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Make sure your fingernails are always clipped so you won't cause damage to your skin should you decide to pick your face. Keeping the areas under your nails free of grime is also important to cut down on bacteria that might be transferred from your hands to your face. Hands are one of the dirtiest parts of the human body, so remind yourself of that as a deterrent! Wash your hands with a pump or two of antibacterial soap and warm water. Rub your hands together for at least 30 seconds until they get sudsy before rinsing them with warm or hot water. Keeping your hands and fingers clean will make it less likely that you'll get acne if you do end up touching your face. If you must touch your face, wash your hands before and after with antibacterial soap. Talk to your doctor or see a dermatologist about getting prescription acne washes and creams if your acne is a trigger for you. Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids have all been shown to improve acne. For a natural option, consider using witch hazel and tea tree oil to dry up pimples and acne. When you wash your face, don't scrub too hard because it could cause irritation and tempt you to touch or pick the pain away. Remember, the more you touch your face, the greater chance there is of developing clogged pores, pimples, and acne. SPD is closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and may call for cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recover. You may have SPD if you: Can't stop picking your skin. Pick your skin to the point that you cause cuts, bleeding, or bruising. Pick bumps, spots, or scars on your skin in an attempt to "fix" them. Don't realize you're picking your skin. Pick your skin in your sleep. Pick your skin when you're feeling stressed out or anxious. Use tweezers, pins, or scissors (in addition to your fingers) to pick at your skin.
Clip your fingernails short and keep them clean. Wash your hands and fingers thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Follow a skincare routine to treat acne, if necessary. See your doctor if you suspect you have skin picking disorder (SPD).