Afyaderm Skin Clinic

Understanding Acne: Causes, Myths, and How to Treat It Effectively

Acne is more than just a teenage problem—it’s a skin condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and skin types. At Afyaderm Skin Clinic, we often see patients who have tried everything from over-the-counter creams to DIY remedies with little success. Why? Because understanding acne is the first step toward treating it effectively. In this post, we’ll explore the real causes of acne, bust some common myths, and explain the modern, proven treatments we offer to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

What Really Causes Acne?

Acne develops when the hair follicles (pores) in your skin become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This blockage can result in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deeper, more painful cysts. Hormonal changes—such as those during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy—can trigger or worsen acne. Excessive oil production, stress, poor sleep, and certain medications also contribute to breakouts.

While it may seem like acne is just a surface-level issue, it often reflects what's happening beneath the skin. Genetics play a role, too—if your parents had acne, there’s a higher chance you might experience it as well. Environmental factors like heat, humidity, and skin irritation from certain hair or skin products can also make acne worse.

Common Acne Myths You Should Stop Believing

Many people still believe acne is caused by being dirty, eating oily food, or not washing the face enough. Let’s clear that up:
First, acne is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, over-washing or scrubbing the skin too harshly can strip away natural oils and cause more breakouts. Second, while it’s true that teenagers often experience acne due to hormonal surges, adults—especially women—can struggle with acne well into their 30s and 40s.
Another dangerous myth is that popping pimples helps them heal faster. The truth is, popping often leads to deeper inflammation, scarring, or even infections. And while some people notice their acne flares up after eating chocolate or greasy foods, the scientific link is weak. However, certain diets—particularly those high in dairy or refined sugars—can worsen acne in some individuals. Lastly, many assume natural or DIY remedies are safer, but these can cause more harm than good if not backed by dermatological evidence.

How We Treat Acne at Afyaderm Skin Clinic

At Afyaderm, we treat acne with a science-based and personalized approach. No two individuals have the same skin type or acne trigger, so we begin every journey with a one-on-one consultation and in-depth skin analysis. This allows us to understand your skin’s unique needs before recommending any treatment. Depending on the severity and type of acne, our treatments may include topical or oral medication such as retinoids, antibiotics, or hormone therapy. For mild to moderate acne, we often recommend medical facials or chemical peels to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. If you're dealing with post-acne scars or skin texture issues, microneedling can stimulate healing and collagen production. We also educate our patients on gentle, customized skincare routines using products suitable for Kenyan skin types and climate.

You Don’t Have to Live with Acne

We know how frustrating and emotionally draining acne can be. But the good news is—you don’t have to go through it alone. With proper medical care, guided by experts like Dr. Jacqueline Mutua, clear and healthy skin is within reach. At Afyaderm, we treat acne with empathy, experience, and real solutions that bring results. If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want lasting change, we invite you to visit Afyaderm Skin Clinic. Let us help you regain not just clearer skin, but also your confidence.