How to treat congested and breakout-prone skin

From the occasional pimple to recurring hormonal breakouts, we’re ‘breaking down’ clogged pores and congestion so you can take back control of unruly skin.  

Congestion generally refers to a skin condition that impacts a skin pore (follicle) and is commonly associated with inadequate natural skin turnover causing pores to becoming clogged. Excessive oil production, stimulated by factors that include hormones, incorrect skin care, even over exfoliation can also contribute to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores. So, while, congestion, including breakouts, are often associated with our formative teenage years, the reality is that our skin can experience congestion at any time.  

To break it down further let’s have a look at the different types of congestion: 

Non-inflammatory breakouts these generally refer to: closed comedones (congestion), open comedones (blackheads), whiteheads and milia. 

While Inflammatory breakouts refer to: papules (small, raised bumps on the skin), pustules (red tender bumps, often with white pus), nodules (growths of abnormal tissue) and cysts with accompanying erythema (redness). 

The easiest way to tell if you have congested skin is by running your hand lightly across your face. If your skin feels bumpy or textured, then chances are you may have a little congestion. Blackheads that are visible, especially on the T zone are also very common. However, with the right skincare, congestion and breakout prone skin can be noticeably improved. 

Alpha-H founder Michelle Doherty knew how difficult life with breakouts can be, having suffered from cystic acne throughout her teens, and even into her 20s. Her search for a solution to this problem led her to create the Alpha-H we know and love today. So today we remain committed to helping those with blemish-prone and congested skin to not only control their breakouts, but overcome them. 

Which Alpha-H products can help congested skin? 

Clear Skin Daily Face and Body Wash 

Ensuring that you are cleansing with the right product, is the first step when looking to tackle congested and breakout-prone skin. Clear Skin Daily Face and Body Wash is a pH balanced cleansing gel that utilises oil soluble exfoliator Salicylic Acid to give your skin a deep clean and helps to reduce excess oil production whilst anti-inflammatory Niacinamide and natural bacteria-fighting ingredients including Tea Tree, Thyme and Eucalyptus help reduce redness and restore balance. The gel consistency of this cleanser gives your skin a deep cleanse and leaves a fantastic fresh feeling afterwards that doesn’t strip away its natural lipids. As the name suggests, this product is also great for treating body breakouts on areas including the chest, neck, and back.  

Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel 

Oily or breakout-prone skin types need hydration too. Dehydrated skin may produce excess sebum as the skin struggles to find a balance, so it is important to keep the skin’s barrier balanced and hydrated. Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel is super lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin to help fight excess oil, inflammation, bacteria and can help the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Locally sourced ingredients including Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Witch Hazel help minimise bacteria, whilst Salicylic Acid helps clear blocked pores, and Cotton Seed Extract helps to counter irritation and dehydration. 

Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel 

Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel provides a rapid spot treatment for unwanted blemishes and is perfect to slip into your handbag for unexpected breakouts. With active ingredients Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Niacinamide, this spot gel works to decongest breakouts and calm inflammation. The antibacterial properties from Oregano, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus can additionally help to limit the spread of bacteria. Simply apply the gel to the problem area as required. 

Clear Skin Tonic 

Using Accelerating Acids to exfoliate is key when dealing with congested or breakout-prone skin and Clear Skin Tonic is a must have for skins suffering excess sebum, blemishes and congestion. It contains 2% BHA Salicylic Acid which works to decongest deep inside the pores and clear the skin of breakout-causing dirt and debris, while also helping to soothe and rebalance inflamed, stressed and depleted skin. This purifying tonic is also enriched with the natural anti-inflammatory properties of Chamomile, Arnica, Thyme and Cucumber to help diffuse redness, irritation, and puffiness. Licorice adds further anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties to this skin-loving tonic and supports melanin suppression – which can help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that many breakouts leave in their wake. 

Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask 

Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask is a deep cleansing mask made with White Clay to gently draw out toxins and impurities while rebalancing the skin. The natural antiseptic properties of locally sourced Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Aloe Vera can help to calm and reduce inflammation. Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask gently supports and replenishes your skin thanks to the addition of “good oils” like Macadamia Seed and Jojoba so your skin will never be left feeling stripped or bare. Suitable for all skin types to apply weekly as a preventive measure, as well as a spot treatment when breakouts occur. 

Clear Skin Kit 

This five-step clinic treatment program brings together portable sizes of the Clear Skin Daily Face Wash, Clear Skin Hydrator Gel, Clear Skin Tonic, Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask and Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel (all products mentioned above), to offer a complete day and night system that targets active blemishes and congestion. Suitable for all ages from pubescent to post-menopausal, this collection is your complete prescription designed to treat oily, congested and breakout-prone skin. 

For more information or for a bespoke routine incorporating our Clear Skin Collection, please get in touch to set up a  free online skin consultations with one of our trained skin therapists. 

Warning: these products (excluding the  Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask) contain Salicylic Acid and are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.