Do I have OCD to skin care products and signs of aging?

[passion33]

Seriously, I am so worried about my face. I think it is aging even though people say I have nice skin and I look younger than my chronological age.  I just assume people are being polite because when I look at my face it seems to be a complete mess.  I can't walk through Safeway without looking at my face in the mirror.  I specifically go to the Shoppers Drug Mart just to see my face in their mirrors because I think they have awesome mirrors.  When I think my face doesn't look so bad in their mirrors my mind tells me that it's because of the lights in the store.

I am constantly reading about skin care and I reread and reread my skin care books which tell me which products are good.  I have tried them all and I never feel like I can be satisfied with what I'm using.  I have returned so many skin care products that I am now the talk of head of office of Shoppers Drug Mart; I am no longer allowed to return products.

I feel incredibly anxiety.  Am I alone?  Do I have OCD?  I have just realized reading other posts than I have scalp picking, too.

[passion33]

TeeVee, thanks for sharing.  LLF, I will search for the book. I'm so glad I'm not the only one.  I think it's normal to take care of one's self in order to keep one's skin in top notch condition. For instance, I literally count my 7 servings of fruits and veggies per day, I put on broad spectrum sunscreen twice daily, I don't smoke, I take omega and vitamin supplements, I exercise almost everyday, and I try to take an afternoon nap). When I see the majority of young people not covering up with long sleeve shirts nor wearing wide brim hats on an sunny day I think gee, these are really stupid people.  Despite my preoccupation with keeping my face young and healthy looking I think at least there is still some good coming out of my preoccupation which is hopefully, having healthy skin.  This leads me to think about whether my preoccupation with skin care and skin care products is very related to people who keep going for cosmetic surgeries and/or dermal interventions (eg. laser, microdermabrasion, etc). It's like, no matter how much work they've had done, they just never feel satisfied and the more they go for these things.

[TeeVee36]

I was told I have OCD recently.  I too have concerns about my face/skin.  I feel like I look like a monster because I have sun freckles/spots.  People always tell me I have beautiful skin though...I am 45 and have had 1 chemical peel and microderm abrasion.  Was looking into photofacials (very expensive) but have let it go.  

You also mentioned scalp picking which is something I have done my entire life.  I have made sores in my head that never heal until I realize that I HAVE to let it heal and go away.  

[LLFgirl]

Hello I once read a book called Brain Lock by Jeffery Schwartz that I think would be a great book for you to read. It deals with retraining how you think so you will free yourself from OCD behaviors. My therapist recommended it for me a few years ago, and it helped me. You should check it out.
~*LLFGirl~*

[passion33]

I wash my hands an aweful lot because I am very aware of dirts.  In fact, I know my quirks.  Certain things have to be done a certain way in order not to contaminate this and that.  In fact, I feel tempted right now to wear disposal gloves while using a public computer.  I never thought this to be a problem; I just thought this is who I am.  But I'm thinking the skin thing might be a problem.

[LLFgirl]

It sounds like you have some symptoms of having OCD. Do you wash your hands all the time or your face all the time? You might want to talk to a therapist/counselor about this because they could help you retrain your mind to stop spending so much time worrying about your skin. I don't know for sure if you have OCD but if you talk to someone you trust like a family member or close friend about it, this could help you move in the right direction.

[passion33]

I also wanted to add that I am constantly thinking and doubting about my skin products that I am currently using.  I'll have this obsessive thought about a certain product and I try so hard not to get it right away, but I can't control myself and I end up buyng it.  I've wasted hundreds of dollars and my poor skin!