Polydeoxyribonucleotide for Atrophic Scar Treatment

RESEARCH

PDRN injections show real promise for scars, especially when combined with other treatments, but it only works if injected—creams won't cut it because the molecules can't penetrate skin on their own.

COMMUNITY

Works when injected but side effects like prolonged swelling are real concerns that clinics may not adequately warn about.

⚠

SAFETYInjection-site swelling and delayed immune responses can occur; discuss history of keloids, autoimmune conditions, or severe allergies with your clinician first.

COMMUNITY SENTIMENT

35% positive

“I’m my opinion, no. They are hydrating, but PDRN molecules are too big to penetrate the dermis without being hydrolized. If you want to use PDRN get it injected. Then it seems to work.”

U/UNDERHILL_87 ↗

“This is a good point! There’s studies showing that injecting PDRN or applying it to open wounds is effective because there’s extracellular enzymes that can break it down into di/mono-nucleotudes, which can be taken up by the cell. But that’s a very different extracellular environment compared to epidermis, which may not have the same enzymes available to break it down.”

U/JAYCEJET ↗

“Not enough people are talking about the side effects. I had major swelling that came up two days after injections. Lasted for 4 weeks despite taking antihistamines and had to resort to steroids. About once every two months my under eye area where it was injected would puff up and only go down after antihistamines and steroid cream. Didn’t see any real benefits in skin and now worried about ongoing immune responses. The clinic said ‘it must be because I added something new to my skincare’ which I haven’t. And they cancelled all my subsequent appointments, so go figure.”

U/MOJOHAHA ↗