I Paint My Nails So I Don’t Pick My Skin

Sometimes I sit at my desk, hunched over, painting layer after layer on my nails. I tell myself it’s self-care, but really, it’s a distraction—something to do with my hands so I don’t start picking at the skin around my fingers again. I line up all the bottles, like I’m about to do something important. But I’m just hiding the raw, red patches I made last week. The smell of polish remover stings my nose and I wonder if anyone else notices how much time I spend trying to look put together. When the polish chips, I feel exposed again. I keep my hands in my pockets, or curl them into fists. It’s not about the color or the shine. It’s about covering up the mess I can’t seem to fix. #SkinStory #BeautyBurnout #BareFaceAnxiety #Beauty #Skincare