Blemishes & Congestion

REDUCING BLEMISHES AND CONGESTION

Spots and blemishes are the torment of many teens but what happens when congestion extends beyond adolescence? Here’s how to get skin in the clear.

WHAT ARE SKIN BLEMISHES AND CONGESTION?

Clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads are all signs of congested skin. It’s not always immediately visible, but the tiny bumps caused by blocked pores can be felt just under the skin surface. And it’s this congestion that leads to pimples and blemishes.

Congestion starts in the sebaceous glands, which are usually found grouped around hair follicles. It’s their job to produce and secrete sebum which the body uses to naturally moisturise and protect skin. Sometimes they go overboard, producing more sebum than the skin actually needs. This clogs the pores and causes unsightly blemishes. When you add dirt, dead skin cells and makeup residue to the mix, it can also lead to pimples.

Hormone imbalances or surges, prevalent in adolescence, menopause, and after coming off the oral contraceptive pill, can send sebaceous glands into overdrive, though research has also shown that gut health and diet can have a big part to play, too.

KEY INGREDIENTS TO TREAT SKIN BLEMISHES AND CONGESTION

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid are essential in combating skin congestion working to break down dead skin cells and deep clean pores.

Also highly recommended for congested skin, Vitamin A simultaneously slows down sebum production and speeds up cell renewal, which prevents dead skin cells from blocking pores. Another wise skincare inclusion is Vitamin B3, which helps to regulate sebum production while reducing the redness and inflammation caused by existing blemishes.

HOW TO TREAT BLEMISHES AND CONGESTION

Keeping the skin clean and exfoliating regularly (no more than twice weekly) will help to minimise congestion. Double-cleanse at the end of the day to ensure dirt and make-up is lifted from the skin and then washed away, but don’t be tempted by strong acidic cleansers. Instead, opt for something gentle that does not contain harsh foaming agents, such as SLS, that strip the skin of natural oils. This will only send those glands into overdrive again, as they’ll work to make up for the loss.

When blemishes do appear, keep your hands away. Picking at pimples can cause them to become infected, which can then lead to scarring. It can also spread bacteria and prompt a bigger breakout.

HOW TO AVOID BLEMISHES AND CONGESTION

For some people, genetics and hormonal changes will mean congested skin is impossible to avoid completely. Once you’ve got your skincare routine sorted, it’s worth reassessing your makeup collection. Move away from comedogenic products (this means they’re known to block pores) and always, always remove your makeup before bed. When it comes to diet, try to steer clear of processed foods and refined sugars as new research has linked foods that are high on the glycemic index with breakouts.