How To Remove Blackheads and Other Symptoms of Skin Congestion

Blackheads are a common skin concern caused by clogged pores. These tiny, dark spots are open comedones, which expose the pore opening. Inside the pore, a small plug of oil and dead skin cells forms, creating a dark appearance due to oxidation.

Blackheads are just one type of skin congestion. Other types, such as whiteheads and nodules, can also occur. 

Below, we discuss skin congestion as a whole and its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is Skin Congestion?

Skin congestion, or clogged pores, occurs when pores become clogged with a buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, impurities, and sebum (oil). This accumulation can lead to various skin problems, including:

• Blackheads (open comedones)—The dark spots that form when a clogged pore becomes exposed to air
• Whiteheads (closed comedones)—The small, white bumps that occur when a clogged pore is closed
• Bumps and uneven skin texture—The buildup of oil and dead skin cells can create a rough, bumpy appearance.
• Breakouts and acne—When bacteria infect a clogged pore, it can lead to inflammation and acne
• Dull and lacklustre skin appearance—Congested skin often appears dull and lacks a healthy glow

What Causes Skin Congestion?

There are many culprits for skin congestion. Some of them are out of our control, such as:

• Hormonal fluctuations—Overactive sebaceous glands, often triggered by hormonal changes, can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores.
• Genetics—Some people are genetically predisposed to oily skin and clogged pores.

There are also those that we have direct control over, like:

• Skincare routine—Neglecting a regular skincare routine or using incorrect products for our skin type can exacerbate congestion.
• Skincare products—Using comedogenic products that contain ingredients like isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, lanolins, triclosan, phthalates, and parabens can irritate the skin and contribute to congestion.

There are also these factors that do not directly contribute to clogged pores but can worsen the condition:

• Diet—Certain foods can contribute to acne and skin congestion by influencing sebum production and composition. Some may increase oil production, while others may alter sebum quality, making it thicker and more likely to clog pores.
• Friction—Clothing, backpacks, helmets, or other garments or equipment that rub against your skin can irritate pores and lead to congestion.
• Environment—Humid weather can contribute to skin congestion by increasing sweat production and pore size. The excess sweat, which does not evaporate quickly due to the weather, can trap dirt and oil within pores. And since the heat and moisture in the air can dilate our pores, the latter can trap more dirt and become more susceptible to clogging.
• Picking at pimples—Popping pimples, whether successful or unsuccessful, can have negative consequences. Unsuccessful attempts may push the contents deeper into the skin, clogging pores, worsening acne, and triggering inflammation. Successful attempts can break the skin barrier, allowing infected pus to spread bacteria and cause larger acne outbreaks.
• Air pollution—Poor air quality is caused by a complex mix of environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, chemicals from burning fuels, and other tiny particles. These can get trapped in the skin and clog pores.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads and Other Skin Congestions

Use Topical Skincare

One of the simplest ways to address skin congestion is by using topical skincare products with the following ingredients:

• Salicylic acid—This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) helps to exfoliate the skin, remove excess oil and unclog pores by breaking down the “sticky glue” or the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This process allows them to shed more easily. 
• Retinol—This vitamin A derivative also reduces oil production and stimulates cell turnover, which can help to unclog pores and improve skin texture. 
• Azelaic acid—This natural compound helps to reduce inflammation and unclog pores. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can contribute to acne. It can also help reduce sebum production, preventing pores from becoming clogged.
• Benzoyl peroxide—This over-the-counter medication can also help kill bacteria that contribute to acne by oxidising them. This can help to reduce the number of bacteria in the pores and prevent them from clogging.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a more aggressive treatment option for skin congestion, usually performed by qualified dermatologists. They involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layers of the skin to peel off. This can help to unclog pores, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of scars.

There are three main types of chemical peels:

• Superficial peels—These peels use mild acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin.   
• Medium peels—These peels use more potent acids to exfoliate the middle layers of the skin.
• Deep peels—These peels use the strongest acids to exfoliate the deeper layers of skin.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that also helps unclog pores. It works by

• Exfoliation—Using a handheld device with tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the top layer of skin
• Vacuuming—A vacuum is used to suction away the exfoliated skin cells, revealing smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Microdermabrasion is typically a series of treatments. The number of treatments needed will depend on your skin condition.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a more invasive procedure that uses a laser beam to remove the top layers of skin to unclog pores.

At ENRICH, we use different types of laser resurfacing techniques using:

• UltraPulse CO2 laser—A fractional laser that uses tiny columns of energy to resurface the skin with minimal downtime
• Erbium laser—A newer resurfacing tool with shorter recovery times and less heat than the CO2 laser.
• Fractional lasers—Target specific areas of the skin, leaving surrounding cells intact to reduce damage and recovery time. 
• Portrait—A cosmetic device that uses plasma energy to trigger skin regeneration without removing the top layer of cells.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns. While not directly used for unclogging pores, it can be beneficial for treating acne and reducing inflammation, which can indirectly improve skin congestion.   

How LED light therapy works:

• Different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and interact with cells.
  • Blue light can help to kill bacteria that contribute to acne.
  • Red light can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production.
  • Green light can help to balance skin tone and reduce redness.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is another non-invasive procedure that uses a small blade to exfoliate the top layer of skin gently. This can help remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) and unclog pores.

Dermaplaning is often used in conjunction with other skin treatments, such as chemical peels or facials. Dermaplaning is also an “ at home” tool that some people use. However, it’s incredibly important to be careful when performing at home. Blades not correctly disinfected or deep planing can cause infection or worsen the skin condition. 

Note that we don’t offer dermaplaning at ENRICH.

How To Prevent Skin Congestion

Maintaining a proper skincare routine is the key to preventing skin congestion. Wash your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser and use a moisturiser that suits your skin type. While on this topic, ensure you avoid touching your skin with unwashed hands, as this can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria. 

While some oils may benefit certain skin types, excessive use can clog pores. So, be mindful when using oil on your skin. 

Depending on your skin type, exfoliate your skin gently once or twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and prevent pore blockage. 

When going out, always protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen daily and seek shade when possible.

Lastly, refrain from picking at or popping pimples, which can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.

In addition to skincare, pay attention to your diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Limit processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to hormonal imbalances and skin inflammation. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to maintain healthy skin.

Also, manage stress through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, which can also help prevent skin congestion. Stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances and skin problems.

Finally, avoid irritants by using gentle skincare products and be mindful of environmental factors. Pollution, humidity, and extreme temperatures can contribute to skin congestion.

Skin Congestion Treatment at ENRICH

Our experienced dermatologists can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin. With personalised treatment plans and advanced techniques, we can address the causes of your skin congestion and provide solutions. Schedule an appointment with us.