Skin Congestion - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Skin Congestion?

The skin is the largest organ that covers the whole body. It is made up of water, protein, and minerals. It acts as a protective layer of the body from external factors such as infections, germs, and temperature changes. There are three layers of the skin. The top layer is known as the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the bottom is called the hypodermis. Skin congestion is a condition that causes roughness and bumps due to clogged pores.

What Are the Causes of Skin Congestion?

• Hormones: Hormones play an essential part in the health of the skin. The skin's appearance and condition majorly depend on the balance of the hormones. Patients with hormonal imbalances tend to have acne on the jawline or neck. Due to acne and clogged pores, the skin looks congested and dull.

• Oil Production: Every skin type is different. And with every skin type, the sebum or oil production of the skin is also different in everyone. In some people, the sebum production is less or none, which causes dry and flaky skin. On the other hand, people with excess sebum production majorly face problems such as acne, large pores, and congested skin.

• Skin Elasticity: With age, skin loses its elasticity. With this problem comes the complication of open pores. Open pores are the reason for the accumulation of dirt, sebum, or acne on the skin. All of these together cause skin congestion and many more complications.

• Comedogenic Products: Comedogenic products can be irritating to the skin. Moreover, the study shows the relationship between acne and the use of these products, such as soaps and creams. The following are the ingredients that cause skin irritation:

  1. Isopropyl myristate.

  2. Propylene glycol.

  3. Lanolins.

  4. Triclosan.

  5. Phthalates.

  6. Parabens.

• Sweating: There is a belief that sweating causes toxins to flush out from the skin. On the contrary, excessive sweating can cause acne on the skin.

• Improper Cleansing: If the face is not washed properly, the dirt and oil on the skin can cause congested skin.

• Acne: It is a skin condition caused by different factors, such as excessive oil production, clogged pores, sweat, and dirt on the skin.

• Blackheads: When excessive oil, dirt, and grimness of the hair follicles accumulate, it causes blackheads on the skin. This skin condition on the surfaces interacts with oxygen and turns black.

• Whiteheads: It has the same causes as blackheads. The only difference is that it is white and caused by clogged pores. Due to closed pores, they are not exposed to and are trapped under the skin.

• Keratosis Pilaris: Due to excess hair protein called keratin, this condition is caused. Keratosis pilaris look like tiny bumps on the skin, which give the skin a rough texture. This is caused when the keratin cannot sprout out and is trapped inside the skin.

• Open Pores: Pores are the exit point of the oil, dirt, and toxins to escape from the skin. This process is essential for keeping the skin healthy. While some pores return to their normal size, some stay open. Open pores are larger than the normal size pores on the skin. This skin condition is caused by excessive sun exposure, excess oil, acne, or aging.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Congestion?

The followings are the signs and symptoms associated with skin congestion:

• Whiteheads.

• Redness.

• Blackheads.

• Cystic acne.

• Clogged pores.

• Bumps on the skin.

• Rough skin.

• Dull-looking skin.

How to Treat Skin Congestion?

There are the following management options available for skin congestion:

• Home Remedies:

  1. Natural Exfoliation: The use of exfoliators is to remove dirt along with dead cells from the skin. Using handy and readily available ingredients at home can be very useful for the skin's health. Masks or scrubs made with ingredients such as sugar, lemon, honey, or curd can be very effective in the exfoliation of the skin.

  2. Hydrating Agents: Water is the best hydrating agent for the body. It helps retain the skin's elasticity, which reduces with age. Moreover, drinking water can also help to eliminate toxins from the body and fight the urge to eat sugar or consume caffeine.

  3. Cleansing the Face: Regularly washing the face with warm water and soap or a face wash can help to remove all the dirt and sebum from the skin. A person should wash their face at least two times a day, morning and night, before bed. Additionally, it is wise to remove and cleanse the face if the person is wearing makeup and then go to bed.

  4. Diet: High-processed foods or foods with high amounts of sugar can harm overall health, especially for the skin. Removing all these from the diet can make skin healthy. Moreover, a person can also add fruits rich in vitamin C, high fiber, and food with omega in their diet. This food not only improves a person's health but also can be beneficial for the skin.

  5. Yoga: Yoga is beneficial for the health of the body. It has also proved to be very helpful in keeping the skin healthy. Regular meditation has proved to be very effective.

• Over-The-Counter Treatments:

  1. Exfoliators: Chemical or natural-based exfoliators are readily available in the market. These are very helpful in getting rid of dead cells from the skin.

  2. Serums: Serums that contain retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid have proved their benefit on the skin. They not only unclog the pores but also help with acne.

  3. Cleansers: Cleansers with gentle ingredients are very important in washing off the dirt from the skin.

  4. Moisturizers: Many people believe using moisturizer on oily skin can worsen acne. However, the reality is completely different. Moisturizer is very much necessary for all skin types. It helps to restore the balance of oil production on the skin.

• Medical Treatment:

  1. Retinoids: It is used to promote cell growth and remove dead cells.

  2. Oral Contraceptives: Many dermatologists prescribe this medication as an acne treatment.

  3. Isotretinoin: Although this medication has many side effects, some dermatologists still prescribe this medication to clear congested skin.

  4. Chemical Peels: To treat extreme cases of acne and skin problems, professionals recommend high-grade chemical peeling.

  5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser treatment helps with cell growth and unclogs the skin's pores.

Conclusion:

Skin congestion comes with plenty of problems. It worsens the skin's texture and causes pimples and pigments. To keep the skin healthy, the skin should be regularly cleaned, exfoliated, and moisturized. If a person faces problems such as acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores, they should immediately seek professional help. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to treat skin problems and even longer to keep them healthy.