It can sometimes feel like every skin care product on the market is guaranteeing ‘clear skin’, making the ability to determine what will actually be the most effective increasingly confusing.
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The key to navigating this mess? Know your ingredients. For those dealing with congested skin and clogged pores, we’ve helped by narrowing it down to four key ones to look for. So the next time you’re shopping for acne-fighting and congested skin-preventing products, check the label for these…
Niacinamide
Otherwise known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is an active ingredient suitable for most skin types.
If you’re on the oilier side, it will help to control oil production, and for those with dry skin, it will assist with dehydration. Another major benefit of niacinamide is its ability to minimise the appearance of pores.
bh recommends: Synergie Skin Vitamin, Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid falls under the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) umbrella and is also the key ingredient in aspirin for its anti-inflammatory properties (who knew?).
For the skin it’ll help clear congestion and prevent future breakouts.
bh recommends: Neutrogena ® Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, Sukin Naturals Blemish Control Spot Banishing Gel
AHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) refer to the fast-acting acids such as lactic, glycolic or mandelic that work as powerful exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, improve texture and effectively fight acne.
Phew, no small order.
bh recommends: SkinCeuticals C + AHA
Azelaic Acid
This gentle exfoliant works to minimise the potential of future bumps, while unclogging pores and fighting pre-existing acne.
Suitable for any age or skin type, azelaic acid can easily be worked into your current skin care regimen; add it as its own step, combine it with a serum or apply it to blemished areas only.
bh recommends: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
T zone congestion for me. I spent the day at the spa today so my skin had a work over…yippie
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid works really well for my skin!
I'd never heard of azeleic acid, apparently it's found in the yeast naturally occurring on the skin. It's supposed to be good for rosacea and acne.
oh how lovely to spend a day at a spa!
this is a great article – my daughter was asking me how to get rid of clogged pores and I think this article holds the answers!
Oh that sounds lovely Meedee!
Thankfully congested skin isn’t a problem for me. My skin is actually in not bad condition at the moment.
I use a chemical exfoliator whether as a toner, serum or mask. Usually AHAs, I find lactic acid to be really effective and not as irritating
Great article, I suffer from congested skin. I've just started slowly introducing these ingredients into my skincare regimen. I really want to try Azelaic acid from The Ordinary but I don't think it's available in Aus?
Some great advice for congested Skin will definitely check the ingredients that I am using and buy the ones suggested on the list.
Haven't really risked the wonderful world of acids due to super sensitive skin.
Yes to all listed! My skin thrives on those. Sprinkle on some vitA-s….happyness!!!
Not an issue for me thankfully.
An informative article – thank you.
I love all the ingredients
very useful information.
A very helpful article.
Very informative. I have been using AHAs recently and I am liking the results.
Will check those out.
I usually use cleansers with salicylic acid because they're effective. I keep meaning to try niacinamide.
Azelaic acid is a new one for me, but I am already familiar and have used all the other ingredients.
Call me crazy but I have all four in my routine in rotation :P. AHAs are more for surface exfoliation rather than for pores though.
I've just started using The Ordinary glycolic acid to try and reduce the open pores on my nose, fingers crossed!
Can buy azelaic acid at chemist in Australia for 1/4th the price of all these brands/ serums.
Love all of these ingredients. Like my skin to have exposure to all.
Good to know, thanks
Great article. I wish I had started using AHA earlier in life.
Nice Artice…
I recommend the use of baking Soda for Clogged Pores. Baking soda also used as a cleansing agent for your feet and the exfoliating property helps remove dead skin cells and soften your feet, while its antibacterial properties keep infection at bay.
Read more: https://www.newscafe247.com/here-is-why-baking-soda-is-the-perfect-beauty-ingredient/
I use 2 of those ingredients but I will have to get the other two! Does anyone have and cheaper recommendations for a good AHA?