How Can I Fix Congested Skin?

Episode Description

Are you suffering from congestion, bumpy skin or clogged pores? On this episode we're exploring the causes, how to avoid it and the best products to get your skin back on track. 

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Episode Summary 

How do I know if my skin is congested?

Here are some good signs your skin is congested:

1. You are repeatedly suffering from breakouts in the same area (chin, nose, forehead),
2. You have an oily t-zone (blackheads and whiteheads) or
3. Your skin texture is lumpy and uneven.

Why is My Skin Congested? 

There are many reasons why our skin becomes congested. The most common culprits are:

1. Hormones (congestion is more common in adolescents because the glands produce more oil);
2. Diet;
3. Stress / anxiety;
4. Pollution;
5. Medications that change how much oil your glands produce; 
6. An improper skincare routine.

The reason we worry about congestion is because it can lead to more serious things like acne. 

How can I fix it? 

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times before but one thing within our control (unlike hormones) is our diet. So cleaning up your diet is one step you can at least try to see if it will help. 

Cutting back on processed food, sugar, and alcohol and adding in extra veggies to your routine may make a difference. 

Other ways to prevent clogged pores include:

1. Avoid touching your skin with unwashed hands; 
2. Keep your skin clean and moisturized; 
3. Never pick at or pop pimples; 
4. Regularly wash your sheets, towels and pillowcases 

What skincare should I be using on congested skin?

Let’s start with cleansers. It’s really important to get this step right because it's the step that sets up the rest of your skincare. Unfortunately, using the wrong type of cleansers can aggravate many skin issues, including irritation and a damaged barrier.

That why we want to stay away from anything too harsh and stick with simple and effective cleansers.

Double Cleansing

If double cleansing isn’t already a part of your nightly routine then it's worth making the change. 

Starting with an oil-based cleanser will help to remove all of your makeup, excess oil and sebum that has built up throughout the day.

Follow this with a soft powder or foam cleanse to ensure that your face is properly clean before you apply the rest of your skincare.

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Double Cleansing Duos 

For Sensitive, Dry, Mature Skin 

Subi Bare Skin Balm – ingredients include Vitamin E, Lemon Myrtle Leaf, Sea Buckthorn Oil

Subi Brightening Powder Cleanser – ingredients include Centella Asiatica, Ceramides and Licorice

For Oily, Acne Prone & Combination Skin

APLB Blackout Cleansing Oil - This gentle cleansing oil helps cleanse makeup and waste from the skin. The texture is surprisingly lightweight for an oil cleanser and holds onto pores tightly for an effective and deep cleanse.

dAlba Piedmont Peptide No Sebum Mild Gel Cleanser - a great option for gently clearing pores and it is huge coming in at 300ml. 

Jelly Ko Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam – ingredients include Ceramides, Black Sugar Extract, Vitamin E

 Toners For Congested Skin 

For congested skin, you may want to incorporate something that offers skin clearing properties. Try:

1. Isntree Clear Skin BHA Toner – Ingredient’s include Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Licorice Extract
2. APLB AHA BHA PHA Cica Toner - combines all the acids in a gentle formula that won’t strip skin. 

If you tend towards the dry or sensitive side, I would recommend mixing it up with an exfoliating and hydrating toner in your routine. Jelly Ko Dewy Glaze Toner is perfect for this and also won’t weigh down combination or oily skin. 

Skin Treatments 

Incorporating some treatments to help exfoliate and combat congestion is also a great idea. There are so many different products on the K-Beauty market. The key will be something that you can use consistently and enjoy using so that you don't skip it in your routine or irritate your skin with it.

1. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – Ingredients include Willow Bark, Niacinamide
2. ISNTree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence is a chemical exfoliant for pores and dead skin. Among various types of AHA, Glycolic Acid is the smallest, which makes it much faster when penetrating into skin. And Lactic Acid has a great moisturizing and exfoliating ability.
3. Peeling gels, like APLB Refresh Peeling Gel or Beauty of Joseon's Peeling Gel. 
4. Subi Holo Dream Pore Minimising Mask – Ingredients Include Kakadu Plum 
5. Be The Skin BHA+ PORE ZERO Serum (30ml) is formulated with 1% naturally-derived Willow BHA™. It also contains AHA to provide smooth, clean and fresh skin with zero sebum.

Moisturisers 

Getting your moisturiser right when your skin is congested is going to be super important. While you do want to avoid anything too heavy you need to make sure that your skin is hydrated and soothed. The following creams are great for healing and balancing the skin.

1. APLB Healing Moisture Snail Cream – this beloved Korean beauty moisturiser has some ideal skin soothing ingredients, including snail mucin, Beta Glucan and Macademia Seed Oil. A good option for combination skin types or oilier skin at night. 
2. One Thing Centella Soothing Cream is a 100% vegan formula. The star of the show is Korean Centella asiatica (aka Cica). Great for those with red, irritated skin and better suited to oilier skin types because of how light it is. 
3. Chosungah 22 Retinol Cream contains a stabilised form of retinol, which helps fight the appearance of fine lines & uneven skin tone. 
4. APLB's Glutathione Cica Cream (70ml) is good for those wanting a slightly richer formula. It targets the visible signs of aging while hydrating skin. In addition, it is gentle enough for sensitive skin. 

Still Looking for More on How To Treat Congested Skin?

Looking for more personalised tips on how to treat congested skin? Simply reach out to one of our friendly staff at STYLE STORY and we will help curate the perfect routine for you.

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