Say Goodbye to Congested Skin - How to tell if you have it and what to do

Your skin speaks to you, sometimes through a radiant glow, and at other times, through irritation and flare-ups. One of the most common skin concerns people face is congested skin, this can lead to stubborn breakouts, your complexion may appear dull, uneven, and the texture may feel rough. 

What is congested skin?

Congested skin occurs when your pores become clogged by excess sebum (natural oil), dead skin cells, make up residue and other impurities. Unlike occasional spots, congested skin tends to have an overall bumpy, rough appearance. It can affect all skin types and while blocked pores are most common on the face, they can also occur on other parts of your body.

What causes congested skin?

Dead skin cells, excess oil and impurities can all lead to congested skin. However, there are other factors that can contribute, including:

• Infrequent or ineffective cleansing
• Overuse of comedogenic (pore-clogging) products
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Environmental pollutants
• Excessive exfoliation
• Stress and lack of sleep

Four ways to care for congested skin

1. Adopt a consistent, gentle cleansing routine

Establishing a consistent skincare routine will help your skin look and feel its healthiest. At the heart of any effective skincare routine is proper cleansing. If you have oily skin, it may be tempting to skip moisturising in an effort to minimise shine. However, this can have the opposite effect. Your skin becomes too dry, it compensates by producing even more oil, increasing the risk of clogged pores and further congestion.

ishga tip: Double cleansing in the evening can help with congested skin. Start with our Marine Cleansing Balm, which will easily remove make-up and grime, and follow with a water-based cleanser, like our Active Cleansing Lotion, for effective, gentle cleansing that won't strip your skin.

2. Use products that contain non-comedogenic ingredients

Non-comedogenic ingredients work to minimise the the risk of clogged pores and reduce the effects by working to clean out the any excess sebum and bacteria that is blocking your pores. We use non-comedogenic ingredients in several of our products, such as our Active Cleansing Lotion, Anti-oxidant Marine Cream,  and Hebridean Marine Toner.

ishga tip: If you have oily skin opt for our Nourishing Face Oil. This can help to regulate your skin's natural production of oil. It contains jojoba oil, which is non-comedogenic and therefore won't block pores.

2.Exfoliate, but not too often

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup. Opt for a natural exfoliator  that won't damage the skin barrier. Avoid over-exfoliating as this could lead to inflammation and further congestion; twice a week should be plenty.

ishga tip: Avoid harsh scrubs and use an exfoliator that is suited to your face or body. The skin on the face is thinner than the skin on your body and as your face is exposed to more sunlight and environmental pollution, we would recommend using exfoliators that are specific to your face and body to keep the skin barrier protected. 

3. Keep your hands, tools and pillowcases clean

Touching your face, using unclean make-up brushes, or not changing your pillowcases often enough can reintroduce bacteria and clog pores.

ishga tip: For a quick make-up brush refresh, you can spritz some of our organic Sanitiser onto the brush before patting dry with a towel.

4. Support your skin with self-care

Lifestyle matters. Balanced nutrition, stress management, exercise, and sleep all contribute to healthy skin. 

ishga tip: Some of our favourite ways to reduce stress include: Getting outdoors and enjoying nature, having an at-home spa day, and keeping active - even just going for a brisk walk will bring benefits for mind and body.

Congested skin is your body’s way of telling you it needs a reset. Treat your skin with care, consistency, and you will be one step closer to restoring your skins glow!