Have been wondering how you can get effective acne treatment?
If you have, this blog post will teach you 10 things you can do to treat acne effectively. From dermatological procedures to prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products, we have covered the best for you.
But first, what is acne?
Acne is the common name for Acne Vulgaris. It is a skin condition that affects both genders in all races. It is also the most common skin disease in the world.
Acne Causes
Acne is caused by increased oil production and abnormal shedding of dead skin cells which clogs the skin pores. Bacteria build up within the plugged pore and this leads to inflammation and the development of acne lesions.
Symptoms of acne include the 7 types of acne, namely whiteheads, blackheads, pimples (small solid swellings), pustules (small swellings with pus), nodules (large solid swellings) and cysts (large swellings with pus).
These render the 4 stages of acne which are: Stage 1 comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), Stage 2 papules, Stage 3 pustules, and Stage 4 cysts.
Blackhead acne means that the acne is mainly composed of small, painless, black swellings that develop when excess oil and dead skin cells clog the skin pores. This is a mild form of acne.
Cystic acne means that the acne is mainly composed of large, painful, swellings filled with pus deep within the skin. This is a severe form of acne.
Hormonal acne means acne that the acne is triggered by hormone changes. Hormonal acne usually occurs in adult women and it affects the jawline and chin area. Bacterial acne on the other hand usually affects the cheeks and forehead.
.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Get Prescription Medications
Studies have shown that applying certain prescription medications and taking specific medications by mouth treats acne. Examples include Isotretinoin which is the acne medication in Kenya for severe acne. Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for acne that does not respond to other medications.
The top 3 best acne treatments for mild to moderate acne are benzoyl peroxide, adapalene (Differin Gel) and prescription retinoids like Tretinoin (Acnesol).
For hormonal acne, spironolactone is the pill that clears hormonal acne when it is prescribed together with other medications like birth control pills (Femiplan). The best treatment for hormonal acne is a combination of spironolactone, birth control pills and prescription retinoids like Tretinoin. Click on the link to read how to treat hormonal acne completely.
Steroid injections are also given to speed up healing of cystic acne and prevent acne scars. These injections usually clear acne in 2 days.
Our Doctor can prescribe these medications and give the acne injections in our Almasi Skincare Clinic in Nairobi which is located in Fortis Suites, Hospital road, 8th floor, room 809. We see new clients on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Get Microdermabrasion Done
Microdermabrasion is a procedure which uses a device to painlessly remove the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This unclogs the pores and aides acne treatment. It also reduces the skin discolorations and fades post acne marks. Removing the dead skin cells also improves the absorption of the acne treatment products. The gentle vacuuming pressure of microdermabrasion also boosts blood circulation in the skin which enhances nutrients delivery to the skin cells. This makes microdermabrasion very effective for treating acne on the face, back and chest.
In fact, the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris is a combination of dermatological procedures like microdermabrasion with prescription medications like Doxycycline.
We offer microdermabrasion for acne treatment at our Almasi Skincare Clinic in Nairobi which is located in Fortis Suites, Hospital road, 8th floor, room 809. We see new clients on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Get Professional Microneedling with PRP Done
Microneedling is a procedure in which a device with micro-needles is used to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s healing process.
Microneedling treats acne scars because it boosts collagen production.
Studies have shown that microneedling is effective for treating acne scars and reducing their visibility. Other studies have shown that microneedling is more effective than chemical peels and lasers in treating acne scars and it has a lower risk of side effects like hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling also treats hyperpigmentation by fading the dark spots from acne.
Studies have shown that microneedling enhances overall skin texture and tone by promoting the regeneration of the dermis which leads to smoother skin and a more even complexion. It also promotes skin renewal and disrupts pigment deposition in the skin.
At Almasi Skincare Clinic we offer microneedling with PRP for acne scar treatment and hyperpigmentation treatment. Our Almasi Skincare Clinic in Nairobi is located in Fortis Suites, Hospital road, 8th floor, room 809. We see new clients on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Get a Chemical Peel Done
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a special solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer of dead cells by loosening the glue that holds them together. This helps treat acne by unclogging the pores. It also leaves the skin softer, smoother and with a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels also help skin care products penetrate the skin better.
We offer chemical peels for acne treatment at our Almasi Skincare Clinic in Nairobi which is located in Fortis Suites, Hospital road, 8th floor, room 809. We see new clients on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Use Skincare Products with Retinol
Retinol treats acne by speeding up the cell’s turnover process which exfoliates the skin. Acne creams that contain retinol include Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a very effective product for treating acne because it contains retinol to exfoliate, niacinamide to regulate oil production and licorice root to reduce melanin production and deal with the hyperpigmentation.
The price in Kenya of Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum is Ksh 4000.
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
.
Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector contains retinol and vitamin C. The retinol exfoliates while the vitamin C reduces melanin production and brightens the skin. This combination makes it perfect for treating acne and fading dark spots.
The price in Kenya of Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector is Ksh 4500.
Neutrogena Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
.
Differin Gel is not a retinol. It is a retinoid which is more potent than a retinol. Differin Gel is the best cream for acne that can be purchased OTC now because it was previously only available via a doctor’s prescription. Differin Gel contains adapalene which is very effective for treating acne because it unclogs the pores, reduces inflammation and lowers the skin’s oil production.
The price in Kenya for Differin Gel is Ksh 4000.
Differin Gel can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
For best results, combine different acne medications. For example the combination of benzoyl peroxide and Differin Gel kills acne quickly.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Use Skincare Products With Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide battles the acne causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide is the most recommended product for mild acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide does not remove acne permanently. If you have acne-prone skin and you stop using it, the acne may recur. Acne skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide include Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash and Clean and Clear Persa Gel 10.
Clean and Clear Persa Gel 10 kills acne because it contains 10% benzoyl peroxide gel which kills the acne causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes).
To order this product, chat on WhatsApp 0721 963 156
.
Panoyl Acne Foaming Wash is the best benzoyl peroxide wash in Kenya because it contains 10% benzoyl peroxide which is the maximum concentration that can be obtained without a prescription. It is effective for cleansing the face, chest and back with acne.
The price in Kenya of Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash is Ksh 4000.
Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Use Skincare Products With Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid treats acne by penetrating deep into the pores to clean and unplug them, It also reduces inflammation. Acne products in Kenya that contain salicylic acid include Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer and Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash.
The price in Kenya for Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer is Ksh 3500.
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
.
The price in Kenya for Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash is Ksh 3500.
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Use Face Masks for Acne
The best face masks for acne contains ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree, and green tea.
Salicylic Acid 3% Face Mask is the best face mask for acne and oily skin because it contains salicylic acid to treat acne by unclogging the pores and reducing inflammation. It also contains niacinamide to regulate oil production. It also contains Centella Asiatica which soothes the skin, aides healing of blemishes and fading of post acne marks. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
Salicylic Acid 3% Face Mask actually reduces acne because its combination of ingredients addresses the different factors that cause acne. Salicylic acid tackles the clogged pores and inflammation while niacinamide deals with the excess oil.
To order this product, chat on WhatsApp 0721 963 156
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Eat Acne Diet Food
The best foods for acne are low glycemic index (GI) foods with a GI of 55 or less. These foods include almonds GI 0, apples GI 38, bananas GI 54, blueberries GI 53, cashew nuts GI 25, grapes GI 55. To learn more read The Acne Book PDF.
Consuming these low GI foods should be combined with avoiding high GI foods like cakes and cookies and made from white flour.
.
Acne Treatment Tips:
Take An Acne Supplement
Acne supplements are taken to provide essential nutrients, balance the hormones, and clear the gut.
We recommend Triple Action Clear Skin Support because it contains zinc which reduces inflammatory acne lesions. It also contains nutrients like vitamin B6, selenium, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid which support hydration, collagen production, sebum control, and barrier function. It also contains diindolylmethane (DIM) which helps balance hormones and lowers excess estrogen making it vital for hormonal acne. It also contains probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic strains to support overall gut health.
To order this product, chat on WhatsApp 0721 963 156
.
.
.
FAQ
Does sweating make acne worse?
Sweating can make acne worse when the sweat mixes with the oils, dirt, and dead skin cells on the skin and clogs the pores leading to breakouts. Therefore, cleanse the skin after exercising.
What is the cystic acne treatment in Kenya?
Cystic acne treatment in Kenya uses a combination of medications like Isotretinoin, antiandrogens like Spironolactone, oral antibiotics like Doxycycline and topical retinoids like Tretinoin.
Is acne vulgaris the same as fungal acne?
Acne vulgaris is not the same as fungal acne. Acne vulgaris is the “normal” acne and it is caused by the bacteria C. acnes (formerly known as P. acnes). Fungal acne on the other hand is caused by the fungi known as Malassezia. Click on the link to learn more about Fungal Acne.
How do you reduce acne naturally?
To reduce acne naturally, you can use a natural acne moisturizer made by mixing 30 drops of tea tree essential oil with 50 ml of aloe vera gel. Apply this to the face twice a day after doing a test patch. To learn more read Natural Acne Treatment.
What is the very best treatment for acne?
The very best treatment for acne is a combination of medications like benzoyl peroxide with Differin (adapalen) gel and oral antibiotics as well as dermatological procedures like microdermabrasion. We offer this kind of treatment at our Almasi Skincare Clinic in Nairobi which is located in Fortis Suites, Hospital road, 8th floor, room 809. We see new clients on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 2pm.
Share with us in the comment section your favorite tips for acne treatment in Kenya.
