Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Kenyan Men

A proper skincare routine is essential for managing acne. This guide provides practical, affordable routines tailored for Kenyan men.

## Morning Routine

### Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

**Product Selection**
- Gel cleanser for oily skin
- Cream cleanser for dry/sensitive
- Avoid bar soap
- Cost: KES 300-800

**Technique**
- Lukewarm water
- 30-60 seconds massage
- Gentle circular motions
- Pat dry, don't rub

**Recommended Products**
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
- Neutrogena Oil-Free
- Local: Amara Organics

### Step 2: Treatment Application

**For Active Breakouts**
- Benzoyl peroxide spot treatment
- Apply to affected areas only
- Let dry 2-3 minutes

**For Prevention**
- Salicylic acid toner
- Apply with cotton pad
- Cover entire face

### Step 3: Moisturizer

**Why Moisturize?**
- Prevents overproduction of oil
- Maintains barrier function
- Reduces irritation from treatments

**Product Choice**
- Oil-free formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Gel for oily skin
- Lotion for normal/dry

### Step 4: Sunscreen

**Essential Protection**
- SPF 30 minimum
- Broad spectrum
- Non-comedogenic
- Cost: KES 500-1,500

**Application**
- 1/4 teaspoon for face
- Reapply every 2 hours outdoors
- Even on cloudy days

## Evening Routine

### Step 1: Double Cleanse (If Needed)

**First Cleanse**
- Remove sunscreen/dirt
- Micellar water or oil cleanser
- Only if wore sunscreen/makeup

**Second Cleanse**
- Regular cleanser
- Same as morning
- Thorough but gentle

### Step 2: Treatment Products

**Retinoid Application**
- Pea-sized amount
- Entire face except eyes
- Start 2-3 times weekly
- Build tolerance gradually

**Alternative Nights**
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Or azelaic acid
- Don't mix with retinoids initially

### Step 3: Moisturize

**Night Moisturizer**
- Can be richer than morning
- Repair and hydration focus
- Ceramides beneficial

### Step 4: Spot Treatment

**For Active Pimples**
- Benzoyl peroxide or sulfur
- Apply last
- Only on spots
- Leave overnight

## Weekly Additions

### Exfoliation (1-2x Weekly)

**Chemical Exfoliation**
- AHA (glycolic acid) for surface
- BHA (salicylic acid) for pores
- Not on retinoid nights

**Physical Exfoliation**
- Gentle scrub only
- Avoid if inflamed
- Once weekly maximum

### Face Masks (1-2x Weekly)

**Clay Masks**
- Absorb excess oil
- Deep pore cleaning
- 10-15 minutes
- KES 200-500

**Hydrating Masks**
- For treatment dryness
- Hyaluronic acid
- Overnight options

## Shaving with Acne

### Pre-Shave Prep
1. Warm water soften hair
2. Gentle exfoliation
3. Pre-shave oil optional

### Shaving Technique
- Sharp, clean razor
- With the grain first
- Short strokes
- Rinse blade frequently
- Avoid over shaved areas

### Post-Shave Care
- Cool water rinse
- Alcohol-free aftershave
- Soothing moisturizer
- Avoid harsh products

## Product Recommendations by Skin Type

### Oily Skin
**Morning**
- Gel cleanser
- Oil-free moisturizer
- Gel sunscreen

**Evening**
- Same cleanser
- Retinoid or BHA
- Light moisturizer

### Dry/Sensitive Skin
**Morning**
- Cream cleanser
- Hydrating serum
- Moisturizing sunscreen

**Evening**
- Gentle cleanser
- Buffered retinoid
- Rich moisturizer

### Combination Skin
**Morning**
- Balanced cleanser
- Zone treatment
- Lightweight moisturizer

**Evening**
- Same cleanser
- Targeted treatments
- Dual moisturizing

## Budget-Friendly Routine

### Essential Only (KES 1,500/month)
- Basic cleanser: KES 400
- Benzoyl peroxide: KES 300
- Moisturizer: KES 500
- Sunscreen: KES 300

### Intermediate (KES 3,000/month)
- Add: Salicylic acid toner
- Add: Night moisturizer
- Add: Clay mask

### Comprehensive (KES 5,000+/month)
- Add: Retinoid
- Add: Serums
- Add: Premium sunscreen

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Over-cleansing**: Strips natural oils
2. **Skipping moisturizer**: Worsens oiliness
3. **Too many products**: Irritation risk
4. **Impatience**: Results take 6-12 weeks
5. **Inconsistency**: Daily routine essential
6. **Picking at skin**: Causes scarring
7. **Hot water**: Irritates skin
8. **Dirty items**: Phones, pillowcases, towels

## Lifestyle Integration

### Gym-Goers
- Cleanse immediately after workout
- Use body acne wash
- Change clothes quickly
- Clean equipment before use

### Outdoor Workers
- Reapply sunscreen
- Cleansing wipes midday
- Hat for added protection
- Evening deep clean

### Office Workers
- Avoid touching face
- Clean phone regularly
- Midday blotting papers
- Stress management

## Tracking Progress

- Weekly photos
- Note breakout patterns
- Track product reactions
- Menstrual cycle (if applicable)
- Diet correlations
- Stress levels

## When to Adjust Routine

- After 6-8 weeks if no improvement
- Seasonal changes
- New breakout patterns
- Irritation develops
- Lifestyle changes