If you live with excoriation disorder (also known as dermatillomania), you already know how much of a physical and emotional toll it can take. As someone who’s been picking my skin since the age of 11, I’ve spent years trying everything—from high-end skincare lines to DIY solutions. And here’s what I’ve learned: less is more.

You don’t need a 20-step skincare routine or luxury products with buzzy ingredients. In fact, for us skin pickers, that often does more harm than good.

This guide is for anyone struggling with BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors), particularly skin picking, who wants skincare that soothes and supports the skin barrier, not strips it down. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s nourishment, comfort, and calm.

skincare for skin pickers, dermatillomania

First, What Is Dermatillomania?

Dermatillomania (excoriation disorder) is a mental health condition characterized by the compulsive picking of one’s skin, often in response to stress, anxiety, or the desire to remove perceived imperfections. It’s categorized under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

When you have this condition, your skin barrier is often compromised—raw, inflamed, or healing from picking episodes. That means you need products that hydrate, soothe, and protect—not irritate, burn, or overly exfoliate.

Morning Routine: Gentle, Hydrating, Protective

1. Micellar Water (Sensibio by Bioderma)

Also Try: Garnier Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin (pink cap)

A no-rinse, non-stripping way to cleanse the face in the morning. Micellar water gently lifts dirt, oil, and residue without over-drying or disturbing healing areas. Bioderma's formula is cult-favorite for a reason—simple, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-approved.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (The Ordinary 2% + B5)

Also Try: CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid is a hydration hero—it draws moisture into the skin and gives a healthy, dewy glow. Ideal for post-picking care, as it plumps up dry areas without clogging pores.

3. Moisturizer (cetaphil Face & Body)

My holy grail. After wasting money on designer moisturizers, I always come back to this. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and never irritates raw or healing skin. Layers beautifully under SPF and makeup too.

4. Sun protection (Elta md Tinted SPF)

Also Try: Eucerin Tinted SPF
Tinted SPF gives you a glowy, natural finish that doubles as makeup. Elta MD is beloved by dermatologists and doesn’t clog pores or cause stinging—plus, it offers broad spectrum sun protection, crucial for healing hyperpigmentation.

Evening Routine: Cleanse, Calm, Repair

1. Micellar Water (Repeat from Morning)

Pre-cleanse or use alone when your skin is sensitive or inflamed. No tugging needed—just a soaked cotton pad.

2. Gentle Cleanser (Origins Checks and Balances)

Also Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Foaming Cleanser
This step is about removing sunscreen and impurities without over-cleansing. Origins' creamy formula balances oil while keeping skin soft. It leaves your skin literally “squeaky clean”. Toleriane is a great drugstore alternative with niacinamide and ceramides.

3. Chemical Exfoliant (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA)

Also Try: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
Once or twice a week, a gentle exfoliant helps with clogged pores and scarring—but don’t overdo it! Paula’s Choice BHA is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s leave-on and works overnight. It’s a cult product for a reason.

4. Niacinamide Serum (Paula’s Choice 20% niacinamide)

Also try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
Niacinamide is a game-changer for inflammation, redness, and post-picking marks. It also supports the skin barrier and reduces oil production. Use nightly unless you’re applying retinol. Steps 4 & 5 are interchangable.

5. Retinol (Mad Hippie Retinol serum + Bakuchiol)

Also try: The Ordinary 0.5% or 1% Retinol (depending on your tolerance)

A few nights a week, swap your niacinamide for retinol to help fade scars, boost cell turnover, and smooth texture. Mad Hippie’s serum is plant-based and gentle, while The Ordinary’s is more potent and affordable.

6. Moisturizer (Repeat Cetaphil)

Lock it all in with a generous layer of Cetaphil. Nighttime is when your skin heals—give it support with something dependable.

7. Eye Cream (Shiseido Benefiance anti wrinkle)

A luxurious step, yes—but this rich, hydrating eye cream makes a huge difference in hydration and softening fine lines. If you’re going to splurge, let it be here. Also, a little goes a very a long way.

Optional Extras (That Actually Help)

Milani CC Cream: For evenings when you want a little glam without SPF. It evens tone and adds glow without looking heavy. Seriously, this product is a steal. (Fyi I get shade fair to light).
Korean Sheet Masks: Hydrating, calming, and fun. I don’t really have go-to favorites.
Clarifying Masks: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask or Origins Charcoal Mask – just once a week for clearing congested pores.
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Oil: Dab on blemishes with a finger or a Q-tip. Natural and effective for inflammation.
Face Oil (Drunk Elephant Marula or Trader Joe’s): Don’t be afraid of oils! They're rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, ideal for healing. Use on non-active areas for glow and nourishment.

Final Thoughts

With dermatillomania, skincare is never just about vanity—it’s about soothing a sensitive relationship with your skin. When you stop fighting your skin and start nurturing it, things begin to shift. You don’t need to punish your skin into perfection. You need to love it into healing.

Remember, your skin isn’t your enemy. These products have helped me build a routine that feels comforting, consistent, and kind—and I hope they help you too.

Have any favorite gentle skincare products that have helped your healing? I’d love to hear them in the comments or over on Instagram.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Simple, Effective Skincare for Skin Pickers: A Gentle Routine That Heals