Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules and acne…  squeezing or picking on skin will test the very best of our resolve to relieve or soothe that pesky blemish. If you’ve had acne or even the occasional spot at any point in your life then you probably know how tempting it is to go to town on your face. With each clogged pore or raised pimple comes the intense desire to start squeezing and prodding, and then the ultimate holy-grail visible release of mental satisfaction. Most of us know very well that picking prolongs the life of the wound and can leave a scar or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Yet even the very best of skincare aficionados among us still succumb to overactive fingers.

So how can we help to break the cycle of behaviour that leads to this damage on skin?

Most of us like to squeeze and pick in the evening, as we usually have more time to wind down, spend more time on our skin care routines, and are parked in front of the mirror for longer.

So rather then mindlessly and automatically doing this pattern of behaviour, check in with yourself and identify the situation that you are finding yourself in. Ask yourself are you bored? Have you had a particularly stressful or emotionally heightened day? Skin picking is often an outward expression of an emotional response, so perhaps focus instead on breath-work or interrupt that pattern of behaviour by giving restless fingers a new focus by letting worry out on an inanimate object that can take the brunt of the stress and strain.

Give your focus to a skincare routine, and pay attention to the time and enjoyment that you take on the different steps of skincare. If you find your mind wandering to negative thought patterns or focusing in on a blemish that is just itching to be squeezed then simply step away from the mirror, or set a timer so that you know that time is up and you can move onto a new task or skincare step. Keeping your routine to minimum and using multi-tasking, fast acting skincare will also help you avoid overdoing it with your skin.

Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules and acne…  squeezing or picking on skin will test the very best of our resolve to relieve or soothe that pesky blemish. If you’ve had acne or even the occasional spot at any point in your life then you probably know how tempting it is to go to town on your face. With each clogged pore or raised pimple comes the intense desire to start squeezing and prodding, and then the ultimate holy-grail visible release of mental satisfaction. Most of us know very well that picking prolongs the life of the wound and can leave a scar or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Yet even the very best of skincare aficionados among us still succumb to overactive fingers.

So how can we help to break the cycle of behaviour that leads to this damage on skin?

Most of us like to squeeze and pick in the evening, as we usually have more time to wind down, spend more time on our skin care routines, and are parked in front of the mirror for longer.

So rather then mindlessly and automatically doing this pattern of behaviour, check in with yourself and identify the situation that you are finding yourself in. Ask yourself are you bored? Have you had a partically stressful or emotionally heightened day? Skin picking is often an outward expression of an emotional response, so perhaps focus instead on breath-work or interrupt that pattern of behaviour by giving restless fingers a new focus by letting worry out on an inanimate object that can take the brunt of the stress and strain.

Give your focus to a skincare routine, and pay attention to the time and enjoyment that you take on the different steps of skincare. If you find your mind wandering to negative thought patterns or focusing in on a blemish that is just itching to be squeezed then simply step away from the mirror, or set a timer so that you know that time is up and you can move onto a new task or skincare step. Keeping your routine to minimum and using multi-tasking, fast acting skincare will also help you avoid overdoing it with your skin.

Regular use of skincare including Vitamin C, Glycolic acid and Retinoic acid can all help to prevent post inflammatory pigmentation. The Antonia Burrell Holistic Skincare’s Radiant Light Facial Oil Serum is rich in Vitamins A, C & E to protect and it also contains Sea Buckthorn to promote the healing of damaged skin and to soften existing scar tissue. Using the serum in conjunction with the Bright + Light Eye Cream which contains Strelitzia Extract, can brilliantly brighten and illuminate any areas of darkness and shadow. Two wonderfully harmonious products designed to give illumination, combat and reduce the effects of skin discolouration, leaving you with your most beautiful and natural skin.

Cover Image Credit: J. Hannah jewellery