Skin congestion is a common concern experienced by people of all ages and skin types. It can appear as blemishes, oiliness, and a general lack of radiance, and is caused by a variety of factors. Everyone’s skin is unique, and when there are endless options available it can be hard to determine what’s best for your particular skin concerns.
Fortunately, The Ordinary makes it simple by offering effective, and science-backed formulations at a sensible price, making high-quality skincare accessible to everyone. In this blog, we are going to explore the causes of congestion, what ingredients are best to help target this concern, and how to choose the right formulations for your specific needs.
What is Congested Skin?
Skin congestion happens when there is a buildup of dead skin, sebum, and other impurities within the pores. It’s characterised by several factors including blocked pores, post-blemish marks, uneven tone, textural irregularities, enlarged pores, and oiliness.
You may experience some or all of these common signs, and understanding what causes them can be key to helping you tailor your skincare regimen to meet your specific needs.
What Causes Skin Congestion?
Let’s explore the common signs of skin congestion and what causes them:
- Blocked pores
- Post-blemish marks
- Uneven tone
- Textural irregularities
- Enlarged pores
- Excess sebum production
Blocked Pores
This results from a build-up of dead skin, excess sebum and dirt which clogs the pores. Clogged pores can increase the appearance of pores and may result in the formation of blemishes.
Uneven Tone/Post-blemish Marks
Congested skin can result in the formation of blemishes that cause post-blemish marks. Post-blemish marks are defined as discoloration which remains after the blemish has gone.
Textural Irregularities
Dry patches of dead skin, enlarged pores, and the formation of blocked pores can result in a rough skin appearance.
Enlarged Pores
Visible pores are mainly caused by the stretching of the pore opening. This can be the result of a buildup of dead skin (often due to lack of exfoliation) and other impurities, as well as excess sebum production.
Excess Sebum Production
Also known as oiliness, excess sebum production on the skin’s surface, is common in blemish-prone skin and can make skin appear excessively shiny.
In addition to what we discussed above, multiple other lifestyle factors can contribute to skin congestion, including the skincare you are using, exposure to environmental stressors (like UV and pollution), stress, and other internal factors.
Choose The Right Formulations
The good news is that choosing the right formulations for your skincare regimen can help target the aspects of congestion that concern you the most.
Exfoliating Technologies
Ingredients like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are high-performing exfoliating acids that help to target textural irregularities and clogged pores. For some individuals, choosing a gentler option like N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) may be better suited to your specific skin needs.
Brightening Technologies
When targeting aspects of congestion like uneven tone and post-blemish discolouration, choosing ingredients like Aloe and N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) can help to balance skin tone and provide a more even appearance. Our Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains both of these technologies and is a soothing solution for post-blemish marks.
Oil-Targeting Technologies
With excess surface oils being a large contributor to many of these concerns, using technologies like zinc PCA and niacinamide can be very effective at reducing surface shine.
Hydrating Technologies
While not a primary consideration when supporting oily skin, it’s still important to consider hydration. Blemish-prone skin has been shown to have lower moisture levels and a weaker skin barrier, so promoting hydration within the skin can be a great baseline for reducing the look of roughness and irregular texture. Formulations like Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides help to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.
Comedogenicity
You may also find some products are ‘non-comedogenic’, but what does this mean? Comedogenicity is the measure of whether something is likely to block the pores and lead to the formation of comedones (pimples). Cosmetics can be tested on a group of individuals and if the use of the product does not result in pimple formation, it is considered ‘non-comedogenic’.
Ingredients That Help Target Signs of Congested Skin
With a better understanding of the ways different ingredients can affect congested skin, let’s take a deeper dive into some specific technologies that help target signs of congested skin. You can learn more about all of our technologies in our ingredient glossary.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a BHA that, unlike some exfoliators, is oil-soluble (meaning it easily dissolves in oils). This is important when targeting congestion, as the inside of pores are an oil-rich environment. Although counterintuitive, oil actually requires the use of oil-soluble ingredients to help effectively target and remove excess oil and build up, effectively exfoliating within the pore. It can also be an effective ingredient at helping to reduce visible redness associated with blemishes. You’ll find this ingredient in many of our formulations, including Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a form of vitamin B3 which is a great multi-functional ingredient for congested skin. Its effectiveness in helping to balance excess oil makes it perfect for targeting congested looking areas and surface shine. It is also a great option for helping to brighten skin and reduce pore appearance.
N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG)
NAG is a star ingredient for post-blemish marks. It not only provides gentle, yet effective exfoliation to help prevent further build up of congestion, but also helps to target uneven tone experienced post-blemish, for a more even-looking complexion.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Alpha hydroxy acids include ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, and are water-soluble (meaning they mix easily with water). This makes them more suited to surface exfoliation (vs BHAs which are best for pore exfoliation), where they are great at helping to improve the appearance of uneven texture and tone. The Smooth Skin Collection includes some of our best-selling formulations with AHAs.
A Regimen for Congested-Looking Skin
Now that you know the science behind your skincare, it’s time to choose the right formulations for your needs. Below is a suggested regimen for targeting signs of congestion:
Prep
A gel-like foaming cleanser that effectively helps remove dirt and environmental impurities. This formulation helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier, while also improving the look of skin clarity, texture, radiance, and suppleness with continued use. Formulated, and shown to be suitable for babies, Glucoside Foaming Cleanser respects the barrier of even the most delicate skin.
Treat
A water-based serum made with an optimum concentration of salicylic acid. This serum targets textural irregularities while removing excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores. By promoting exfoliation, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, giving way to brighter, clearer looking skin.
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution is a lightweight soothing serum formulated for blemish-prone skin. It reduces the appearance of post-blemish marks through the inclusion of ingredients that target the look and feel of both uneven skin tone and texture, while also strengthening the skin barrier and helping to reduce the appearance of pores.
Balancing & Clarifying Serum provides visibly clearer skin, by helping to reduce the look of pores, excess oil, and uneven skin texture. This formulation helps promote smoother-looking skin, while also reducing visible post-acne marks making skin look clearer and brighter.
Seal
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan is a lightweight gel moisturizer that provides all-day hydration after one application. With a blend of natural moisturizing factors, beta glucan, and ceramides, it also fortifies the skin's natural barrier. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, its non-greasy formula is particularly beneficial for those with oily and combination skin.
The regimen above is a guide to The Ordinary formulations that may meet your needs, but it’s important to identify your primary concerns regarding skin congestion. Understanding which aspects are most important to you will help you determine whether one product, or all of them, are the right fit for your routine.
Shop our full range of formulations for skin congestionv. For a deeper dive into the science behind your skin and a closer look at our ingredients, check out The O. Blog.
