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Signs of Congestion
Clogged pores, blackheads and breakouts. Salicylic acid clears the pore; niacinamide and azelaic acid calm and control oil.
What we would reach for
Formulations for signs of congestion
A focused shortlist from the range, chosen for this concern. The actives that do the work: salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, mandelic acid.
salicylic acidniacinamideazelaic acidmandelic acid
Understanding the concern
Understanding congestion
Blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts happen when oil, dead cells and bacteria block the pore. The fix is not to strip the skin, which usually backfires, but to keep the pore clear and calm the inflammation.
Salicylic acid works inside oily pores, niacinamide and azelaic acid calm and regulate, and consistency beats aggressive spot-treating.
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble, so it gets inside the pore to clear the plug. The key active for blackheads and congestion.
Niacinamide
Regulates oil and calms inflammation, refining the look of pores over time without irritation.
Azelaic acid
Clears congestion while calming the redness and marks that breakouts leave behind.
A simple routine for congestion
- AM: niacinamide serum, light moisturiser, sunscreen.
- PM: a salicylic cleanser or a BHA exfoliant a few nights a week, then moisturiser.
- Resist over-washing and harsh scrubs; they strip the barrier and make oil worse.
Common questions
Why does my skin get oilier when I dry it out?
Stripping the barrier signals the skin to produce more oil to compensate. Gentle, consistent care calms oil far better than aggressive drying.
Are blackheads dirt?
No. They are oxidised oil and dead cells in the pore. You cannot scrub them away; a BHA that dissolves the plug is the effective route.
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Not sure which to pick?
Answer five quick questions and we will assemble a safe morning and night routine for signs of congestion.