Asphyxiated Skin: How To Recognize It And Treat It

What does it mean to have asphyxiated skin, and how can you realize this particular skin condition? What causes lead to its appearance, and how can it be handled? Here is everything you need to know, including which cosmetic products are the most suitable to include in your beauty routine.

What Does It Mean To Have Asphyxiated Skin?

 Asphyxiated skin refers to a particular non-pathological condition of the skin, which appears greasy but dull and dehydrated.  Asphyxiated skin can be considered an evolution of mixed or oily epidermis. The skin is dull and grayish despite the typical imperfections that characterize this skin type (such as blackheads and enlarged pores).

The original meaning of the term asphyxiated refers to the fact that the skin does not breathe. The latter stands out for being opaque, thickened, rich in impurities, and non-uniform.  Furthermore, due to the hyperproduction of sebum that characterizes it, asphyxiated skin appears oily, with dilated pores and whiteheads (i.emicro cysts full of sebum and keratin). Among the elements that most distinguish this type of skin  are:

1. the alternation of very dull and dehydrated areas with other greasy ones;
2. the presence of blemishes due to excessive sebum production;
3. the sensation of having tight skin  after carrying out regular cleansing;
4. blackheads, millet grains, pimples, and dilated pores located primarily on the forehead, chin, and nose;
5. Color that changes from yellowish to grayish;
6. dull and dull complexion;
7. flaking and dryness present only in some areas of the face;
8. Thickened and irregularly textured skin.

Asphyxiated Skin: What Are The Causes?

A mix of factors causes asphyxiated skin, although the underlying reason for the problem is always an overproduction of sebum, which accumulates intensely and obstructs correct cell turnover. One of the factors that most predisposes to the development of asphyxiated skin is the use of cosmetic products that are not suitable for your skin type. Too aggressive soaps and detergents and excessively rich creams prevent the skin from breathing and, in the long run, lead to numerous blemishes. 

If unsuitable cosmetic formulations are used, combination and oily skin can react by tending to dehydrate in the superficial layer while the impurities are concentrated deeper. Other elements that can affect asphyxiated skin include a poor diet, such as one too rich in fatty foods and lacking in fresh foods, and digestive problems. Gastrointestinal difficulties, such as the tendency to suffer from diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, can contribute to worsening the condition of the skin and promoting the accumulation of sebum. Although skin characterized by excess grease is often confused with oily asphyxiated skin, in the latter case, the difference lies in the fact that the sebum is found deep down and acts as a plug, preventing the epidermis from breathing.

Remedies For Asphyxiated Skin

Oily but dry skin, such as asphyxiated skin, requires targeted attention and a change in your skincare routine. First, it is necessary to intervene to rebalance the epidermis, avoiding overly aggressive products and removing excess sebum.The most effective facial treatments for asphyxiated skin eliminate impurities (such as makeup residues, sebum, and dead cells) while preserving facial hydration. 

Therefore, each strategy’s final objective is to purify the skin delicately. It is ideal for exfoliating your face approximately once a week. Be careful to use products with a rebalancing action and avoid being too aggressive. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can opt for do-it-yourself or request the intervention of a dermatologist, who will be able to recommend specific treatments, such as peelings based on salicylic acid, those that exploit lipohydroxy acids (LHA) and the entire range of exfoliating molecules. 

In addition to acting on the cosmetics front, it is important not to neglect nutrition. It is better to follow a diet rich in fresh foods that provide a good quantity of vitamins and mineral salts, while it is advisable to reduce the intake of fatty foods.  Fish  (rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6), fruit, vegetables, and cereals, which are particularly abundant in group B vitamins, are among the most suitable foods for this type of skin.

What Are The Best Products For Asphyxiated Skin?

Dry skin with blackheads and other imperfections requires specific care and products specially formulated to offer hydration without weighing it down. The objective of the beauty routine for asphyxiated skin is to nourish but simultaneously purify the skin from excess sebum. A fundamental step is cleansing, which must always be done in the morning and evening to remove makeup residue and asphyxiated skin. 

Benefits from the combined use of cleansing milk (which eliminates makeup) with a tonic, preferably based on plant extracts with an astringent and soothing action.  It is also necessary to proceed with a more in-depth exfoliation once a week, perhaps using products based on salicylic acid and free of petrolatum and silicones. Other active ingredients to look for in cosmetic formulations that are indicated for dull and thickened skin are: 

1. Rosemary, or Rosmarinus Officinalis, has strong antibacterial and astringent properties, as well as the ability to stimulate circulation;
2. Ginkgo biloba  and caffeine promote skin microcirculation and improve skin texture;
3. the marigold , or Calendula Officinalis. This plant extract is excellent for soothing the skin and providing more outstanding balance without attacking it;
4. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that hydrates and purifies the skin;
5. Hyaluronic acid, which has a hydrating and plumping function;
6. Clay, which has a solid purifying action;
7. The carrot (Daucus Carota Sativa). It has an antioxidant function and helps counteract the grayish color of the skin.

Tips For Treating Asphyxiated Skin

Asphyxiated skin can be challenging to treat since, in addition to presenting a series of imperfections due to excess sebum, it also presents problems related to dryness and lack of hydration. Here is a series of tips to take care of this type of skin in the best way:

1. Use simple and not-too-thick creams, able to soothe and provide nourishment without weighing you down;
2. Do not change products in your skincare routine too often, but give your skin time to get used to it gradually;
3. Double cleanse regularly. This procedure involves first applying an oil-based cleanser or micellar water and then using a mousse to eliminate all the impurities;
4. Prefer makeup products that do not excessively clog the pores;
5. Avoid powder cosmetics but prefer cream formulations;
6. Regularly use a salicylic acid-based toner to purify the skin;
7. Plan days without makeup so that the skin can breathe;
8. Carry out professional facial cleansing treatments;
9. Use glycolic acid-based products  to exfoliate the skin and promote cell regeneration deeply;
10. Avoid cosmetic products based on silicones and petrolatum, which can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing.

Read Also: How To Slim Your Face And Deflate It