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When we talk about asphyxic skin (also called occluded or suffocated) we refer to skin that, due to lack of blood supply or the routine use of incorrect cosmetics for our skin type, has totally obstructed the pilosebaceous follicle.
The skin suffocates due to the large amount of dead cells and the fat reserve that is being formed and cannot be released to the surface.
The sebum solidifies inside the pore, clogging it and producing micro cysts called miliums, small deposits of fat that are visible from the outside but are trapped or encapsulated within the skin.
The sebaceous secretion is modified, it becomes hard to the touch and does not come out, presenting an acneic tendency.
In principle, it is a condition that generally affects adolescents and young people, but it can also occur in adults.
And although oily skin is more prone, dry skin (poorly treated) can also cause this problem.
The good news is that, conversely, oily skin that follows good cleansing protocols and the use of the right cosmetics can appear free of clogged pores, milliums, and with an even texture.
Facial hygiene: the greatest ally for a glow effect
Other factors that can speed up this process are a lack of facial hygiene, especially at night: cleaning is mandatory.
If we do not remove all traces of makeup, sweat and particles of external contamination, during the night the skin will try to carry out its renewal process and since it is not able to eliminate waste products well, it will accumulate fat, water, sweat in the superficial layers.
Physiological characteristics of asphyctic skin
- Increased sebaceous secretion that remains retained.
- Formation of comedones, especially on the sides.
- Little protection of the hydrolipidic film, with dehydration in the areas where the emulsion does not form.
- Pale appearance, with cysts and comedones;
also milliums.
- Excess keratinization.
How is your appearance?
- Oily shine in seborrheic areas.
- Perceptible pores in oily areas
- Matte and withered appearance on cheeks;
sensitive.
- In non-seborrheic areas, closed pores.
- White microcysts in the area of the cheeks and around the eyes.
How does it feel to the touch?
- Skin somewhat thick due to diffuse hypertrophy.
- Stiff touch.
- Rough and irritable.
Keys to treat asphyxic skin
In the daily care routine, it does not tolerate soap or some cosmetics, it is irritated by astringent products, it stains and lacks defensive capacity.
To treat it, active ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, tea tree, green clay, salicylic acid, green tea, zinc gluconate, vitamin B6 or propolis are used, which help regulate the biological secretion of sebum.
But the first step is to go to an expert to diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment routine, depending on the type of skin.
We can clean the skin with a product based on salicylic acid, without oils, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin and maintains its protective barrier.
We can add the masks and prevent the appearance of future imperfections.
To hydrate, it is advisable to choose mattifying moisturizing products that act on skin shine and regulate sebum production.
In the office it can be treated with peels with a specific formulation in acids according to diagnosis, this helps to renew the tissue, improve texture and unclog pores, managing to return healthier, brighter skin with improved texture, controlling that excess fat.
Advice: Dr. Johanna Furlan, Cosmetic Surgeon MN 122.975 @drajohannafurlangraf
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