I Thought I Was Doing Everything Right” — A Personal Guide to Understanding and Treating Acne

Acne isn’t just a skin problem. It’s a confidence problem, a mental health burden, and — if we’re being honest — a deeply emotional experience.

I know this because I’ve lived it.

I didn’t just study skin. I fought mine for years.

From my teenage days to my wedding day, I battled breakouts, dark marks, painful cysts, and the constant question: “Why is my skin still doing this?” I tried all the over-the-counter products, drank more water, avoided chocolate, scrubbed harder, and still, nothing worked.

It took years of research, medical aesthetics training, and personal healing to finally understand the truth: acne isn’t just about what’s on your skin. It’s about what’s going on underneath.

And that truth changed everything.

The Real Causes of Acne (That Most People Don’t Know)

Let’s start here, because if you understand the cause, you can find the right solution.

Acne is triggered by:

  • Excess oil production

  • Clogged pores from dead skin, makeup, and sunscreen

  • Bacteria (like C. acnes)

  • Hormonal shifts (hello periods, PCOS, stress, pregnancy…)

  • A damaged skin barrier, especially during cold weather

In Kenya’s cooler season, your skin loses moisture faster, so your body tries to help by making more oil. That oil mixes with dead skin and bacteria, leading to congestion and flare-ups.

If you’ve suddenly broken out this month, you’re not crazy, the weather is partly to blame.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Acne Advice Doesn’t Work

Ever tried a “miracle” product only for your skin to react worse?

That’s because acne isn’t just one condition — it’s a spectrum.

You might have:

  • Blackheads and whiteheads

  • Hormonal cysts on your chin and jaw

  • Pustules and inflammation from bacteria

  • Dry, flaking skin with acne underneath (common in adults!)

  • Scars or dark marks from past breakouts

If no one’s assessed your exact acne type, lifestyle, and climate, they’re treating you blindly.

The Face By Sarah Approach: What Makes Us Different

At Face By Sarah, we don’t guess. We guide.

Here’s how we help our clients transform their skin and their confidence:

  1. We offer a FREE skin consultation to understand your skin, your story, and your struggles

  2. We personalise your plan — no copy-paste facials or product bundles

  3. We treat acne gently using detox facials, LED therapy, and barrier repair

  4. We recommend only what works for you, especially in this cold season

  5. We walk with you every step, adjusting as your skin evolves

Most importantly, we do all this with empathy and zero judgment.

Because like I said, I’ve been there.

What to Expect From Your Acne Treatment Plan

Depending on your skin, your journey might include:

  • Medical-grade acne facials

  • LED light therapy to kill acne bacteria

  • Peels or laser treatments for deeper acne or dark marks

  • Cold-season-friendly routines that hydrate and heal

  • Product kits tailored to your acne type

We also offer long-term support to help you maintain results and prevent future flare-ups even when the weather, stress, or hormones shift.

You’ve tried to figure it out alone. Now let us help you do it right.
With science. With care. And with heart.

— Sarah

The Story Behind Face by Sarah

Discover how Face by Sarah was founded after Sarah struggled with Acne since she was 12-years old