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What Does It Mean When Your Skin Is Congested?
Our skin has to deal with humidity, sweat, environmental aggressors, and dead skin cells all the time, so if it is not one, it is another factor affecting our pores and clogging them. Clogged pores can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne breakouts, and they are all signs of congested skin. Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr. Jamuna Pai told Vogue, “Congested skin is characterized by its appearance which is rough in texture and has multiple open pores and comedones.” Dr. Pai added that comedones are caused by dead skin buildup and lack of lymphatic drainage.
Congested skin looks and feels rough and bumpy, but there is no clinical term to describe a specific skin type since it can mean many things (via Healthline). However, if you mention ‘congested skin’ to dermatologists or estheticians, they will know what you are talking about. Typically, congested skin has clogged pores, so it is prone to more acne, and the cause could be anything from dead skin buildup to an allergic reaction to skincare or makeup. Depending on the person, it can show up as even redness, cystic acne, or skin will full appearance. Congested skin can mean bumpy, rough, or acne-prone skin, so a treatment that works for your friend may not work for you. But don’t give up because there is definitely a way to breathe life into your congested skin.