Acne: Causes, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatment Options

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles and pores become blocked with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. It most commonly affects the face, jawline, chest, shoulders, and back.

Acne can affect teenagers and adults of all ages and may range from mild congestion to severe cystic breakouts that can lead to long-term scarring and pigmentation if left untreated.

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to acne management using advanced skin analysis technology and personalised treatment plans designed to target the root causes of breakouts. Using the Observ skin analysis tool we can scientifically demonstrate the success of the treatment throughout your journey

How Acne Develops

Acne forms through a combination of several underlying factors:

1. Excess Sebum Production

The sebaceous glands produce too much oil, often triggered by hormones, stress, genetics, or lifestyle factors.

2. Pore Blockage

Dead skin cells mix with oil and become trapped inside the follicle, creating congestion.

3. Bacterial Growth

A bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) multiplies within blocked pores.

4. Inflammation

The body responds with redness, swelling, tenderness, and pus formation.

5. Skin Damage & Scarring

Persistent inflammation may damage collagen and leave post-acne pigmentation or scarring.

Different Types of Acne:

Advanced Acne Diagnosis with OBSERV 520 Skin Analysis

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we use the advanced OBSERV 520 facial analysis system to assess acne and underlying skin health in detail.

The OBSERV system uses multi-spectral imaging technology to evaluate both surface and deeper skin layers, helping identify hidden congestion, inflammation, oil production, pigmentation, and early skin damage.

What OBSERV 520 Can Detect:

Acne Treatment Options

Every skin type is different. Our treatment plans are fully personalised depending on acne severity, skin sensitivity, scarring, and underlying causes.

Medical-Grade Skincare

Professional skincare forms the foundation of effective acne management.

Benefits

• Controls oil production
• Reduces congestion
• Improves skin barrier function
• Reduces inflammation
• Prevents future breakouts

Common Ingredients

• Salicylic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Retinoids
• Azelaic Acid

Expected Success Rate

70–90% improvement for mild to moderate acne with consistent use.

LED Light Therapy

LED therapy uses clinically proven wavelengths of light to reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation.

Blue Light

Targets acne bacteria.

Red Light

Reduces inflammation and supports skin healing.

Benefits

• Non-invasive
• No downtime
• Helps reduce active breakouts
• Supports skin recovery

Expected Success Rate

60–80% improvement when combined with skincare protocols.

Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels exfoliate the skin and accelerate cell turnover.

Benefits

• Unclogs pores
• Reduces oiliness
• Improves pigmentation
• Softens acne scarring
• Improves skin texture

Common Peel Types

We commonly use the Obagi Blue Radiance peel for acne management, others include:

• Salicylic Acid Peels
• Mandelic Acid Peels
• Glycolic Acid Peels

Expected Success Rate

60–85% improvement depending on acne severity and treatment course.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to accelerate healing and tissue repair.

Benefits

• Reduces inflammation
• Improves acne scarring
• Stimulates collagen production
• Supports skin regeneration

Best For

• Post-acne scarring
• Persistent inflammation
• Skin healing support

Expected Success Rate

50–75% improvement in acne scarring and skin quality.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are regenerative injectable treatments that stimulate tissue repair, hydration, and collagen regeneration.

Benefits

• Repairs damaged skin
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves skin healing
• Enhances hydration
• Supports scar remodelling
• Improves skin quality

Best For

• Acne scarring
• Inflamed skin
• Compromised skin barrier
• Skin rejuvenation after acne

Expected Success Rate

Skin Quality Improvement:

60–85% improvement

Acne Scar Improvement:

40–70% improvement

Results improve progressively over several months.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy delivers targeted vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients directly into the skin.

Benefits

• Hydrates and nourishes skin
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports healing
• Improves skin clarity
• Enhances overall skin health

Best For

• Post-acne recovery
• Dull or dehydrated skin
• Mild scarring
• Combination therapy support

Expected Success Rate

Skin Clarity & Hydration:

60–80% improvement

Inflammation Reduction:

50–70% improvement

Microneedling

Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production through controlled micro-injury to the skin.

Benefits

• Improves acne scars
• Refines pores
• Improves skin texture
• Enhances product absorption

Best For

• Acne scarring
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven skin texture

Expected Success Rate

50–80% improvement in acne scarring after a treatment course.

Sunekos®

What Is Sunekos?

Sunekos® is an advanced injectable skin regeneration treatment that combines hyaluronic acid with a patented blend of amino acids to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin naturally within the skin.

Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Sunekos works by improving overall skin quality, hydration, texture, and repair at a cellular level.

For acne-prone and post-acne skin, Sunekos can help restore healthier skin structure while improving inflammation, scarring, and skin barrier function.

Benefits of Sunekos for Acne & Acne Scarring

Skin Regeneration

Stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin healing and repair.

Improves Acne Scarring

Helps soften shallow acne scars and improve uneven texture.

Deep Hydration

Restores moisture levels and supports a healthier skin barrier.

Reduces Inflammation

Calms irritated and inflamed skin.

Improves Skin Texture

Refines rough or uneven skin caused by previous acne damage.

Natural Skin Rejuvenation

Enhances overall skin quality without adding volume.

Best For

• Post-acne scarring
• Dehydrated acne-prone skin
• Skin barrier repair
• Mild textural irregularities
• Redness and inflammation
• Combination regenerative therapy

Expected Success Rates

Skin Hydration & Quality

70–90% improvement

Acne Scar Softening

40–70% improvement

Texture Improvement

60–80% improvement

Results typically improve progressively over several weeks following a course of treatments.

Combination Therapy for Best Results

The most effective acne outcomes are often achieved through a combination approach.

A personalised programme may include:

• Medical-grade skincare
• LED therapy
• Chemical peels
• Microneedling
• PRP regenerative therapy
• Polynucleotides
• Sunekos

Combining treatments allows us to address:

• Active acne
• Oil production
• Inflammation
• Pigmentation
• Acne scarring
• Long-term skin health

How Long Does Acne Treatment Take?

Most patients begin noticing improvements within:

• 2–6 weeks for inflammation reduction
• 6–12 weeks for visible breakout control
• 3–6 months for scar and texture improvement

Consistency and ongoing maintenance are essential for long-term results.

Book Your Acne Consultation

At Kriniko Medical Aesthetics, we provide advanced acne assessment and tailored treatment programmes designed to restore skin clarity and confidence.

Your consultation includes:

• Comprehensive skin assessment
• OBSERV 520 facial analysis
• Personalised skincare recommendations
• Bespoke treatment planning
• Ongoing monitoring and support

Early intervention can significantly reduce long-term skin damage and scarring.

Book your consultation today and begin your journey towards clearer, healthier skin.