Facial pores can be clogged and the face is exposed to acne-causing bacteria when your hands touch your face. One of the bad behaviors that must be eliminated when dealing with acne is the habit of touching your face, but what is even more problematic is squeezing pimples! Break free from this habit by changing your mindset or try to prevent it according to the following instructions. If you still touch your face often, do various tips so that your facial skin does not have problems.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Controlling the Desire to Touch Your Face
Step 1. Do the activity with your hands so you don't touch your face
If you are used to touching your face while waiting for public transportation, watching TV, or studying, try to keep your hands busy, for example holding a stress ball, keychain, beaded bracelet, rubber band, or gemstone in a ring.
- If you frequently touch your face while watching TV, use your hands to massage your body.
- Knitting or drawing keeps hands busy (while doing creative activities!).
- Find out what triggers this habit so you can control your urges by distracting yourself. Do you touch your face impulsively while reading a book, listening to a teacher's explanation, or watching TV? Are you used to squeezing your pimples after brushing your teeth? Do you touch your face when you are depressed, happy, angry, bored, or sad?
Step 2. Tuck your palms under your thighs while sitting as soon as you want to touch your face or pop a pimple
While listening to the teacher's explanation or after eating, sit on your palms if you don't need to write or hold a spoon and fork. Placing your hands in certain places (other than your face) helps you break bad habits, especially if you touch your face on impulse.
Alternatively, intertwine your fingers and place them on your thighs or a table, instead of touching your face
Step 3. Write the message on paper and place it in an easily visible place
Paste the paper that says "DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE!" on the mirror above the sink, the sunblock in the car, the wardrobe door, or anywhere else. Set a reminder in a specific place that triggers the urge to touch your face or pop a pimple.
Set a phone alarm to remind you not to touch your face if you do it at certain times during your daily activities
Step 4. Put on gloves if you are used to touching your face at home
Although it feels strange, this method is quite effective. If you are used to sleeping at night touching your face, put on gloves before going to bed. Make sure you wash your gloves regularly to keep them bacteria free.
- Wear cotton gloves. Wool gloves can irritate the face (if touched). Nylon gloves come off easily.
- If gloves are not available, wrap your fingertips with tape or masking tape. This method is very effective because you can't use your fingers to touch your face or pop pimples.
Step 5. Have a friend or family member remind you
Good friends, parents, or roommates can play a big role when you want to get rid of the habit of touching your face or popping pimples. Ask them to reprimand them if they see you touching your face.
Alternatively, prepare a jar as a tool so you don't touch your face because you have to put a coin into the jar every time you touch your face
Step 6. Find an excuse to stop touching your face and use it to remind yourself
Instead of giving up, remember why you need to break this habit. Alternatively, imagine the bad consequences of touching your face or popping a pimple.
Look for pictures of acne scars to remind yourself if you keep popping pimples. Usually, pimples don't leave scars if left untouched. Scarring occurs when you squeeze a pimple or pick a blackhead, causing irritation to the skin
Step 7. Control emotional triggers by practicing mindfulness meditation
Set aside time to clear your mind and improve your mindset. Studies show that people who meditate regularly are able to control the emotions and behavioral patterns that trigger repetitive movements (such as touching their face or squeezing a pimple).
- Meditate using an online guide or join a meditation class at a yoga studio.
- Download a meditation-guided mobile app, such as Headspace or MindShift, so you can meditate anywhere.
Method 2 of 2: Minimize Skin Damage
Step 1. Trim nails to keep them short and keep them clean regularly
Keep your nails short to prevent skin damage and keep the underside of your nails clean so bacteria don't transfer from your nails to your face if you pop a pimple.
The palms are one of the dirtiest parts of the human body. Use this information to remind yourself not to touch your face
Step 2. Wash your palms and fingers with antibacterial soap
Wet your hands with warm water and then pour antibacterial liquid soap on your palms. Rub your palms, back of your hands, and fingers until the soap lathers for at least 30 seconds, then rinse with warm or cool water.
- Keeping your palms and fingers clean reduces the risk of acne breakouts if you're still touching your face.
- If you need to touch your face, take the time to wash your hands first and wash your face with soap afterward.
Step 3. Treat facial skin regularly to treat acne
If acne makes you touch your face a lot, see your doctor or a dermatologist for a prescription for anti-acne soaps and creams. Over-the-counter drugs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids have been shown to be able to treat acne.
- If you want to use natural products, get rid of blackheads and pimples with witch hazel and tea tree oil.
- When washing your face, don't rub your skin so vigorously that you don't irritate it so you want to touch the sore skin.
- Remember, the more often your face is touched, the greater the risk of clogged pores, resulting in blackheads and acne.
Step 4. Consult a health professional to determine whether or not you have an addiction to skin picking (SPD)
SPD is closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). You will need to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to treat this disorder. You may have SPD if you pick at your skin frequently:
- because of addiction.
- until it cuts, bleeds, or blisters.
- because you want to get rid of warts, moles, or spots.
- impulsively.
- while sleeping.
- when you feel stressed or anxious.
- using tweezers, needles, or scissors (other than fingers).
Tips
- Do not give up! As with other bad behaviors, the habit of touching your face or picking your skin is difficult to get rid of in a short time.
- If you're used to touching your face while standing, put your hands in your pockets and grip a coin or small stone to keep your fingers busy!
- Wear a bandana or hat if you have long hair or bangs so they don't cover your face. Moving hair away from your eyes or nose can be a reason for you to touch your face.
