What is asphyxiated skin and how to treat it

Do you know what asphyxiated skin is?

Asphyxiated skin is a type of skin that presents the problems and blemishes of dry skin and oily skin at the same time; it is defined as a "complication" of oily skin and in this article I will explain what it is, what can cause it and, above all, what is the right skincare for asphyxiated skin.

How can I tell if I have asphyxiated skin?

You can recognize asphyxiated skin by these characteristics:

• irregular grain to the touch and sight
• dull, grayish or yellowish color
• It is thick and tends to flake
• with enlarged pores, blackheads and pimples
• dry surface but skin feels greasy to the touch

Asphyxiated skin is skin that cries out for help: the sebum is thick and waxy and cannot reach the skin surface. So it remains in the deeper layers, where it gives rise to imperfections and impurities under the skin, while the surface becomes dry, rough and dull.

Why does the skin become asphyxiated?

As I was telling you, asphyxiated skin is a complication of oily skin, in which the sebum becomes thick and waxy and the skin thickens (hyperkeratosis); in these conditions the sebum cannot escape and remains trapped in the skin.

One of the main causes of asphyxiated skin is the use of unsuitable cosmetics, such as

• overly aggressive detergents,
• products that are too rich and hydrating,
• occlusive and oily make-up.

The wrong products would "suffocate" the skin and could make even originally "normal" skin asphyxiated.

What products should I use for asphyxiated skin?

First of all, some good news: your skin won't be asphyxiated forever!
This is a temporary condition, which can be resolved by using the right cosmetics.

Finding the right combination can be tricky, and it's important not to focus on just one skin need : too many oil-balancing products could dry out your skin, while too many hydrating products could clog your pores.

The fundamental part of the skincare routine for asphyxiated skin is cleansing : choose a foaming cleanser that is not too degreasing, which purifies the skin but without damaging the skin barrier.

Exfoliating lotions are very useful in this case, as they allow you to perform a micropeeling that refines the skin texture and helps to counteract the thickening of the stratum corneum.

Now it's time for hydration: it's essential to find the balance between hydration and purification and you can do this by using two different creams (one more hydrating and one more rebalancing) or by choosing a base cream to which you can add the most suitable facial boosters at the time.

Moisturizers for asphyxiated skin

Asphyxiated skin facial booster

Once a week, include a clay face mask in your routine, which purifies the skin without drying it out.

Remember that our body is a balanced ecosystem and that even the skin suffers from stress, smoking, alcohol and bad eating habits.

Asphyxiated skin, my extra tips

• Don't change products too often: once you find the right combination for you, you don't need to change often.
• Every now and then, spend a day completely without makeup.
• Change your pillowcases and face towels often.
• Choose non-occlusive makeup and remove it properly every evening, perhaps with double cleansing to ensure you don't leave any makeup residue on your face.
  
  If you want to know how to do it, here is my guide to double cleansing .

If you liked this article you can read more in our skincare section.