If your skin is looking rough— literally— you may be dealing with congested skin. Find out what causes skin congestion, and the best skin care products to clear your complexion.
While most people associate bumpy skin with their awkward teen years, skin congestion is one of the most common skin concerns experienced by people of all ages.
To put it simply, skin congestion happens when your pores become clogged, usually from oil buildup and dead skin cells. If your skin texture becomes uneven with pesky bumps, or you’re starting to see acne, it's time to adjust your routine for clearer skin!
Your skin care products play a big part in getting a glow, but so do your lifestyle habits. Keep scrolling to find out what causes skin congestion, and what you can do achieve your #skingoals.
What Causes Skin Congestion
To figure out what's causing your skin congestion, you’ll need to consider your skin type, current skincare routine, and lifestyle. Let’s explore why your skin might be acting up… here are some of the most common causes:
-
Puberty: Many people experience skin congestion and acne for the first time during puberty. During this life stage, hormonal changes can increase sebum (oil) production which can lead to clogged pores.
-
Dead Skin Cells: Our skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells, and shedding dead skin from the surface. If dead skin cells aren't properly removed, they can build up and clog pores.
-
Excess Oil: While the skin naturally produces oil in order to keep itself healthy and moisturized, too much can clog the pores and trap dead skin cells and bacteria.
-
Product Residue: Beauty products can clog pores, especially if you don't cleanse your skin regularly. Thoroughly removing makeup and sunscreen is crucial to prevent congestion. Additionally, hair care residue on your pillowcases or sheets can transfer to your face overnight.
-
Diet: Certain foods can affect your skin from the inside out. Processed foods high in sugar, dairy and refined carbs can cause inflammation, potentially leading to clogged pores.
-
Stress: Stress often shows up on the skin… which personally stresses me out even more! It’s a vicious cycle, but the stress hormone cortisol causes increased oil production that can clog pores.
Signs of Congested Skin
The first sign of skin congestion is bumpy, uneven skin texture. In the early stages, it might not be very noticeable but can become more obvious in certain lighting or when applying makeup. Another clear sign is large, more noticeable pores.
As congestion worsens, it often develops into noticeable comedones. Closed comedones, aka whiteheads, are blocked, closed pores that can appear white or remain flesh-colored. As pores fill with buildup, they can either rupture (POP!) or turn into blackheads. Blackheads are open pores where the exposed dead skin and oil buildup turn black from oxidation.
How to Prevent & Clear Skin Congestion
The best way to clear skin congestion and prevent it from happening is cleansing and exfoliating. Specifically, you want to wash your face twice a day, morning and night.
In the morning, cleansing removes sweat, oil, bacteria, and any product residue from your pillows and sheets. At night, washing away oil and dirt accumulated throughout the day is a must. If you wear makeup, always remove it completely before going to bed.
If you’re not already exfoliating, you’ll soon find out that it’s the key to clear skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, clearing and preventing buildup. You may be familiar with mechanical exfoliation, which includes using abrasive products like scrubs to physically remove dead skin cells. However, chemical exfoliation is generally considered more gentle on the skin, using ingredients that dissolve dead skin from the surface.
The most common ingredients for chemical exfoliation are alpha hydroxy acids— or AHAs— like the ones found in the Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel. This is the perfect gel cleanser to help wash away dirt and oil, unclog pores, and brighten your skin. As the plant-derived surfactants from coconut oil remove impurities, the Triple AHA removes dead skin cells and creates a brighter complexion. The fermented black rice further brightens the skin and improves its elasticity. This combination makes a great gentle exfoliant for congested skin (even sensitive skin!) that won’t cause dryness or irritation.
For more moderate skin congestion, an exfoliating serum like the Haruharu wonder CENTELLA 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum can provide a deeper level of treatment. It contains Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), another type of chemical exfoliant with larger molecules that make them even gentler for sensitive skin. The PHAs clean pores and clear blackheads, while the calming Centella reduces irritation and soothes the skin. The orange water in the formula brightens your skin and adds glow with vitamin C, and the Anti-Sebum P helps control oil.
But– and we can’t stress this enough– it’s important not to over-exfoliate congested skin. This can have the opposite effect and end up irritating your already compromised skin. When using targeted treatments like serums, limit use to 2-3 times weekly after cleansing and before moisturizing. Once congestion starts to clear up, you can reduce use to 1-2 times a week to maintain smooth skin texture and prevent new blackheads.
How to Clear Dark Spots from Acne
You might notice dark spots left behind where whiteheads or blackheads were. This is called hyperpigmentation, which many people experience after inflammation in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be super frustrating, as it distracts from otherwise clear skin. Luckily, there are at-home treatments that can help lighten these spots.
The Haruharu wonder Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum is clinically proven to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation after just two weeks of use. Vitamin C and Niacinamide regulate melanin and events skin tone, while the 4% tranexamic acid (TXA) targets existing dark spots and prevents new ones. This vegan formula also contains Squalane to help prevent moisture loss. It can be applied as a thin layer all over the face to prevent dark spots, or as a spot treatment for existing hyperpigmentation.
Skin Care Routine to Clear Skin
Here’s what a simple skin care routine to clear skin congestion can look like, keeping the above in mind.
Step 1: Cleanse (AM & PM)
Step 2: Exfoliating Serum (PM, 2-3x a week)
Step 3: Dark Spot Serum (AM & PM)
Step 4: Moisturizer (AM & PM)
Step 5: Sunscreen (AM)
Even if you’re not currently experiencing skin congestion, a consistent skin care routine with cleansing and exfoliating at its foundation will help keep your skin clear, bright and even.
Meet the Author
Miranda has been a trusted voice in the online beauty community since 2012, sharing her reviews, tips and tutorials on social media and her blog. Her expertise has earned her recognition as a repeat judge for the Glamour Beauty Awards and features in publications like Seventeen Magazine and Allure Magazine. One of Miranda’s main missions centers around uncovering the best bang for your buck in the beauty aisle, sharing budget-friendly beauty products that perform like high end options. When she’s not elbows deep in makeup, you can find her curled up with a book and her two cats, alongside her gamer husband. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube as @slashedbeauty.
Bumpy Skin, Large Pores and Acne? Your Skin is Congested, Here’s How to Fix It
If your skin is looking rough— literally— you may be dealing with congested skin. Find out what causes skin congestion, and the best skin care products to clear your complexion.
While most people associate bumpy skin with their awkward teen years, skin congestion is one of the most common skin concerns experienced by people of all ages.
To put it simply, skin congestion happens when your pores become clogged, usually from oil buildup and dead skin cells. If your skin texture becomes uneven with pesky bumps, or you’re starting to see acne, it's time to adjust your routine for clearer skin!
Your skin care products play a big part in getting a glow, but so do your lifestyle habits. Keep scrolling to find out what causes skin congestion, and what you can do achieve your #skingoals.
What Causes Skin Congestion
To figure out what's causing your skin congestion, you’ll need to consider your skin type, current skincare routine, and lifestyle. Let’s explore why your skin might be acting up… here are some of the most common causes:
Puberty: Many people experience skin congestion and acne for the first time during puberty. During this life stage, hormonal changes can increase sebum (oil) production which can lead to clogged pores.
Dead Skin Cells: Our skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells, and shedding dead skin from the surface. If dead skin cells aren't properly removed, they can build up and clog pores.
Excess Oil: While the skin naturally produces oil in order to keep itself healthy and moisturized, too much can clog the pores and trap dead skin cells and bacteria.
Product Residue: Beauty products can clog pores, especially if you don't cleanse your skin regularly. Thoroughly removing makeup and sunscreen is crucial to prevent congestion. Additionally, hair care residue on your pillowcases or sheets can transfer to your face overnight.
Diet: Certain foods can affect your skin from the inside out. Processed foods high in sugar, dairy and refined carbs can cause inflammation, potentially leading to clogged pores.
Stress: Stress often shows up on the skin… which personally stresses me out even more! It’s a vicious cycle, but the stress hormone cortisol causes increased oil production that can clog pores.
Signs of Congested Skin
The first sign of skin congestion is bumpy, uneven skin texture. In the early stages, it might not be very noticeable but can become more obvious in certain lighting or when applying makeup. Another clear sign is large, more noticeable pores.
As congestion worsens, it often develops into noticeable comedones. Closed comedones, aka whiteheads, are blocked, closed pores that can appear white or remain flesh-colored. As pores fill with buildup, they can either rupture (POP!) or turn into blackheads. Blackheads are open pores where the exposed dead skin and oil buildup turn black from oxidation.
How to Prevent & Clear Skin Congestion
The best way to clear skin congestion and prevent it from happening is cleansing and exfoliating. Specifically, you want to wash your face twice a day, morning and night.
In the morning, cleansing removes sweat, oil, bacteria, and any product residue from your pillows and sheets. At night, washing away oil and dirt accumulated throughout the day is a must. If you wear makeup, always remove it completely before going to bed.
If you’re not already exfoliating, you’ll soon find out that it’s the key to clear skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, clearing and preventing buildup. You may be familiar with mechanical exfoliation, which includes using abrasive products like scrubs to physically remove dead skin cells. However, chemical exfoliation is generally considered more gentle on the skin, using ingredients that dissolve dead skin from the surface.
The most common ingredients for chemical exfoliation are alpha hydroxy acids— or AHAs— like the ones found in the Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel. This is the perfect gel cleanser to help wash away dirt and oil, unclog pores, and brighten your skin. As the plant-derived surfactants from coconut oil remove impurities, the Triple AHA removes dead skin cells and creates a brighter complexion. The fermented black rice further brightens the skin and improves its elasticity. This combination makes a great gentle exfoliant for congested skin (even sensitive skin!) that won’t cause dryness or irritation.
For more moderate skin congestion, an exfoliating serum like the Haruharu wonder CENTELLA 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum can provide a deeper level of treatment. It contains Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), another type of chemical exfoliant with larger molecules that make them even gentler for sensitive skin. The PHAs clean pores and clear blackheads, while the calming Centella reduces irritation and soothes the skin. The orange water in the formula brightens your skin and adds glow with vitamin C, and the Anti-Sebum P helps control oil.
But– and we can’t stress this enough– it’s important not to over-exfoliate congested skin. This can have the opposite effect and end up irritating your already compromised skin. When using targeted treatments like serums, limit use to 2-3 times weekly after cleansing and before moisturizing. Once congestion starts to clear up, you can reduce use to 1-2 times a week to maintain smooth skin texture and prevent new blackheads.
How to Clear Dark Spots from Acne
You might notice dark spots left behind where whiteheads or blackheads were. This is called hyperpigmentation, which many people experience after inflammation in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be super frustrating, as it distracts from otherwise clear skin. Luckily, there are at-home treatments that can help lighten these spots.
The Haruharu wonder Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum is clinically proven to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation after just two weeks of use. Vitamin C and Niacinamide regulate melanin and events skin tone, while the 4% tranexamic acid (TXA) targets existing dark spots and prevents new ones. This vegan formula also contains Squalane to help prevent moisture loss. It can be applied as a thin layer all over the face to prevent dark spots, or as a spot treatment for existing hyperpigmentation.
Skin Care Routine to Clear Skin
Here’s what a simple skin care routine to clear skin congestion can look like, keeping the above in mind.
Step 1: Cleanse (AM & PM)
Step 2: Exfoliating Serum (PM, 2-3x a week)
Step 3: Dark Spot Serum (AM & PM)
Step 4: Moisturizer (AM & PM)
Step 5: Sunscreen (AM)
Even if you’re not currently experiencing skin congestion, a consistent skin care routine with cleansing and exfoliating at its foundation will help keep your skin clear, bright and even.
Meet the Author
Miranda has been a trusted voice in the online beauty community since 2012, sharing her reviews, tips and tutorials on social media and her blog. Her expertise has earned her recognition as a repeat judge for the Glamour Beauty Awards and features in publications like Seventeen Magazine and Allure Magazine. One of Miranda’s main missions centers around uncovering the best bang for your buck in the beauty aisle, sharing budget-friendly beauty products that perform like high end options. When she’s not elbows deep in makeup, you can find her curled up with a book and her two cats, alongside her gamer husband. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube as @slashedbeauty.