How to Treat Congested Skin

In the skincare community, you'll often hear the term congested skin. But what exactly does it mean?

Pores are openings to hair follicles, and their purpose is to let the natural oil (sebum) to the surface of the skin. It keeps our skin healthy and looking plump and smooth. But due to many factors (like the number of pores, their size, and our skin type among others), pores can become clogged. What it means is our pores get blocked by dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and sometimes makeup. This can, in turn, lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and even acne. The surface of the skin looks uneven, and pores are more prominent. Oily and combination skin types are more prone to congestion since they produce more oil daily.

A regular skincare routine can go a long way to tackle congestion. However, you do need to be realistic about what you can accomplish.

The size of our pores is determined by genetics. Likewise, to get this out of the way immediately, our pores do not magically open and close. With a skincare routine that combines ingredients to address the core issues (like excessive oil production, slowing down of the natural skin shedding process), you can keep your pores clean and minimise their appearance.

The rest is not rocket science - regular cleansing routine, active ingredients like BHAs and AHAs, not picking at your skin. All of these can go a long way to keep our skin healthy and congestion-free.

Ishtar products to try if you have congested skin

A gentle cleansing routine is the first step to address congestion.

Ultralase Cleanse Mandelic Gluconic acid face wash

With 6% Mandelic and 6% Gluconic acid and a pH of 3.5, Ultralase Cleanse gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Because of Mandelic acid and its unique antibiotic properties, it also reduces breakouts. Over time, it helps fade hyperpigmentation and evens out the skin tone. Ultralase Cleanse is free from SLS and harsh surfactants and uses a proprietary blend of gentle cleansing agents.

Clay-To-Milk Cleansing Powder

If you have sensitive oily skin and/or are prone to breakouts, our Clay-To-Milk Cleanser uses low foam cleansing agents to gently clean the skin. A combination of Kaolin Clay, Honey, and Coconut purifies the skin and clarifies the pores. Pineapple extract is enzyme-rich and gently exfoliates the skin, just enough to brighten it. Marshmallow extract soothes and softens the skin.

A well-formulated AHA or BHA product will gently exfoliate the dead skin cells and prevent the dead skin cells from getting trapped in the pores.

Ultralase 10 Mandelic acid serum

Our Ultralase 10 Mandelic acid serum is a leave-on treatment with 10% Mandelic acid suspended in a hydrating blend of natural prebiotics and Glycoin. It targets and prevents breakouts, blemishes, and helps ease congested skin. Over time, it improves the skin texture, fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and triggers optimum skin cell renewal.

Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment

If your skin doesn't react well to Alpha-Hydroxy acid, Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment is a good option for gentle exfoliation. This oil-free treatment combines three types of fruit enzymes - Papaya, Pumpkin, and Pomegranate - to scavenge dead skin cells and clear the pores. 1% BHA (in the form of Aspen Bark extract) calms inflammation and clarifies the pores.

Even if you have oily and combination skin, it doesn't mean your skin doesn't need moisture. In fact, if your skin is dehydrated, it can lead to excessive oil production to compensate.

Azeloyl 10 Moisturiser

Our Azeloyl 10 Moisturiser is formulated with 10% Azeloyl Glycine. It is a gentle exfoliant derived from Azelaic acid. Because the acid molecule is bound to the amino acid Glycine, Azeloyl Glycine retains the properties of Azelaic acid (namely to brighten the skin), but it also soothes the skin. Another added benefit is that regulates the sebum production.

Sebupore Exfoliating oil with Lipo-Hydroxy acid

The star ingredient in our Sebupore Exfoliating oil is Lipo-Hydroxy acid. It is an ester of Salicylic acid that helps clarify the pores and ease congestion. Over time, it also fades hyperpigmentation and minimises the appearance of fine lines. Green Cold Pressed Coffee oil adds an antioxidant boost, while Saw Palmetto extracts helps normalise the sebum production.

Do you get congested skin? Which products and ingredients do you use to treat it?