I deal with excoriation disorder/dermatillomania where I constantly feel the need to pick at my skin/squeeze/get out any content beneath the surface of my face via bumps/pores. I've actually never really had much acne, but due to the damage I've done to my own skin, it almost looks like I have acne scars. I mostly do it in the morning and at night when I'm in the bathroom/ in front of a mirror and although I'm aware it's harmful and can see the repercussions and red splotchy cuts on my face after, I'm having a hard time controlling it. Does anyone face a similar experience with excoriation disorder? If so, any tips or strategies I should try?

I do the same thing! No advice unfortunately, just know that you’re not alone!

Thanks! It's like all I want is clear skin and to not pick obviously, but it almost serves as a stress release/relief when I do it that I can't seem to experience in any other way

Hello ^_^ I have this exact thing too. I found using spot dots really helped as it puts a barrier between me and the "imperfection" and helps my brain know I am doing something to clean beneath my skin without me messing too much. COSRX spot dots are the best ones for actually extracting and cleaning. It's still hit and miss when it works for me but they have definitely helped a lot. Otherwise CBT exercises to stop the impulse to action chain. :)

I try to block myself from being triggered. Like if I'm in the bathroom and start staring at myself in the mirror I try to be aware of that so I don't start examining my face. My thighs are another big on for me (hello in grown hairs) so I've been trying to treat my skin better as both a form of self-care and self compassion, and so I'll have less things to be tempted by. Occasionally I wear pants in the house as if I have some kind of barrier or obstacle I'm less likely to engage. One thing my therapist is having me do if to try to take notes when I pick. What time of day, where was I, what feelings/thoughts was I having etc. I've noticed while sometimes I do it out of stress, sometimes its out of boredom or pure habit. Try to keep track of this for a week and then see if there are any patterns to it.