and it will provide a healthy environment for it to heal. You can leave them on while showering and for three days, probably enough time to make a smooth mark instead of a scab. The bandage is strong and if you rub your finger against it, it is smooth to the touch. It will remind you not to pick the scab (it would take more effort to remove the bandage to pick, giving you enough time to think through the consequences of picking.)

I use these on my face while I'm at home, and yes, I've become a bit reliant on them, but they are saving my skin. I can't recommend them enough. The brand I use are these, and again, I just cut them to fit over the spot I want to cover. I've heard good things about other brands too. https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Tough-Pads-4-Count-2-8/dp/B000VE8E0I

I've been doing the raw honey thing off and on for almost a year now, and it's a LOT more effective the longer you let it sit on your face. Like, sleep in it, if you can. Also, be careful not to just stick your fingers in the jar! Fingernails are full of gross and eventually bacteria will build up. Either use a clean spoon or transfer the honey to some kind of squeezable container (I like http://www.amazon.com/Gotoob-Humangear-Silicone-Travel-Tubes/dp/B003H9FATW). I'd also recommend giving heavy duty moisturizing a chance, it's the only thing that's helped with my skin texture! I love jojoba oil, which you can buy at Trader Joe's.

That’s great that the new med is working!

I like Physicians Formula Conceal Rx, but I haven’t tried many others because I’m allergic to fragrance, which is in a lot of make up products. But if you search amazon for ideas and reviews, you’ll find many options with 4 or more stars that you’ll probably be able to find in your local drugstores. Look for ones that say non-comedogenic, which means they are less likely to break you out.

https://www.amazon.com/Physicians-Formula-Conceal-Strength-Concealer/dp/B002SVK36K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=green+concealer+for+redness&qid=1565194210&s=gateway&sprefix=green+conc&sr=8-3

Less is more. Just apply tiny dots of it at first. Then you can add more if needed, which is easier than trying to remove a little if you apply too much.

Because you also use salicylic acid, your skin might be dry even if you generally consider your skin to be oily. So concealers and other makeup may look cakey, especially after you first apply them. But after it sits on your skin a bit and absorbs some natural oils, it might soften a bit.

For today’s picture, maybe soften your skin a bit first by steaming your face with a warm rag held against for a minute or two. Not hot, or you’ll just make your whole face red. And don’t apply the salicylic acid today before your pics.

The reason it works is because it contains salicylic acid. I'd recommend just getting a skincare product with salicylic acid instead, since as /u/Lykkekat says, it is made for skin and not ingestion. The red Stridex is a favorite over at /r/SkincareAddiction since it's cheap, alcohol free, and effective.

I also have KP and have been picking since I was about 10 (15 years now...). Here are a few products that have helped both the KP on my arms and scars/acne on my face:

• Scar Care with onion bulb extract (use almost every night)
  
  
• AmLactin 12% (I actually use this everywhere - great on elbows)
  
  
• Acne/scar care with green tea (reduces redness)
  
  I also plan on getting one of the Konjac sponges that are so highly recommended on this sub.
  
  Edit: I also hydrocortizone cream occasionally. But, I've heard that skin can become "addicted" to this steroid.

THIS. Yes, /u/diredireitsfleeting and /u/thrway332244 (don't know if you'll see this), thank you for posting and commenting about this. I know there are plenty of skin-pickers like me out there, but I've always felt alone with the eating it thing...the dermatillomania is shameful enough, but the shame I feel from the dermatophagia is so much greater. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to admit this to anyone. I do this also along with the picking (pick then ingest) and I DON'T UNDERSTAND why. It is not like I find it appetizing or anything, it is just as compulsive as the picking. Nail biting polish definitely helps, but the challenge is to motivate yourself to use it, knowing it will make it unbearable to chew later. I also try to think about how I'll feel after an episode. Personally, I never actually reach satisfaction with this stuff, so it helps to acknowledge that and tell myself, "well, it won't work anyway." Because it's all about gratifying a temptation, but it will never actually reach gratification because there's always more to pick/bite/chew. So what that leaves you with is just damage to your body. There is no reward. I recommend checking out The Habit Change Workbook.

Also, if you develop it anywhere else, (God forbid) this stuff is the bomb diggity. https://www.amazon.com/Sween-Superior-Moisturizing-Protectant-Cream/dp/B001A6DGPE

So I do this alot. Two things helped me: fake nails but also this:CND Almond Moisture Scrub, 3.4 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LHPNL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aEHrDb9BG2KWB

It's a hand scrub. Whenever I felt like picking is wash my hands and use this and especially along the nails and finger tips. It helped rub off all the loose ends and tags and the oil made my skin really smooth. It made picking harder and made my skin less of a trigger.

edit: heres a link! :)

https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Badescu-Glycolic-Acid-Toner/dp/B000PHZ7HO?th=1

I think I've seen comments before on this sub (maybe another?) about the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. It's a guide to mindfulness and meditation. The general idea is that if you learn to be aware and accepting of how your mental and emotional states manifest physically in your body you can avoid giving in to fear and anxiety associated with pain, discomfort, or negative emotions. I highly recommend it (amazon link there: http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Acceptance-Embracing-Heart-Buddha/dp/0553380990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451504299&sr=8-1&keywords=radical+acceptance).

Tara Brach also has a website with free guided meditations that I've found to be very helpful: https://www.tarabrach.com/.

Duoderm Hydrocolloid Dressing 187955 4 X 4" Box of 10, Sand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zAQNDbD5QAE4N

You can search "Worry Stone" for the type that has a thumb groove, like this. You might find one like OP's under related items in a search.

Break out the bio oil, and aquaphor, put socks and gloves on after slopping tons on the hands and feet (before bed) Major sunscreen, not the drug store kind, Alba Botanical Sensitive Skin, the bottle is green, can be found at Sprouts, Wholefoods or Amazon. Big sun hat, and summer dress.

1.Dab Bio Oil on skin before going somewhere beach or pool oriented. On arms and leg spots.

2. Aquaphor your lips and the worst of your wounds.

3. Sensitive Skin Suncreen.

Daily routine (especially after shower) should be:

Little bits of bio oil and then not so bad sores.

Aquaphor those deep particularity ouchie ones.

Complete all of this by slapping this wonderful, waterbased lotion on your skin that is NOT greasy and well worth a little extra cost

Links to products:

Suncreen

Bio Oil


Aquaphor (life saver)

Awesome Hat I Have

Hypoallergenic Awesomeness (Lotion)