PDRN for Acne Scars: Does It Work?

Short answer: Small studies suggest PDRN and polynucleotide injections may improve atrophic (depressed) acne scars, usually alongside lasers, microneedling or subcision. Only one tiny trial compared polynucleotides with a placebo, and results are moderate, not complete. Established scar treatments remain the core of a plan. PDRN skincare is unlikely to change established scars. Treat active acne first, and see an experienced practitioner or dermatologist for a scar plan.

PDRN for acne scars is one of the most promising uses of "salmon DNA" treatments. Acne scars are hard to treat, and most people need a combination of approaches. PDRN and longer-chain polynucleotides are increasingly part of those plans. This guide explains which scars may respond, what the trials show, how PDRN is combined with other treatments and what to expect. For active acne, see is PDRN good for acne.

Key takeaways

• In a small randomised trial, polynucleotide injections improved moderate to severe atrophic acne scars compared with saline[1].

• A 2026 randomised trial found that adding a topical polynucleotide and vesicle product to CO2 laser improved scar scores more than laser alone[2]; it tested a combination applied to the skin, not PDRN injections.

• In a survey of 501 Korean dermatologists, 73% used polynucleotides for scars, most often for atrophic scars and scar prevention[3].

• Microneedling alone has randomised-trial evidence for atrophic acne scars[4].

Types of acne scars

PDRN and polynucleotides are mainly used for atrophic scars, the depressed types. Raised scars and flat marks need different approaches.

How PDRN may help acne scars

Atrophic scars form when inflammation destroys collagen in the dermis and the skin does not fully rebuild it. PDRN is thought to support repair by activating A2A receptors and providing building blocks for cells[5]. Longer-chain polynucleotides may also form a water-holding scaffold that supports tissue remodelling[6]. Injecting these directly into and around scars places them where collagen is missing.

What the evidence says about PDRN for acne scars

The evidence is encouraging but small:

• Araco and Araco, 2021: in a double-blind trial, 10 women with moderate to severe atrophic acne scars received polynucleotide injections and 10 received saline. Scars were measured with 3D skin imaging, and only the polynucleotide group improved significantly at one and three months[1]. This is the only placebo-controlled trial, and it was very small.

• Park and colleagues, 2025: in 17 people, scar scores on a standard scar scale (POSAS) fell after PDRN injections, with the largest fall, 12 points, in the group that also had intradermal botulinum toxin[7]. The groups were very small.

• Bartoletti and colleagues, 2026: in 30 outpatients treated with a polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid injection, scar severity scores (Goodman–Baron) fell by about 22% at six months, but 30% did not improve their scar grade[8]. There was no comparison group.

• Helmi and colleagues, 2026: adding a topical product containing polynucleotides and exosome-mimetic vesicles after CO2 laser improved scar score reduction (47% vs 36%) and reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (10% vs 24%) compared with laser alone[2]. Because the product combined two ingredients and was applied to lasered skin, the result cannot be credited to polynucleotides alone.

Systematic reviews of polynucleotides and PDRN also report benefits for scars, while noting small samples and short follow-up[9]. A national survey shows dermatologists in Korea use polynucleotides widely for scars, but the authors stress that this is practice data, not proof, and that prospective studies are needed[3].

Practical tip: Acne scars rarely respond to a single treatment. Plan over several months, often combining approaches, and treat active acne first, because each new inflamed spot can leave another scar.

PDRN combined with other scar treatments

Clinic microneedling with a sterile PDRN product is a common combination. Read can you use PDRN after microneedling for aftercare.

Can PDRN skincare fade acne scars?

Unlikely. Established atrophic scars are in the dermis, and large DNA fragments in serums penetrate intact skin poorly. A PDRN serum may help hydration and comfort, and may support skin after procedures, but it will not fill depressed scars. Flat brown marks often fade with time, sunscreen and ingredients such as azelaic acid. For PDRN with Rejuran-branded scar products, see Rejuran vs PDRN.

How to plan acne scar treatment

1. Get active acne under control first, with help from a pharmacist or GP if needed[11].

2. Book a consultation with an experienced practitioner or dermatologist.

3. Ask them to identify your scar types and recommend a combined plan.

4. Ask what result is realistic; most people see a meaningful improvement rather than clear skin.

5. Agree the number of sessions, spacing and total cost.

6. Take standardised photos and review after each phase.

Who should take care

• Active acne or infection: treat it before scar procedures.

• Recent isotretinoin: many practitioners delay procedures; ask your dermatologist.

• Darker skin tones: higher risk of pigmentation after lasers; choose an experienced practitioner.

• Fish allergy: most PDRN and PN products are salmon-derived[5].

• Keloid tendency: tell your practitioner; some treatments may not be suitable.

Rolling, boxcar and ice pick scars: which respond to PDRN?

Rolling scars are wide, soft depressions caused by bands pulling the skin down. They often respond best to subcision plus a product that supports the released tissue, and polynucleotides are one option. Boxcar scars have sharper edges and usually need lasers or microneedling to remodel the edges; PDRN may be added to support healing. Ice pick scars are narrow and deep, and injections alone rarely help. In the Helmi trial, the laser plus topical combination improved all three types more than laser alone, but improvement was still partial[2].

Limitations of the PDRN acne scar evidence

The studies so far are small, often single-centre, often uncontrolled and sometimes short. The Araco trial included only 20 women[1], and the Park study only 17 people[7]. Several studies combine PDRN with other treatments, so it is hard to separate its effect. More research, with larger trials and longer follow-up, is needed before PDRN can be called a standard acne scar treatment. Results so far are encouraging but not proven to the level of established options like microneedling[4].

What about PDRN for red or brown acne marks?

Flat red or brown marks after spots are not true scars. Red marks often fade over months, and brown marks fade faster with daily sunscreen. In the Helmi trial, adding polynucleotide products after laser reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared with laser alone[2], which suggests the topical combination may support calmer healing after laser; it does not show that PDRN fades marks on its own. For marks on their own, sunscreen, time and ingredients like azelaic acid are usually the first step. Ask a pharmacist for advice if marks are slow to fade, and see a dermatologist if you have darker skin and are considering lasers. Picking or squeezing spots makes both marks and scars more likely, so hands off is good advice.

The bottom line

Small studies suggest PDRN and polynucleotide injections may improve atrophic acne scars, mostly when combined with microneedling, lasers or subcision. They are not a cure, and skincare alone is unlikely to change established scars. Treat active acne first, have a combined plan from an experienced practitioner and keep expectations realistic. For prevention, see will PDRN help with acne.

FAQs

Does PDRN work on acne scars?

Small studies suggest it may improve atrophic scars, mostly alongside other treatments[1,7,8].

How many PDRN sessions for acne scars?

Protocols vary between studies and clinics; ask your practitioner for a written plan.

Can PDRN serum remove acne scars?

No. Serums mainly hydrate and cannot fill depressed scars.

Is PDRN better than microneedling for scars?

Microneedling has stronger evidence alone[4]; PDRN is often added to it.

Does PDRN help ice pick scars?

Less so. Ice pick scars usually need TCA CROSS or excision.

Related reading

• Is PDRN Good for Acne?

• Rejuran vs PDRN

• Will PDRN Help With Acne?

References

1. Araco A, Araco F. Preliminary prospective and randomized study of highly purified polynucleotide vs placebo in treatment of moderate to severe acne scars. Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(7):NP866–NP874.

2. Helmi RR, Mohammed RSH, Nori W. Fractional CO2 laser augmented by polynucleotide and exosome-mimetic nanovesicles in atrophic acne scars: randomised comparative trial. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2026;43(3):314–321.

3. Rho NK, Han KH, Goo BL, Kim HS. Real-world use of polynucleotide injections in scar prevention and management: a nationwide survey of Korean Society for Anti-Aging Dermatology dermatologists. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026;25(5):e70887.

4. Sitohang IBS, Sirait SAP, Suryanegara J. Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J. 2021;18(5):577–585.

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

6. Kim ST. Comparison of polynucleotide and polydeoxyribonucleotide in dermatology: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Pharmaceutics. 2025;17(8):1024.

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

8. Bartoletti E, Trocchi G, Fiorini I, et al. Polynucleotides High Purification Technology: a real-world prospective study in a hospital outpatient setting supports PN HPT as a regenerative medicine option for acne scar management. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:621545.

9. Alhussain AM, et al. Polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides for skin rejuvenation, postoperative scar prevention, and wound healing: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Cureus. 2026;18(7).

10. Flores Rodríguez JC, Toledo Avelar LE, Yi K, et al. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in post-procedure recovery in aesthetic medicine: a narrative review. Cureus. 2026;18(5):e108886.

11. NHS. Acne: treatment. 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.