It is common on the face but can occur anywhere on the body.
Congested skin can look dull and feel bumpy, flaky, or rough.
It can also lead to problems such as acne.
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It can often be treated at home but may require medical treatment in some cases.
Discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before trying medications.
What Can Cause It?
Inadequate skincare routine is the most common cause of congested skin.
Blocked Pores
Thesebaceous glandsproduce sebum.
Oil and sweat are released through small ducts in the skin calledpores.
Pores can become clogged when dead skin cells and dirt mix with the skin’s natural oils.
Clogged pores may appear larger and more visible.
Increased sebum production can also be a factor leading to enlarged pores.
Sebum production increases up to fivefold in males at puberty.
Skin Elasticity
As the skin ages, it losescollagenprotein, which causes it to lose elasticity.
This leads to looser skin with larger pores, which can collect buildup and lead to congested skin.
Problems with the skin barrier can lead to skin congestion.
Sebum production volume varies throughout a lifetime.
Congested skin typically looks dull and feels rough, bumpy, or flaky.
It often presents with blackheads and/or whiteheads, and can lead toskin conditionssuch as acne.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any treatments.
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Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.Clogged pores: causes, prevention, and treatments.
Endly DC, Miller RA.Oily skin: a review of treatment options.Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can treat large facial pores?
