HOW TO CLEAR CONGESTED SKIN: 6 TIPS FOR TREATING SKIN CONGESTION
Run your clean fingertips over your face, and what do you feel? The chances are if you are feeling little bumps, then you are experiencing congestion. Congested skin — defined as rough texture, multiple open pores and comedones, and a general dull complexion — happens to the best of us. Below, we outline our 6 tips for combatting and preventing congested skin.
FIRSTLY, WHAT CAUSES SKIN CONGESTION?
Congested skin can be triggered by several environmental factors like pollution, your skincare routine, and intrinsic causations like genetics and hormonal imbalances. Leading factors include:
- Excess oil and sebum — overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, leading to pimples, blackheads, and congestion.
- Dead skin cells — your body sheds roughly 40,000 skin cells per hour. When trapped, they cause clogged pores and dull skin.
- The environment — pollution, dust, pollen, and dry climates all contribute to congested skin.
- Sweat — mixed with bacteria from gym equipment, sweat becomes a breeding ground for clogged pores.
- Makeup choices — ingredients like silicone, mica, talc, paraffin wax, and mineral oils can clog skin.
- Your skincare routine — lack of proper cleansing and skipping exfoliation contribute to congestion.
HOW DO I TREAT CONGESTED SKIN?
1. WASH YOUR FACE + EXFOLIATE
Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, non-drying cleanser. Look for clay-based cleansers, mildly granulated scrubs, and topical creams containing AHA and salicylic acid. For exfoliation, use chemical exfoliators (weekly) like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear acne-causing bacteria.
2. TONE IT UP
A toner provides pH-balancing properties to tighten and visibly reduce the size of congested-looking pores. Opt for a freshener or tonic — avoid alcohol-based toners as they strip the skin. For more exfoliation, choose a toner with AHA and BHAs.
3. MOISTURIZE, PLEASE
When you have clogged pores, opt for a non-comedogenic moisturizer. We also recommend moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
4. USE A RETINOL IF YOU CAN
Retinol, derived from Vitamin A, is fantastic for fighting congestion and increasing cell turnover. It can also reduce sebaceous gland secretions (oil production), which further assists in the reduction of blemishes.
5. DON'T SQUEEZE (WE BEG OF YOU)
Squeezing bumps can cause scarring and skin infection. Instead, opt for a check-in with your doctor to see if prescription or manual extractions can be done safely.
6. GO MAKE-UP FREE
Giving your skin a break from harmful ingredients found in many cosmetic products is a great way to unclog your pores. Always use non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic makeup, and water-based formulas.
OUR APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Our approach to skincare is always holistic and we always recommend practicing self-love. Questions, comments, or concerns? Reach out at info@firstbaseskincare.com.
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Double Dose Organic Vitamin C & HA Serum
Non-comedogenic Vitamin C serum that brightens, firms, and protects congested skin. ECOCERT COSMOS Certified.
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