Acne may eventually settle, but the scars it leaves behind can remain for years. Indented marks, uneven skin texture and enlarged-looking pores can affect how smooth the skin appears—even after active breakouts have stopped.
One treatment attracting attention is Rejuran for acne scars. Often described as a “salmon DNA skin booster,” Rejuran is promoted as a regenerative injectable that helps repair damaged skin, improve texture and support collagen production.
But does Rejuran really improve acne scars, or is it simply another overhyped aesthetic treatment?
The honest answer is that Rejuran may improve certain types of acne scars and overall skin quality, but it is not a complete cure. Early clinical research is encouraging, particularly for atrophic or indented scars. However, the available studies remain relatively small, and deeper scars usually require a combination of treatments.
What Is Rejuran?
Rejuran is an injectable treatment containing purified polynucleotides, commonly shortened to PN. Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides—the basic components of DNA—typically obtained from purified salmon or trout DNA for aesthetic products.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers, which mainly add physical volume beneath the skin, polynucleotide treatments are intended to create an environment that supports skin repair, hydration and extracellular matrix remodelling.
Research into aesthetic polynucleotides suggests that they may:
- Support fibroblast activity
- Encourage collagen and elastin production
- Improve skin hydration
- Support tissue repair
- Improve elasticity and skin texture
- Help regulate inflammation and oxidative stress
These proposed effects make polynucleotides an interesting option for acne scars, which often develop when inflammation damages collagen in the deeper layers of the skin.
How Do Acne Scars Form?
Acne scars form when inflammatory breakouts damage the skin’s supporting tissue. During healing, the body may produce too little or too much collagen.
When insufficient collagen is produced, the skin can develop depressed scars known as atrophic acne scars. These are generally divided into three categories:
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep holes that extend into the skin. They are usually among the most difficult acne scars to treat.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are wider depressions with relatively defined edges. They can be shallow or deep.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create broad, wave-like depressions. They are often caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down toward deeper tissue.
Raised hypertrophic and keloid scars develop because of excess tissue formation and require a different treatment approach. Rejuran is generally discussed in relation to atrophic, indented scars, rather than raised keloid scars.
How May Rejuran Help Acne Scars?
Rejuran does not remove scar tissue instantly. It is intended to support gradual remodelling within the treated skin.
Its potential benefits for acne scars include the following.
Supporting Collagen Remodelling
Atrophic acne scars involve a loss of collagen and dermal structure. Polynucleotides may support fibroblast activity, helping the skin produce and organise collagen and elastin more effectively.
Over time, this may make shallow depressions appear softer and less noticeable.
Improving Overall Skin Texture
Even when individual scars remain visible, improvements in hydration, elasticity and surface texture can make the complexion look smoother.
This is one reason some patients report that their skin looks healthier even when their scars have not completely disappeared.
Supporting Recovery After Other Procedures
Acne-scar treatment often involves controlled skin injury through procedures such as microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling or fractional laser resurfacing.
Some practitioners use polynucleotides alongside these treatments to support healing and skin regeneration. However, the evidence has not yet established one universally superior Rejuran combination protocol.
Providing Subtle Volume and Hydration
Polynucleotide gels are hydrophilic, meaning they attract and retain water. This may temporarily improve skin turgor and make shallow textural irregularities look less obvious.
However, Rejuran should not be confused with a traditional volumising filler. It is unlikely to lift a deeply depressed scar immediately.
Does Rejuran for Acne Scars Really Work?
Current evidence suggests that polynucleotide injections can produce measurable improvements in some patients, but expectations must remain realistic.
A preliminary randomised, placebo-controlled study published in 2021 included 20 women with moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars. The participants receiving highly purified polynucleotides experienced significant improvement at one and three months, while the placebo group did not show the same improvement. The researchers concluded that polynucleotide monotherapy appeared safe and effective, while also calling for larger studies with longer follow-up periods.
A more recent six-month, multicentre study evaluated a combination of highly purified polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid in 62 patients with atrophic facial acne scars. Participants received four treatments at two-week intervals.
At the follow-up assessments:
- 46.8% of participants achieved at least a one-grade reduction in acne-scar severity.
- Average scar-severity scores improved between baseline and six months.
- At six months, 54.8% of patients described their scars as improved.
- A further 9.7% described them as much improved.
- No participant was rated as having completely clear skin.
The study was encouraging, but it had no placebo group, was not blinded and examined a PN-and-hyaluronic-acid product rather than Rejuran alone. It therefore supports the potential of the broader polynucleotide treatment category but does not prove that Rejuran will produce the same results for every patient.
Systematic reviews have reached a similarly cautious conclusion: polynucleotide injections show promise for improving skin texture, hydration and elasticity, but the studies vary considerably in product, injection technique, treatment schedule and outcome measurement. More rigorous clinical trials are still required.
The Realistic Verdict
Yes, Rejuran may improve acne scars—but usually subtly and gradually.
It may be most useful for:
- Mild or moderate atrophic scars
- Shallow boxcar scars
- General textural irregularity
- Enlarged-looking pores
- Thin or damaged-looking skin
- Patients seeking gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Supporting skin recovery within a broader treatment plan
It is less likely to deliver a dramatic result when used alone for:
- Deep ice pick scars
- Strongly tethered rolling scars
- Deep boxcar scars
- Significant facial volume loss
- Raised hypertrophic scars or keloids
Rejuran should therefore be viewed as a skin-remodelling treatment or useful supporting procedure, rather than a universal replacement for subcision, laser resurfacing, microneedling or scar surgery.
Which Acne Scars Respond Best to Rejuran?
The likely response depends on the scar’s shape, depth and underlying cause.
Rolling Scars
Shallow rolling scars may look softer as skin quality and collagen support improve. However, rolling scars are frequently tethered by fibrous bands beneath the skin.
When tethering is present, Rejuran cannot physically release those bands. Subcision may be needed before or alongside regenerative treatments.
Boxcar Scars
Shallow boxcar scars may respond to collagen-stimulating treatments. Deeper boxcar scars may require fractional laser, radiofrequency microneedling, punch elevation or combination therapy.
Rejuran may improve the quality of the surrounding skin but may not fully correct sharply defined depressions.
Ice Pick Scars
Deep ice pick scars are unlikely to respond dramatically to Rejuran alone. Procedures such as TCA CROSS or punch excision are commonly considered more targeted options for these narrow, deep scars.
Post-Acne Redness and Dark Marks
Post-inflammatory redness and pigmentation are not the same as indented acne scars. Although healthier, better-hydrated skin may appear more even, Rejuran is not necessarily the most direct treatment for brown marks or persistent redness.
Pigment-targeted skincare, chemical peels, vascular devices or pigment lasers may be more appropriate, depending on skin tone and the cause of the discolouration.
Rejuran vs Other Acne-Scar Treatments
No single treatment works best for every acne scar.
| Treatment | Usually Most Suitable For | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran or PN injections | General skin quality, mild texture and shallow atrophic scars | Usually produces gradual rather than dramatic correction |
| Microneedling | Mild-to-moderate rolling and boxcar scars | Multiple sessions are normally required |
| Radiofrequency microneedling | Textural scars and dermal remodelling | Can cause temporary redness and swelling |
| Fractional laser | Broader textural damage and boxcar scars | Greater downtime and pigmentation risk in some skin types |
| Subcision | Tethered rolling scars | Does not resurface the upper skin by itself |
| TCA CROSS | Deep ice pick scars | Must be performed carefully to reduce complications |
| Dermal filler | Selected depressed or volume-related scars | Results may be temporary, depending on the filler |
| Punch excision or elevation | Individual deep ice pick or boxcar scars | Involves a minor surgical procedure |
Reviews of acne-scar management consistently emphasise that treatment should be selected according to scar type. Rolling scars may require subcision, while narrow ice pick scars often need focal techniques such as TCA CROSS or punch procedures. Combination plans are frequently more appropriate than relying on one treatment for every scar.
Is Rejuran Better Alone or in Combination?
For patients with very mild scarring and general textural concerns, Rejuran may be used as a standalone treatment.
For moderate or severe acne scars, it is more likely to be considered part of a personalised plan. Possible combinations may include:
- Rejuran after subcision for rolling scars
- Rejuran with microneedling for general texture
- Rejuran alongside radiofrequency microneedling
- Rejuran during a staged fractional-laser programme
- TCA CROSS for ice pick scars, followed by broader skin-remodelling treatment
The sequence matters. For example, treating the skin surface without releasing a deeply tethered scar may produce limited improvement. A qualified medical practitioner should first identify the scar types and then decide which structural problems need to be addressed.
What Happens During a Rejuran Treatment?
The exact procedure varies according to the product, practitioner and treatment area.
A typical appointment may involve:
- Examining the skin and classifying the scars.
- Cleansing and disinfecting the treatment area.
- Applying a topical numbing cream when appropriate.
- Injecting small amounts of the product into or around the scarred areas.
- Providing aftercare instructions.
Because numerous small injections may be required, temporary raised bumps can appear at the injection points.
Does Rejuran Hurt?
Discomfort varies from person to person. Patients may feel stinging, pressure or repeated pinching during the injections.
Topical anaesthetic may make the procedure more manageable, but Rejuran is not always completely painless—particularly when many areas are treated.
What Is the Downtime?
Most reported side effects from polynucleotide injections are mild and temporary. They may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Small injection-site bumps
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Itching or irritation
A systematic review found that reported reactions were generally local and temporary, commonly resolving within approximately one week. Nevertheless, every injectable procedure carries potential risks, and treatment should be performed by a suitably trained medical professional using an authentic product.
Patients should contact their provider urgently if they experience severe pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, skin discolouration, fever or any symptom that feels unusual.
How Many Rejuran Sessions Are Needed?
There is no universal treatment schedule for every patient or every polynucleotide product.
Clinical studies have commonly used a course of several sessions rather than a single appointment. For example, the recent multicentre PN-and-hyaluronic-acid study used four treatments at two-week intervals. That does not mean the same schedule is suitable for every Rejuran patient.
The recommended number of sessions may depend on:
- Scar severity
- Scar type
- Skin thickness
- Treatment area
- Product formulation
- Whether Rejuran is being combined with another procedure
- The patient’s response to earlier sessions
When Will Results Become Visible?
Rejuran results are generally expected to develop gradually because the intended benefit involves skin remodelling rather than immediate filling.
Early changes may include improved hydration or smoother-looking skin. Changes in acne-scar depth and texture may take longer and should be assessed over several weeks or months.
The 2021 controlled study evaluated improvement at one and three months, while the larger observational study recorded continuing changes at three and six months.
Swelling immediately after treatment can temporarily make scars appear smoother. This should not be confused with the final result.
Are Rejuran Results Permanent?
The collagen remodelling produced by treatment may have a longer-lasting effect than temporary post-treatment hydration. However, no injectable can prevent future ageing, collagen loss or new acne scars.
Maintenance treatments may be recommended, but the ideal frequency has not been firmly established through high-quality acne-scar research.
Preventing new breakouts remains essential. Treating scars while inflammatory acne is still uncontrolled may lead to new scars developing during the treatment programme.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Rejuran may be considered by adults who:
- Have mild-to-moderate atrophic acne scars
- Have controlled active acne
- Want subtle and natural-looking improvement
- Understand that multiple sessions may be required
- Prefer a minimally invasive treatment
- Are willing to consider combination therapy where necessary
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided when there is active infection, significant inflammation or another medical concern in the treatment area. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, medications, previous reactions to injectables and relevant medical conditions should be discussed during the consultation.
Because formulations may be derived from fish DNA, patients with fish allergies should specifically raise this with their medical practitioner rather than assuming the treatment is suitable.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Rejuran
Before agreeing to treatment, ask the provider:
- What types of acne scars do I have?
- Which scars are likely to respond to Rejuran?
- Are any of my scars tethered?
- Would subcision, laser, microneedling or TCA CROSS be more appropriate?
- Which Rejuran or polynucleotide formulation will be used?
- Is the product authentic and approved for use in this country?
- Who will perform the injections?
- How many treatments are being recommended?
- What level of improvement is realistic?
- What are the risks for my skin tone?
- How will progress be photographed and measured?
A trustworthy practitioner should be willing to explain why Rejuran is being recommended instead of simply promising smoother or scar-free skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rejuran completely remove acne scars?
No. Rejuran may soften the appearance of some scars, improve texture and support collagen remodelling, but complete scar removal is unrealistic.
Is Rejuran good for deep acne scars?
It is unlikely to correct deep ice pick, boxcar or strongly tethered rolling scars when used alone. These scars often require targeted procedures such as TCA CROSS, punch techniques or subcision.
Is Rejuran the same as dermal filler?
No. A traditional filler primarily adds volume or structural support. Rejuran is used mainly as a regenerative polynucleotide treatment intended to improve skin quality gradually.
Can Rejuran make acne worse?
Rejuran is not a treatment for active acne. Injecting skin with active inflammation or infection may be inappropriate, so ongoing breakouts should be assessed before starting scar treatment.
Is one Rejuran session enough?
One session may produce temporary hydration or subtle textural improvement, but acne-scar protocols commonly involve multiple appointments.
Can Rejuran be combined with microneedling or laser?
It may be included in a combination treatment plan. The procedures should be properly timed and selected by a qualified practitioner based on scar type, skin tone and healing risk.
Final Verdict: Is Rejuran Worth It for Acne Scars?
Rejuran is not simply a social-media trend. Polynucleotide treatments have a plausible regenerative mechanism, and early clinical studies suggest that they may improve atrophic acne scars and overall skin texture.
However, the evidence is still developing. Existing studies are relatively small, products and protocols differ, and not every trial has included a control group.
Rejuran is most likely to be worthwhile when:
- The scars are mild or moderately indented.
- Improving overall texture is an important goal.
- Expectations are realistic.
- Treatment is performed by an experienced medical professional.
- Rejuran is selected as part of a scar-specific plan rather than sold as a miracle injection.
For deep ice pick scars, sharply defined boxcar scars or tethered rolling scars, Rejuran alone is unlikely to deliver the strongest result.
The best approach begins with a professional acne-scar assessment. Once the scar types have been identified, Rejuran can be considered alongside more targeted procedures to create a safer, more effective and more realistic treatment plan.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.