The skin is the largest organ of the body and it’s in constant contact with pollutants, dirt, oil, debris, makeup, etc. that can clog the pores. Congested skin can be very frustrating and seems to never get better. The solution is rather simple, but it does take effort and maintenance to keep that congested skin at bay.

First, we need to understand what causes congested skin. Blackheads are simply pores clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. The black color comes from being exposed to oxygen. A whitehead is a pore with dead skin cells, sebum, and the addition of bacteria. The pore is closed off making it possible for the bacteria to sit in the skin, eventually causing inflammation. The key to treating this frustrating skin condition is proper detoxification and keeping the skin as clean as possible, by the regular use of exfoliating products, enzymes, and specific masques designed to support the skin.

Finding the Right Cleanser

First and foremost, a detoxifying cleanser needs to be used. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both effective ingredients in the treatment of acne and congested pores. Salicylic acid is an exfoliant and will help slow down the shedding of skin cells into the follicle, preventing clogging. It is great for reducing oiliness in the skin and will help break down the already existing blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide is great for the treatment of clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide will fill the pores with oxygen which will kill the bacteria. GlyMed Plus has two incredibly effective cleansers, the Purifying Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid, and Clean Skin Cleanser with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.

Deep pore cleansing is also very important. Oxygen Deep Pore Masque is the go-to product for this. Working like a desincrustation fluid, it will cleanse and purify the pores and ease the extraction process. Keeping the pores really clean is the key to treating congested skin.

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

Exfoliating on a regular basis will help keep the skin clear and reduce the amount of buildup on the skin, which is crucial to preventing congested skin. GlyMed Plus has two exfoliating cleansers that both contain mechanical exfoliating beads: Exfoliating Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid and Clear Exfoliant Cleanser with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.

The Power of Enzymes

Enzymes are also great to use as they are effective, yet gentle at softening the impacted pores. They soothe and soften the skin and make the extraction process easier. We recommend the Skin Clarifying Masque. It contains the fruit enzymes papain and bromelain for gentle exfoliation and bentonite clay, which is great for absorbing oil.

Detoxifying Masques

Your clients with congested skin also need to be using a detoxifying masque. Clay masques are the best for this. The clay will absorb the oil as well as help the skin to purge out the impurities. GlyMed Plus has two masques in our Acne subline that are perfect for this process. Serious Action Masque contains salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid along with healing tea tree oil, exfoliation beads, and kaolin and bentonite clay making this the perfect masque to help in the detoxification process. We also have Mattifying Sulfur Masque, which contains 10% sulfur to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and reduce oil production in the skin.

Overall, treating congested skin and providing results begins with cleansing the congested pores, regularly exfoliating the skin, using products with enzymes, and detoxifying masques. All these steps help to support the skin with pharmaceutical-grade products that will give your clients the results they seek. These products are designed to cleanse the pores, absorb excess oils in the skin, reduce congestion, and balance the skin. Assisting your clients with a home care regimen will give them the tools they need to heal and detoxify their skin.

If you have any questions or need recommendations for treatments contact a Licensed Master Esthetician today at 800-676-9667, and we will be happy to help you learn more about our products.