What do blackheads & congestion look like?
Congestion manifests as clogged pores, which can lead to blackheads (dark, open pores) or whiteheads (closed pores with trapped oils and skin cells). They can appear anywhere on your skin, depending on the extent of the issue. Congested skin feels bumpy or rough to the touch and often looks dull or uneven. In some cases, congestion can lead into more inflammatory acne concerns.
What causes blackheads & congestion?
Congestion and breakouts are usually caused by an excess of sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and environmental debris that clog your pores. Common causes include:
- Excessive oil production: Those with oily skin are more prone to clogged pores.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation can increase oil production and lead to more congestion.
- Poor skincare habits: Using thick, oily products or not cleansing regularly can worsen congestion.
- Diet and lifestyle factors: Stress, diet, or environmental pollutants can also contribute to congestion and breakouts.
Things to question.
While professional treatments can make a significant difference, you can start to improve your congestion right now with these steps:
- Track your skin movements - do you get more congestion at certain times of the month, for example certain times during your menstrual cycle, or is it persistent congestion? That can help guide you with how to approach your skincare.
- Is your congestion worsened by certain foods? E.g. after a lot of dairy, sugar or alcohol? Avoiding certain triggers may help to ease your congestion.
- Assess your current skincare and make up routine - are you using the right ingredients? If you’re not sure, book a skin analysis with us
- Are you changing your bedding and towels regularly? This may help to reduce the amount of oil and bacteria transferring onto your skin.
- Are you looking after yourself with a healthy diet, enough hydration and sleep?
What can we do at Elite Skin Studio to assist further?
At Elite Skin Studio, we offer treatments that target the root causes of congestion and effectively clear the skin:
- Signature Peels: We use Environ and AlumierMD peels to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts. These peels are great for refining texture and smoothing the skin.
- SkinPen Microneedling: This treatment promotes collagen production and helps to clear congested pores, while improving the skin’s texture and tone.
- LED Phototherapy: Dermalux LED treatments help calm inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote healing, making it ideal for those with active congestion or acne.
- Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the skin, helping to clear dead skin cells and improve texture.
Your homecare focus from Elite Skin Studio
To ensure long-term results and keep congestion under control, at Elite Skin Studio, we recommend a consistent homecare routine. Here’s what we focus on for managing congestion:
- ANP Skin Clear Biome, Skin Acccumax and Skin Complete
- AlumierMD AHA Renewal Serum and Clarifying Serum
- Environ Sebu Wash and Sebu Mask
- AlumierMD Clear Shield SPF
What Are the Limitations of Blackheads & Congestion Treatment?
Bespoke skin treatments at Elite Skin Studio are highly effective, but skin care consistency is key.
Although professional treatments will provide improvements, congestion may return if your at-home skincare routine isn’t consistent. Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and hormones also play a role, so it’s important to keep an eye on your triggers for optimal results.
