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Peeling skin

retrocal February 22nd, 2016

Hi, I'm Sam and I'm 19. I have this horrible habit of peeling the dead skin off my lips. I've been doing this for years and I don't even notice until I look at my fingertips and notice they're covered in blood. It doesn't even hurt anymore but my lips are sort of in a cycle of dry, then peeling, then freshly peeled and bloody, then a period of looking normal, then they get dry and peel again. I can't stop peeling them because it's sort of a nervous habit thing but I really want to stop. It's like a visible sign of my anxiety and I hate it. Does anyone have any advice to help me stop? Because my lips look pretty awful most of the time :(

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Cheeney February 22nd, 2016

I do this all the time too. I guess the first step in stopping it is becoming aware of when you're doing it. Then maybe distract yourself with something else.

powerfulSugar8787 February 22nd, 2016

i would suggest occupying your hands with something else for the time being, like fiddling with a watch or something small round your wrist. It is also worth going to see a doctor as if it is related to anxiety it's important you are recieving help for that as well. A doctor will also be able to give you better advice about how to breathe the habit. Good luck!

February 22nd, 2016

I do this as well. I agree with Cheeney - I think it's just about recognising when you're doing it and finding something else to do. Apply vaseline or a lip balm when at home has helped put me off doing it or noticing when it happens.

Maybe focus on breathing for a few moments, or rub your lip with your tounge instead (which would be a similar motion but not damaging).

Will keep an eye on this thread and share any helpful tips I find. Thank you very much for sharing about it, it's a relief to know it isn't just me. :)

ReadingIsLove February 22nd, 2016

The first step is to notice that you're doing it and catch yourself so that you stop doing it. It's not easy but it's worth a shot.

EnigmaticRebel February 25th, 2016

@retrocal

You're on your way because you actively know you're doing this, what you want to do is be aware of your action before you start. You're going to have to remind yourself to not do this and at first it will be hard, but overtime it will get easier. The rubber band idea is one that works well.

stellahill August 2nd, 2016

Hello Sam, I think if you want to stop your bad habit, you need to know how to get rid of the peeling skin first.
Here are some tips for you:
1. Olive Oil
It is believed that that that skin-nourishing fatty acids loaded in olive oil can naturally moisturize your skin efficiently. Moreover, olive oil consists of vitamin E responsible for fighting against free radicals associated with aging process.

- Have a handful of olive oil before warming it up

- Apply it into your skin then massage your scalp as well as hair gently in 5 minutes

- Do like this regularly

2. Aloe Vera
Another way which can help you a lot in getting rid of peeling skin is aloe vera. In fact, this simple ingredient is packed with power to not only soothe but also keep your skin staying moisturized. Moreover, irritation or inflammation accompanying with peeling skin will also be reduced quickly thanks to the support coming from aloe vera.
Some steps:
- Mix some aloe vera gel with vitamin E oil

- Mask your skin by the mixture in 20 minutes

- Rinse off your skin with clean water

- Repeat the process many times

Click here to get more useful tips

AWorldofPeaceandHope August 9th, 2016

@retrocal perhaps you should read this site:https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Skin-Picking-Disorder-Fact-Sheet.pdf