What are congesting foods and how are they affecting your skin?

When your skin’s natural oil, or sebum, flows properly, it acts as a barrier, keeping your skin healthy, resilient, and smooth. However, if your skin tends to become congested, certain foods in your diet can cause the sebum to thicken and clog your pores. This often leads to bumps, blackheads, and breakouts.

Common Congesting Foods to Avoid

To maintain clear skin, it’s crucial to be aware of foods that can contribute to pore congestion. Here’s a list of some common culprits:

Full-fat dairy products (excluding yoghurt)
Cheese
Chocolate (including vegan and organic)
Chocolate drink powders
Ice-cream
Commercial mayonnaise
Meat fat, especially in sausages, mince, and chicken nibbles
Red meat and pork (excluding lean varieties)
Chips, fried foods, and takeaways
Protein bars and powders (including plant-based varieties)
Coconut oil (for highly congested skin only)
Peanuts and cashews (and their butters)

Note: Non-dairy alternatives to cheese, chocolate, and ice-cream can be equally congesting. It’s best to avoid these foods altogether and focus on unprocessed, whole foods.