To heal picked skin fast, the key is to keep the affected area moist. According to dermatologist Nava Greenfield, M.D., maintaining a moist environment is optimal for healing.
The Role of Moisture in Skin Healing
When you pick your skin, you create a wound that needs proper care to heal quickly and minimize scarring. A moist environment supports the skin's natural healing processes, allowing new cells to grow and tissue to repair efficiently. Dry skin can slow down healing and lead to cracking or scabbing, which can worsen the injury or increase the risk of infection.
Recommended Healing Products
Dr. Nava Greenfield suggests a two-step approach using specific products:
- During Healing: Use a thick ointment like Aquaphor. Apply it consistently to the picked area while it is actively healing. This creates the necessary moist barrier.
- After Healing (for Scar Prevention): Once the skin has healed over, switch to a scar prevention product like Bio-Oil or a silicone gel. These products can help improve the appearance of any potential scarring.
Practical Steps for Faster Healing
Here's a simple breakdown of how to care for picked skin:
- Cleanse Gently: Wash the area with mild soap and water.
- Apply Ointment: While the wound is open or freshly picked, apply a generous layer of a healing ointment like Aquaphor.
- Keep it Covered (Optional but helpful): For some areas, a bandage can help keep the ointment in place and protect the wound from further picking or irritation.
- Reapply Often: Continuously keep the area moisturized by reapplying the ointment throughout the day and before bed.
- Switch Products: Once the skin is fully closed and healed (no longer an open wound or scab), start using a scar treatment like Bio-Oil or a silicone gel if you are concerned about scarring.
- Avoid Picking: Crucially, avoid picking the area again, as this will restart the healing process and increase the risk of scarring and infection.
By consistently keeping picked skin moist, you create the ideal conditions for it to heal as quickly as possible.
Summary of Product Use:
| Stage | Action | Recommended Product(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Healing | Keep moist, protect the open wound | Aquaphor (or similar ointment) |
| After Healing | Prevent/Minimize Scarring | Bio-Oil, Silicone Gel |
