Congested Pores and Acne Treatments

How do you clear congested pores?

Understand what is happening.

 

Run your fingers gently over your face. If it feels smooth, similar to a baby’s bum, it’s well hydrated and in excellent condition. Perhaps it feels rough and easily flakes though, then it’s probably dry, quite impaired and dehydrated. If it feels bumpy and rough and looks dull and dirty it is likely your skin, or the skin of your teen has congested pores.

You do not need to have pimples or be a certain age to have congested skin. However it is commonly associated with teens and Menopause and is often seen (felt) on the chest, shoulders and back as well as the face.

What is Congested Skin?

Congestion is a term used to describe skin which has clogged pores. These are seen as blackheads and whiteheads, creating the bumps and dirty look associated with it. Blackheads are formed when the clogged substance is close to the surface. The air makes them appear black. Whiteheads are the deeper ones, harder to treat and not accessible to the air.

The overall cause is, of course, those pesky hormones we all have. However, why some people skin’s develop these problems and others don’t is due to a number of factors. All of which contribute differently to the problem.

What causes Congested Pores and Acne?

• A build-up of excess oil & sebum
• Dead cells which are produced constantly as our cells turnover
• Environmental pollution and the daily dirt
• Toxins being expelled by the body via your sweat
• Makeup & Skin care
  • Insufficient cleansing
  • Products full of toxins such as petrochemicals, SLS & other nasty’s

Genetics and lifestyle issues play an enormous part in how the hormones act on the skin and so the treatment plan has to revolve around these.

 

How to clear Congested Skin

Congested skin treatment is slightly different to pimples, although congestion often leads to pimples so your treatment plan is similar.

What you’re aiming for;

• To change the pH of your skin,
• Keep it well hydrated,
• Build its immunity,
• Stimulate cell turnover, and
• Keep the skin scrupulously clean without damaging the surface layers.

Harsh scrubs and cleansers simply cause inflammation, drying the skin and causing a rebound oil production.

Non-mineral makeup can add to the problem as the ingredients often are sticky and inflammatory. If you must wear makeup choose a brand which enhances the health of your skin as well as covers the spots. Check out some tips how the Jane Iredale, Colorescience and Osmosis Colour brands can fit this bill perfectly for you.

 

1. Internal health makes a big difference to congested pores

A good diet will help your body to function at it’s best. Include a diet high in protein, featuring all the colours of the rainbow, that is low in carbs, sugar and minimal processed foods.

• Manage your stress with sufficient sleep, regular exercise and taking time to do fun things. When you’re stressed and tired it plays havoc with your hormones, which disrupts your skins health.
• Help your skin flush out the toxins by drinking at least 2 litres of water daily.

 

2. Keep all your skin clean, not just your face

This includes regular hair and hair brush washing, regular pillow case changing, and wearing breathable clean clothes.

• Sometimes there is a need to change to a sensitive skin washing powder for your clothes.
• Ensure your personal body products don’t contain nasty’s. This can cause irritation to your skin, leading to further issues.
• Keep your hands clean and off your face. Do not pick, scratch or rub your face. Consider how many surfaces your hands touch each day, now consider what’s on those surfaces – yuck! When you touch your face, it’s not just your own germs, dirt and grime your adding to your face!
• De-contaminate eye brow tweezers and makeup brushes – any tool which touches your face.

 

3. Specific products for congested skin

 

Cleansing skin is vital for congested pores

Double cleanse your face at the end of the day. The first removes makeup and surface grime and the second to really clean into the pores. Our ultimate range for acne and congestion though is Societe, with their intensive range targeting these issues.

Best exfoliation products for clogged pores

Give yourself a non-drying enzyme exfoliation treatment twice a week. Your after a product that will nourish your skin as it deeply and safely cleans. Removing the dead cells also helps your moisturiser to work and your makeup to sit well. Discover the best mask for your skin, we have a wide range for different skin types. If you’re not into taking the time for a full mask, consider an exfoliating cleanser like Aspect Illuminating Polish.

Nourish and Strengthen your skin

Antioxidants are important for improving the health and strength of your skin. You need to include Vitamins B and Vitamin C as contained in Osmosis MD Replenish or the separate Aspect Dr ones: Multi B and Active C. The little red marks left after a pimple are inflammatory. Although they will heal and disappear on their own, Vitamin C will accelerate this process for you. The CosMedix Pure C Crystals can be added to other serums for ease and effectiveness, while the Societe Triple C is a great option for impaired skin.

Heal your skin faster with targeted serums

Build the strength and immunity of your skin with growth factors such as Osmosis MD Rescue Serum and Vitamin A Serums. Once again we love Societe’s Clarity-Back Complex although Osmosis MD Clarify or Aspect Dr Problem Skin serums are all excellent.

Protect your congested skin from further damage

Protect your skin from UV’s every day. Choose a non-greasy water based SPF either in a light cream or a lotion so it’s doesn’t sit heavily on your skin. Although sunshine appears to help, in the long run it ages your skin faster. Both the Societe Prime and Defend and the Aspect Sun Hydrating Face or Aspect Dr Hydra Shield meet these requirements.

The best products for congested skin will include having a whole skin care regime that cleanses, nourishes and protects your skin. Don’t expect one miracle product to solve all your problems. Tackling congestion is a holistic problem and as such will take a change in your routines, hopefully for the better all round!

 

In-Clinic Treatments for Congested Pores

Find a clinic where you can get good advice, and 2-4 weekly Lactobotanical Peels. As the Lactic Acid is proven to assist with both gently cleansing as well as strengthening your skin. You will find they will really boost your home care.

 

Lastly, don’t be disheartened if your skin gets worse before it is better.  All that congestion has to be brought to the surface and your skin stimulated. Sometimes a “dirty, dull” skin becomes acne during this time so be reassured action and change are good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still not sure?

Do you need more help or would like personalised advice? Book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Offering information on what skin care products are best for you. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.

In-Clinic Treatments

 

 

Otherwise fill in the Online Skin Consultation. Our skin care advisor will happily help you. Choosing the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.

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