The Best Guide To Congestion….In The Skin!
The Skinsmith | 8th April 2024
What Exactly Is Congestion?
Photo Credit @eminenceorganics
Here we will guide you through The Best Guide To Congestion….In The Skin!
When we specifically talk about congestion in the skin we are talking about congested or blocked pores…. Not a congested nose or sink for instance or even traffic congestion as pictured here.
A congested skin will have comedones which is the fancy name for a blocked pore and there are two types of comedones, open comedones where the pore is open at the skins surface and closed comedones which have a thin layer of skin cells over the pore. Closed comedones look like small white bumps whereas open comedones tend to look like black dots, this is because the debris inside the follicle is open to the air and goes black when it oxidises with the air.
The debris that clogged these pores can be a mixture of dead skin, sebum, impurities on the skin, make-up and environmental debris such as dust, smoke, air pollutants etc.
What Causes This Congestion?
A pore becomes clogged when sebum, your natural oil produced from a sebaceous gland within the follicle, gets mixed with dead skin cells and debris. This congestion builds up in the follicles and creates a dull, bumpy, uneven textured complexion. If left the congestion can cause the follicles to become stretched leading to enlarged pores, this may lead to more congestion as the pores become clogged more easily… a bit like a vicious circle!
Congested pores can be a pre cursor to other types of acne blemishes, they become pimples generally when bacteria is introduced into this mix and you may find your congested pore becomes one of those pimples! Common types of acne blemishes include papules, these are smaller bumps under the surface of the skin, mostly reddish in colour caused by inflammation and most likely do not contain pus at this stage. Pustules which are usually larger and have a white tip or head! They contain pus are usually inflamed and can become quite noticeable. A nodule can be the larger of the three common pimples but often sit underneath the skin and tend to be red bumps with no white or black head. They are often inflamed and can become quite large underneath the skin. They can be quite painful bumps and often contain a large amount of congestion and pus. All these pimples can be quite painful though and we would advise you not to squeeze any of them.
How Do You Best Treat Congestion?
To best treat congestion you need to look at how congestion starts. Remember you have a mix of dead skin cells, excess sebum and impurities, this mixture clogs pores leading to open or closed comedones. To address and avoid congested pores we need to exfoliate away the dead skin cells, manage and balance oil production and ensure your skin is clear of debris and impurities. If we do these simple steps, you can decongest your skin which in turn will lead to fewer blocked pores and blemishes.
The Steps To Treating Congestion:
Step 1.
Cleansing and Detoxifying: Removes impurities & debris and after a long day, any dirt, pollutants, make-up, or sunscreen. The physical action of cleansing slightly resurfaces the skin, and your products can help to deeply cleanse with ingredients such as charcoal, black seed, salicylic acid (BHA), lactic acid (AHA) and granules!
Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser, with activated charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha, this exfoliating gel cleanser deeply cleanses and detoxifies the skin with a gentle polishing action and fresh minty scent. Suitable for normal to oily skins including congested, dull and large pores. Use as a daily cleanser for normal to oily skins and as a 1-2 times per week detoxifying cleanse for normal to dry skin types.
Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, with mangosteens and a lactic acid complex is a cleanser that gently resurfaces the skin by removing dead skin cells whilst cleaning out and minimising pores. It has a lovely tropical aroma and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive.
Step 2.
Resurfacing and Exfoliation: Although using a daily exfoliating cleanser is a great option to help reduce congestion in the skin by removing the dead skin cells, daily exfoliation is not for everyone. A more sensitive skin may benefit from a weekly exfoliation rather than daily. Some of you though, will love the daily exfoliation and will also opt for a weekly deeper exfoliation as well. It all depends on your skin type.
For a deeper exfoliation we recommend Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant with a detoxifying microgreens complex and rice flour, this powder to moussey paste offers a more intense exfoliation than a daily exfoliating cleanser. Use 1-2 times weekly for an exfoliation that buffs the skin and removes any dead skin cell build up. Adzuki powder helps to absorb excess oil and leaves the skin smoother and more purified. Ideal for all skin types, especially congested skins!
In the Spring 2024 Collection Eminence has introduced a Professional Only product – Charcoal & Black Seed Pro Desincrustation Gel. You will need to see your Eminence therapist to experience and benefit from this amazing product, but do you really need an excuse to enjoy a facial!! This product has the option to be used as a deeply detoxifying, decongesting second cleanser or as a desincrustation gel helping to make extractions easier for your therapist leaving your skin clear, purified, and hydrated.
Step 3.
Balance and Hydrate: the final step in treating a congested skin is to ensure your skin is left hydrated, protected, and balanced and we have just the products to complete your decongesting routine. Hydration is key to helping maintain your skin barrier function which plays an important role in the protection of your skin from impurities and bacteria. Balancing oil production will also help to keep your skin healthier and reduce the frequency of clogged pores.
Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque, with ilite clay, charcoal, and black seed you would use this masque 2-3 times per week. It has a velvety texture and will absorb excess oil, reduce the appearance of large pores and dark spots, while botanical squalene rehydrates your skin. It sweeps away impurities to decongest pores, improving the appearance of a dull, uneven complexion.
Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil, for many with an oily skin, the thought of using an oil is not shall we say desirable!... but did you know that a face oil is one of the best ways to manage excess sebum! This is why Eminence has formulated this lightweight fast-absorbing clarifying oil. With its fresh citrusy scent this oil is designed to hydrate the skin without feeling greasy, locking in vital moisture and balancing your natural oils. As it contains charcoal and black seed it will help to visibly improve skin congestion, soothe occasional redness and leave the skin feeling clarified and fresh.
For More Information:
Both Charcoal & Black Seed products are suitable for all skin types, including oily and combination.
If you like numbers, then this collection has some very good numbers including
98% of users agreed that Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil restored moisture to the skin with a less oily appearance.
93% of users agreed Charcoal & Black Seed Clay Masque made skin appear less oily immediately after one use.
You can now say Good-bye to Congestion and Hello to Clarity with your very own Eminence Decongesting, Detoxifying Daily Routine
You can also learn more about the key benefits of Charcoal & Black Seed by speaking to a member of our experienced and friendly team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
