How Congested Skin Affects Emotions + What You Can Do About It

ideal in most cultures, anything that falls short can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment. A 2020 study in The International Journal of Psychology Research showed that depression, anxiety, and fear were markedly more prevalent among people who experience a range of skin conditions, but particularly those with active, congested complexions. These emotions aren’t exclusive to those with the most severe acne, either. Dr Emmy Graber, president of the Dermatology Institute of Boston told the New York Times , “The problem is defined by the patient. Someone with just two or three pimples can be very distraught.”

A study by the University of Western Ontario’s Department of Psychiatry showed that the condition of our skin can influence whether we feel in control of our lives. Those living with active or congested skin may find themselves on a never-ending search for the formula that will clear their skin once and for all. As Dr. Angela Lamb of Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice told US News & World Report , "Many women feel very defeated," "They have tried what they consider everything and they still do not have the skin they want.”

Convinced that stronger formulas result in stronger results, many have ended up damaging their skin further. A recent study by the Canadian Dermatology Association showed that overusing antimicrobial agents like salicylic acid or retinoids decrease microbiome diversity, which can cause the very skin inflammation users were hoping to erase.

At Tatcha, we believe in a different approach that puts the care back in skincare. The skin is a wondrous, dynamic organ that carries us through life and protects us from the outer world. It was not meant to be burned, stripped, and scrubbed, but treated with daily attentive care and support.

To create the most effective skincare without upsetting the skin’s delicate balance, scientists at the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo put harmony at the center of everything they do. This philosophy is influenced by classical Japanese cuisine: simple yet complex, each flavor contrasts and complements the others to create a symphony of tastes that please the senses and nourish the body. Similarly, instead of relying on a high percentage of a single ingredient, our scientists believe that a formula is greater than the sum of its parts.

The newest manifestation of this philosophy is The Texture Tonic, our gentle liquid exfoliating treatment. Like all Tatcha formulas, it is crafted from a balance of gently effective Japanese botanicals, and proven clinical ingredients. The result is a gently effective exfoliating treatment that works with skin, not against it, avoiding the irritation and inflammation that can come with harsher formulas.

AHAs derived from fruits loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, removing the surface layer of skin to reveal a smoother complexion and radiant glow. Meanwhile, wild rose fruit extract, which is rich in flavonoids (antioxidants) and tannins (astringents), minimizes the look of pores and inhibits excess oil production without stealing essential moisture.

Powerhouse niacinamide, a stable form of Vitamin B3, firms the walls of enlarged, sagging pores to further reduce their appearance while also calming the complexion and reducing redness. Japanese mugwort, a time-honored medicinal herb with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, supports the skin barrier function by increasing water retention. In fact, unlike many exfoliants, The Texture Tonic actually adds moisture back into the skin, instantly increasing hydration by an average of 124%.*

For best results, we recommend using The Texture Tonic as part of your daily, and/or nightly ritual. Apply with a cotton pad to clean, dry skin. By removing excess oil and buildup, The Texture Tonic clears the way for all your skincare to absorb more easily. Follow with The Essence to further replenish hydration, apply a serum next if desired, and finish with a moisturizer to lock in all that nourishment.

*based on a bio-instrumentation study conducted on 33 panelists over 8 hours

-The Tatcha Institute