Shop Skincare For Congested Skin

Clearing Skincare for acne prone skin

Banish breakouts and congestion with our expertly formulated skincare. Deep clean, balance, and calm oily, acne-prone skin with targeted solutions. Free shipping on all AU orders.

21 products in "Regime - Shop Skincare For Congested Skin"

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Best Acne Care Products & Treatments - Skinstitut AU

Our Range of Clearing Skincare

Say goodbye to breakouts with our clearing skincare range. Specially formulated to target congestion and blemishes, these products work to promote a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Clear Congested Skin 

What is congested skin?

When dead skin cells mingle with dirt, toxins, makeup and other impurities – topped off with overproduction of sebum – they create a kind of ‘debris’ that gets trapped in the skin’s pores. As a result, our overfilled pores produce whiteheads and blackheads. When a clogged pore becomes infected, a pimple is born. Congested skin can look and feel oily, rough, dull and even dirty.

What triggers breakouts?

Congested skin (and its consequent breakouts) is caused by overproduction of sebum. Sebum production is regulated by androgens. Acne-prone regions have higher levels of androgen receptors and increased local production of androgens within the sebaceous glands. Even a small increase in androgen levels (which can occur around menstruation) can trigger an outbreak.

Androgen levels can also be influenced by things such as medication and stress. It has also been suggested that high-glycemic index foods may increase androgen formation.

How to get clear skin

Curb overactive sebaceous glands with thorough cleansing and twice-weekly exfoliation. Seek out ingredients such as Retinol, which supports the desquamation process (prompting cellular renewal) and is both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. And Niacinamide, which helps balance sebum production, reduces the appearance of larger pores and supports healthy barrier function. Tea Tree Oil helps to unclog and purify pores, calm inflammation and reduce acne severity.

What is Acne?

Acne is essentially any type of congestion in the skin. It occurs when excess sebum (oil produced from the sebaceous glands) blocks the pores and then becomes a blackhead or whitehead. From there, it can develop into swollen, tender inflammations, pimples, or nodules (deeper lumps below the skin’s surface that are infected, inflamed, and often tender). There are many different types of acne and it most commonly appears on the face but you can also experience it on your body; on the back, shoulders, neck chest, buttocks, and upper arms.

What is the cause of acne?

There are myriad causes of acne and it can affect all skin types at different ages and life stages. Firstly, there’s the most obvious cause: excess oil, dirt and grime. Not cleansing your skin twice daily, not washing your hands, and frequently touching your face (and squeezing your pimples) will pretty much guarantee a breakout. Then there are contributing factors that we can’t necessarily control like genetics (thanks Mum and Dad) and times of emotional stress and anxiety (looking at you COVID-19). Hormonal acne is particularly common; periods of hormonal change like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and even menopause can cause breakouts and persistent acneic inflammation.

Best treatment of acne

Truly effective acne treatment can be a case of trial and error and there’s not always a fast fix. If you’re experiencing breakouts then we would normally recommend a consultation with an experienced dermal therapist to assess your skin and your lifestyle in order to custom prescribe the most effective course of action.

Tips to reduce congestion

Wash your face thoroughly morning and night to remove excess sebum and grime with a cleanser suited to your skin type and condition

Tune into how often you touch your face and try to do it less, as it easily transports grime and impurities straight to your skin.

It might feel counterintuitive but keep your skin hydrated. Dehydrated skin can fuel inflammation, which in turn can exacerbate acne.

Shop our hydrate collection for thirsty skin.

Best skin care products for acne

Now for some good news. There are plenty of clinically proven topical ingredients that can work to improve acne symptoms. In the spirit of sharing (and achieving skin health) we’ve compiled a few of our favourites:

Retinol: A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is a well-researched ingredient that’s proven to speed up cellular turnover. What it does is prevent a build-up of expired cells, reducing the likelihood of congestion, plus Retinol also brightens up the look of pesky post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – those dark marks that linger after a particularly tricky breakout.

Try: Retinol Serum

This 1.25% encapsulated Retinol treatment also boasts peptides to improve skin strength, clarity and resilience.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic Acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid that dissolves the ‘glue’ holding dead skin cells together. With regular use, it kick-starts the desquamation – or skin-peeling – process, reducing the risk of clogged pores.

Try: Glycolic Scrub 14%

Made with Glycolic Acid and biodegradable Silica beads, this hybrid chemical/ manual exfoliant works to refine and retexturise the skin.

Try: Expert Glycolic AHA Toner

This leave-on treatment combines a 5% Glycolic Acid concentration with Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and Green Tea to exfoliate, brighten and smooth acne-prone skin.

Lactic Acid: Lactic Acid is another Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, but its molecular size is larger, meaning it works on the upper layers of the skin only. Because the effects aren’t as intense, it’s a great choice for acne suffers who also have sensitive skin.

Try: L-Lactic Cleanser

Gentle but effective, L-Lactic Cleanser sweeps away dirt, sebum and superficial skin cells to refine and rehydrate. With ongoing use, it will keep potentially pore-clogging debris away.

For even more acne tips, check out our Acne & Breakouts Collection — it details all the Skinstitut products and steps that are designed to reduce and improve persistent breakouts.



5-Star Reviews: Our Most Talked About Products 

TESTIMONIALS
  • Product Reviews
  • Site Reviews
02/10/2025
sonia f.
Australia
LOVE TEXTURE AND SKIN LOOKS RADIANT
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
02/10/2025
Jenny R.
Australia
I love this cream, its subtle fragrance, the glide on the skin and the lasting hydration it provides. I use it morning and night and it allows a easy layering for sunscreen in the day and my Vit A cream at night. 10/10
The Edit
01/10/2025
Alexia R.
Australia
Non greasy, great sun protection, smells wonderful-can not fault this staple
Age Defence SPF 50+
01/10/2025
Melanie S.
Australia
Absolutely Love this product! I have been using the Gentle Cleanser for years now and have never been disappointed
Gentle Cleanser
01/10/2025
Tina M.
Australia
I started using this after I suffered a reaction from a different branded product and it was very soothing. I’ve continued to use it since then as I can’t imagine using anything else now.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
01/10/2025
Renee W.
Australia
Great product, have been using morning and night and my skin texture and appearance has improved. I will keep going with this as I feel my skin looks better with each use!
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
01/10/2025
Pia H.
Australia
I have been using this little gem for a couple of years now, and find it very effective.
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum
01/10/2025
Jasmine A.
Australia
Absolutely amazing I have been purchasing it for years nothing goes better on my skin.
Moisture Defence – Normal Skin
01/10/2025
Deb J.
Australia
I love this product and less is more
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
01/10/2025
Christine N.
Australia
Easy to apply , non greasy, great results
Ultra Firming Eye Neck Cream
01/10/2025
irene m.
Australia
I love this product!! It really makes mature aged skin.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
01/10/2025
Anne Z.
Australia
Use this product every day. Love it.
Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil
01/10/2025
Lindsay G.
Australia
I've been using this glycolic scrub for 15 years and swear by it. Exfoliates gently and is a fundamental part of my skincare routine
Glycolic Scrub 14%
01/10/2025
Nela G.
Australia
This makes my skin so soft ang feeling healthy.
Enzymatic Micro Peel
30/09/2025
Amanda
Australia
Love it
Gentle Cleanser
25/09/2025
Ebony
Australia
Lovely moisturiser
Moisture Defence – Normal Skin
19/09/2025
Jan
Australia
This product is absolutely fantastic 👏 i use it at night it so moisturising!!
Repair Balm
07/09/2025
Sam
Australia
Great products
Glycolic Scrub 14%
05/09/2025
ANASTASIA
Australia
Superfast delivery and great product. Thank you
L-Lactic Cleanser
03/09/2025
Kristy
United Kingdom
My mum gave me this as a gift. I never buy things like this. I'm 47. My face feels tightened, plump and firm. I look glowy and lifted. Total fan!
Multi-Active Mist
02/09/2025
Kathryn M.
Australia
Great product for aged skin
Moisture Defence – Ultra Dry Skin
01/09/2025
Mandy K.
Australia
My skin is feeling fresh and less dull
Retinol Serum
01/09/2025
Lyn S.
Australia
This is a fantastic product. I have been using it for a couple of years now. It’s affordable, a bargain really! My skin is seriously sun damaged, with sola keratosis across my cheeks, that feels scaly and rough. I do have my skin checked every ) months just in case. This mask helps my skin to feel...This is a fantastic product. I have been using it for a couple of years now. It’s affordable, a bargain really! My skin is seriously sun damaged, with sola keratosis across my cheeks, that feels scaly and rough. I do have my skin checked every ) months just in case. This mask helps my skin to feel more comfortable, it gently exfoliates leaving my skin feeling a lot smoother. I would be lost without it.
Enzymatic Micro Peel
01/09/2025
Machallie
Twice daily. Perfect product
L-Lactic Cleanser
01/09/2025
Machallie
Australia
Staple in my skin regime
Rejuvenate 15 Serum
01/09/2025
Machallie
Australia
Worth the investment.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
26/08/2025
Tammy’s
Australia
Love it, smooth none greasy
Age Defence SPF 50+
21/08/2025
Elisabeth
Australia
Great night cream and nice smells. I love this product and this is my second jar. makes my skin feel smooth and firm.
Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream
21/08/2025
Anne
United States
Love this product
Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil
18/08/2025
Gaylene
United States
Love it all, skin is so much brighter with the mask and the cleansing gel is so great for my mature skin
Multi-Active Mist
REVIEWS