If you’ve ever struggled with congested skin you may have experienced both the feeling of congestion and the visual implications of it. From dull skin to large pores, whiteheads and breakouts these are just some of the ways congested skin can show up. Whether you live in the city or a small town, the pores in your skin are constantly exposed to many external aggressors like dirt, bacteria, sweat and air pollution. Finding the root of the cause may be pretty tricky, but there are a few notable ingredients that will help restore balance to your congested skin.
What is congested skin?
Congested skin is a result of clogged pores. When your skin is congested, you may notice that your skin feels dull, rough or bumpy with multiple open pores.
Pores are little openings in our skin that are home to sebaceous glands that produce sebum to naturally help nourish and moisturize our skin. Sometimes, our pores get blocked by a buildup of dead skin cells or debris that traps the sebum underneath the skin. This may turn into whiteheads, blackheads or acne, especially in the T-zone area. Although we often think makeup or skincare is the root of the problem, congested skin may occur due to various reasons - dehydration, slow cell turnover and the overproduction of sebum in our skin may contribute to this skin condition.
What ingredients can help clarify skin?
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
Chemical exfoliants are the key to clarifying the skin and BHAs are no longer unfamiliar to most people. BHAs work at the surface of our skin and penetrate deep within the pores, cutting through oils that might be clogging them. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can also be the perfect solution to help treat acne and blackheads. Salicylic Acid is the most common type of BHA that can decrease the secretion of sebum, preventing congested skin.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is one of the most underrated ingredients for clarifying the skin. This naturally occurring Dicarboxylic Acid has been a favorite of many dermatologists due to its gentleness and effective multi-benefits. Like BHAs, Azelaic Acid exfoliates deep within the pores and removes dead skin cells and can help in preventing blackheads.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
A favorite for those with dry skin - AHAs work at the surface layer of our skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and preventing them from clogging our pores. Glycolic Acid is a commonly used AHA in many skincare products. For something gentler and beginner-friendly, opt for Mandelic Acid.
What does a clarifying serum do?
Clarifying serums work to cleanse and remove the skin of impurities that may be clogging our pores. While anyone can experience congested skin, people with oily and acne-prone skin are more susceptible as their skin naturally produces more oil.
How a Clarifying Serum Can Help with Congested Skin:
For those days when your pores feel clogged, our Clarifying Serum is the perfect antidote to get rid of all the grime from your skin without stripping its natural oils. Its star ingredient - Azelaic Acid - clarifies the skin tone while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Its antibacterial properties help fight bacteria that cause recurring blemishes. Postbiotics and Prebiotics added to our formula work together with Azelaic Acid to brighten and calm blemish-prone skin.
How often should you use a clarifying serum?
Mario Badescu's Clarifying Serum with Azelaic Acid can be used in your morning or night routine. After cleansing and toning, apply 3-4 drops to the face, followed by applying moisturizer or cream. In the morning, finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
