Is PDRN Good for Acne? Acne-Prone Skin, Scars and Marks

This guide covers acne-prone skin, acne-treatment irritation, marks and scars; if you want to know whether PDRN clears active breakouts, read will PDRN help with acne.

Short answer: PDRN can be good for acne-prone skin as a gentle, non-exfoliating support step, especially when acne treatments leave skin dry or irritated. It does not treat active spots. Its most promising role is in clinic treatments for acne scars, where small studies of injected and laser-assisted PDRN are encouraging but early.

Is PDRN good for acne? "Acne" covers a lot: active spots, skin made sensitive by acne treatments, red or brown marks, and permanent scars. PDRN is useful for some of these and of little use for others. This guide goes through each situation so you can decide where PDRN fits. For a focused look at active breakouts, read will PDRN help with acne.

Key takeaways

• PDRN does not treat active acne, but it suits acne-prone skin as a calming, non-exfoliating step.

• Small clinic studies suggest PDRN injections, especially with intradermal botulinum toxin, may improve acne scars[1].

• Evidence for laser-assisted PDRN is limited to a three-patient case series, and a randomised trial is under way[2,3].

• Keep a proven acne treatment and daily sunscreen at the centre of your routine[7,8].

PDRN for acne at a glance

Why PDRN suits acne-prone skin

Many anti-ageing ingredients are a poor match for acne-prone skin because they are rich, oily or irritating. PDRN has some useful properties for this skin type:

• It is water-soluble and non-oily, so it is unlikely to clog pores itself.

• It does not exfoliate, so it will not add to the irritation from retinoids or acids.

• It is anti-inflammatory in laboratory and animal studies, acting through adenosine A2A receptors[6].

• It supports repair, which is why it has been studied for wounds and scars[6].

The formula around it matters more than the PDRN. A rich, fragranced PDRN cream can still trigger spots, although single-ingredient pore-clogging ratings do not reliably predict how a finished product behaves[9]. See will PDRN cause acne.

Is PDRN good for acne scars? What the studies show

This is where PDRN looks most interesting, but the evidence comes from clinic treatments, not serums.

• PDRN injections. In a randomised study of 17 people with acne scars, PDRN injections improved scars, and combining them with intradermal botulinum toxin gave the best results and the highest satisfaction. Side effects were mild swelling and redness[1].

• Laser plus PDRN. A conference case series of three patients reported greater improvement on the sides treated with topical PDRN after fractional CO2 laser, compared in a split-face design with exosomes or poly-L-lactic acid[2]. Three patients cannot prove an effect, but the result supports further study.

• Subcision plus PDRN. A randomised split-face trial comparing PDRN with hyaluronic acid after subcision for rolling scars was recruiting in 2026[3].

• Polynucleotide scar products. Some polynucleotide injectables, such as Rejuran S, are designed specifically for atrophic acne scars[5].

A 2025 review describes PDRN as reducing inflammation and supporting collagen remodelling in acne scars, but calls for larger trials[4]. All of these approaches deliver PDRN into the dermis, which a serum on intact skin cannot do. For how formats compare, see which PDRN is most effective.

If scarring is your main concern, get active acne controlled first, then see a dermatologist or registered aesthetic practitioner. The NHS notes that a GP can refer you to a dermatologist when there is scarring or a risk of scarring[7].

Pharmacist’s tip: Treat active acne before you treat scars. New spots can undo the results of scar treatments, and practitioners generally avoid working over inflamed skin.

Is PDRN good for acne marks?

Red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) and brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) often fade with time. PDRN's calming and repair-supporting effects make it a plausible helper, and laboratory work suggests PDRN may reduce melanin production[4]. But clinical evidence for topical PDRN on marks is limited.

Better-established steps for marks are:

• Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, which helps stop marks darkening; the NHS recommends at least SPF 30 with 4-star UVA protection[10]

• Prescription azelaic acid or a topical retinoid, which also treat the acne[7]

• Niacinamide, which many PDRN serums already contain

Is PDRN good alongside acne medicines?

Often, yes. Acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, tretinoin and isotretinoin frequently cause dryness and stinging. A gentle, fragrance-free PDRN serum or gel may make skin more comfortable, which helps you stick with the treatment that is actually clearing your acne. Check with your prescriber before adding products if you take isotretinoin or use prescription creams.

Questions to ask a practitioner about PDRN for acne scars

• Which product will you use, and is it PDRN or a polynucleotide designed for scars?

• Is my acne controlled enough to start scar treatment?

• Will you combine PDRN with other treatments, such as subcision, laser or microneedling, and why?

• How many sessions do you expect, and what improvement is realistic for my scar type?

• What are the risks for my skin tone, including post-inflammatory pigmentation?

How to choose a PDRN product for acne-prone skin

• Pick a lightweight serum or gel rather than a rich cream.

• Choose fragrance-free to reduce the risk of irritation.

• Avoid ingredients your skin has reacted to before, such as heavy oils or particular esters.

• Avoid PDRN products with added acids or spicules if you already use an acne treatment, to avoid over-exfoliating.

• Patch test on the jawline for a week before using it all over.

A simple routine for acne-prone skin with PDRN

• Morning: gentle cleanser, fragrance-free PDRN serum or gel, oil-free moisturiser, sunscreen

• Evening: gentle cleanser, your acne treatment, then a PDRN gel or light moisturiser if skin feels tight

The bottom line

PDRN is good for acne-prone skin as a gentle supporting step, and it shows early promise for acne scars when delivered in a clinic. It is not a stand-alone treatment for active spots. Keep a proven acne treatment and daily sunscreen at the centre of your routine, choose a light, fragrance-free PDRN product, and see a professional for scarring or persistent acne. If you are considering injections for scars, read are PDRN injections safe.

FAQs

Can PDRN fix acne scars at home?

No. Evidence for scar improvement comes from injections or clinic procedures that deliver PDRN into the skin[1,2]. Home serums cannot do this.

Is PDRN or niacinamide better for acne?

Niacinamide is more established for acne-prone skin, including oil and redness. Many PDRN serums contain both.

Is PDRN good for fungal acne?

There is no evidence either way. Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) needs antifungal treatment, so speak to a pharmacist or GP.

How many PDRN injection sessions are needed for scars?

In one study, injections were given three times, four weeks apart[1]. Your practitioner will tailor the plan to your scars.

Is PDRN good for hormonal acne?

No. Hormonal acne needs treatment that targets the cause, which may include prescription options. Speak to your GP[7,8].

Related reading

• Will PDRN Help With Acne? What It Can and Can't Do

• Will PDRN Cause Acne? Why You Might Break Out and What to Do

• Which PDRN Is Most Effective? Injections vs Serums Ranked

• Are PDRN Injections Safe? Side Effects and UK Rules

References

• Park M, Hwang S, Hwang JK, et al. Air-botulinum neurotoxin and polydeoxyribonucleotide injections for acne scar treatment. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025;49(23):6668–6674.

• Fernandez MD, Geraldez-Rivera A. Efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser with topical PDRN for acne scars in Filipino patients: a case series. IMCAS conference abstract. Accessed October 2026.

• ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT07547956: subcision with PDRN versus non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid for rolling acne scars. 2026.

• Akaberi SM, Sharma K, Ahmadi-Ashtiani HR, Hedayati M. Polydeoxyribonucleotide in skincare and cosmetics: mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and advancements beyond wound healing and anti-aging. J Skin Stem Cell. 2025.

• Rejuran S (polynucleotide injectable for scars) product listing. Consentz product directory, accessed October 2026.

• Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, et al. Pharmacological activity and clinical use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8:224.

• NHS. Acne: treatment. Accessed October 2026.

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Acne vulgaris: management (NG198). 2021.

• Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):507–512.

• NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety. Accessed October 2026.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a pharmacist, GP or other qualified healthcare professional. If you have a reaction or a medical concern, seek professional advice.