Normal skin growth

I am a compulsive skin picker trying to stop.  The question I have is about normal skin exfoliation.  What is it?  I heard it happens evey two weeks is that true?   Is each skin cell on a different 2 week cycle depending on when it last exfoliated (normally or by injury of roughing up or  tearing off)? Does roughed up skin from say touching velcro stay on the two weeks or as it is now lifted, will it be exfolilated faster normally or by exposure to objects as it is out there more?  The drier the skin the more likely it will exfoliate faster right (the skin rejects it faster or it rubs off on clothing etc. easier) and possibly lead to a cycle of accelerated growth?  Or does the dry skin stay there the normal time growth?  If I see the dry or roughed up skin and add moisturizer will that help keep it on for the full cycle or should I be trying to speed it's exfoliation through a scrub or nail file basically starting over with non dried skin?   Is the cuticle skin exfoliation process the same as the rest of the body and the same rules apply? How often is too much manual exfoliation (files, lotions, contact with objects) or which could lead to overgrowth or over acceleration? As you can see, I desperately need some re-education to this new world I have entered. I really need to have a few clear answers and guidelines to relax.  I am going from not looking after my skin at all to worrying about how it works, what is normal, am I causing it to exfoliate too fast etc. and would appreciate some clear education.  I cannot find these answers in a book clearly otherwise I would not bother anyone.  PS. I am on SSRI's but still need the education I never received.  Thank you for your time and response.

[Ted A Grossbart, Ph.D.]

The medical side of this question is not my area, possibly try a dermatology forum.  More to the point is the answer to your other question on the border between normal and pathological skin picking .  I think working on your preoccupation is key.  That is not to say this is not a valid question that is worth getting an answer to.  Knowing the medical facts is important, but will probably not go too far for you without addressing the function that focusing on your skin is serving in your life.

tg