Types of Acne & How to Treat Them (Kenya Guide)

March 15, 2026 • 6 min read

Not all acne is the same — and treating it correctly depends on knowing what type you have. In Kenya, humidity, heat, and our skin tones make some types more stubborn or likely to leave dark marks. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types and what actually helps each one.

1. Non-Inflammatory Acne (Blackheads & Whiteheads)

These are clogged pores without redness or swelling.

• Blackheads (open comedones): Pores stay open, oil + dead skin turns dark when exposed to air. Very common on nose, chin, forehead in humid weather.
• Whiteheads (closed comedones): Pores stay closed, creating small white bumps.

How to treat in Kenya: Use salicylic acid (BHA) products to unclog pores — The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% or CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser. Gentle exfoliation 2–3 times/week helps. Avoid squeezing — it causes dark spots on our skin tones. Expect improvement in 4–8 weeks. Sunscreen daily prevents marks from darkening.

2. Inflammatory Acne (Papules & Pustules)

Red, swollen bumps — often painful.

• Papules: Small, red, tender bumps without pus.
• Pustules: Red bumps with white/yellow pus on top (classic “zits”).

How to treat: Benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%) kills bacteria fast — PanOxyl wash or CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Start every other night to avoid dryness in humid air. Niacinamide (The Ordinary 10% + Zinc) calms redness and oil. Results in 4–8 weeks. If many pustules → consider seeing a derm for topical antibiotic combo.

3. Severe Acne (Nodules & Cysts)

Deep, painful lumps under the skin — these cause the most scarring and dark marks on Kenyan skin.

• Nodules: Hard, large, painful bumps deep in the skin.
• Cysts: Soft, pus-filled, very painful lumps that can burst and leave scars.

How to treat: These almost always need a dermatologist — don’t try to pop or treat only with OTC. Common prescriptions: oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or intralesional steroid injections. Early treatment prevents deep scars and long-lasting dark spots. In Nairobi: Avané Clinic, Este Medical, or Allure Laser are good options.

Quick Kenya Tips for All Types

• Always moisturize — lightweight gel ones prevent rebound oil in humidity.
• Daily matte SPF 30+ is non-negotiable — stops dark marks from getting worse in our sun.
• Introduce one new product at a time — patch test on inner arm.
• Be patient — most treatments take 6–12 weeks. If no improvement after 3 months or if painful/scarring, see a dermatologist early.

Not sure which type you have or where to start? Send us a message — we’ll help you match your skin to the right approach.

Next read: Natural Acne Remedies That Work in Kenya →