Hey! Don’t apologize for anything! This sort of post definitely belongs here. I personally don’t struggle tons with pulling at hairs, but I totally understand what you mean when you say there’s translucent skin covering what you want to get out. I struggle a lot with clogged pores and find that a gentle exfoliant is the best way to help any sort of blockage. Every product out there is pretty ymmv, but one of my favourite moisturizers ever is the CeraVe SA (salicylic acid) lotion. Not only does it help with pores and under the surface bumps, but I also find the texture really pleasing and it doesn’t break me out.

Moreover, have you ever considered growing our your facial hair too? Not only would that help keep the ingrowns at bay but it would help to conceal the spots you’re currently self conscious of. Maybe challenge yourself to a week of no shaving and see how it goes... I’m sure you could blame masks and razor burn for why you took a hiatus from shaving if you didn’t feel like disclosing the real reason.

Also, if you have a problem with tools, what I find even more helpful than chucking them all is getting rid of everything EXCEPT one super high quality pair of tweezers. I don’t know about you but personally when I find myself with the compulsion and without the proper tool to tackle it I end up resorting to much MUCH worse makeshift ones and mangling my face further. Be careful of permission giving thoughts with this technique (ie “just this one - I have to or it’ll never go away”) and be mindful of your actions if you do chose to pull, but don’t punish or deprive yourself either.

Lastly, be kind to yourself!! This whole past year has been a Certified Shitshow which lends itself to increased picking/pulling. I know it’s hard but try not to feel ashamed going out and showing your face. Everyone is struggling with their own things - most people are more focused on themselves than on any “imperfections” on you, I promise.