Evidence update · August 2026

PRP skin treatments: What new studies show about skin ageing and acne scars

PRP skin treatments use a platelet-rich plasma fraction prepared from the patient’s own blood. Recent studies suggest possible changes in skin elasticity, thickness and scar structure. Evidence for many advertised effects, however, remains inconsistent.

4 August 2026
This article reviews the current scientific evidence. It is not individual medical advice and does not recommend a treatment.
Basics

What is a PRP skin treatment?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. After blood collection, centrifugation separates the blood components. The intended plasma fraction is then used by a qualified medical professional, either by injection or as part of a combination procedure.

PRP is not a conventional dermal filler and does not replace surgical lifting. A PRP injection is also not the same as microneedling with PRP: in microneedling, the controlled micro-injury is created by the needles, while PRP is used as an adjunct.

PRP is not a filler · PRP is not PRF

PRP is not a conventional dermal filler and does not replace surgical lifting. A PRP injection is also not the same as microneedling with PRP: in microneedling, the controlled micro-injury is created by the needles, while PRP is used as an adjunct.

How a PRP treatment works
Areas of use

Which skin areas are being studied?

01

Face and overall skin quality

Research mainly examines elasticity, skin thickness, fine lines and surface texture. These findings do not imply a pronounced lifting or volumising effect.

02

Atrophic acne scars

This is one of the most interesting current areas, especially PRP as an adjunct to microneedling. Scar type and baseline condition remain important.

03

Periorbital area

Fine lines, thin skin and dark circles have different causes. PRP is therefore not equally plausible for every presentation.

04

Pigmentation and melasma

Small studies report individual positive signals, but findings are inconsistent and do not support a general claim of pigment lightening.

05

Neck and décolletage

These regions are also being studied, although the evidence base is smaller than for the face and acne scars.

06

Hands

Changes in skin thickness and texture have been described, but robust long-term data are lacking.

Biology

How might PRP affect the skin?

Platelets contain signalling molecules that may participate in repair and remodelling processes. Biological plausibility must not be confused with a guaranteed visible clinical result.

Concentration

Platelets are concentrated in the intended plasma fraction.

Release

Signalling molecules may be released after activation or contact with tissue.

Cell response

Fibroblasts and other cells may respond to these signals.

Matrix remodelling

Collagen and extracellular matrix may be involved in remodelling.

Clinical result

Whether changes become visible depends on the protocol and individual factors.

Evidence 2026

What do current studies show?

Current research does not demonstrate a single, uniform “rejuvenation effect”. It shows different signals for specific outcomes. The scale below is an editorial interpretation of the literature, not an assessment of an individual treatment.

Relatively stronger evidence

Skin elasticity and thickness

Recent reviews report measurable improvements comparatively often, but protocols and measurement methods vary markedly.

Relatively stronger evidence

Atrophic acne scars plus microneedling

A 2026 meta-analysis suggests added benefit over microneedling alone. Scar types do not respond uniformly.

Inconsistent results

Wrinkles and skin texture

Some studies report modest improvements, while others do not. Certainty and comparability remain limited.

Early clinical signals

Periorbital area and pigmentation

Dark circles and pigmentation have heterogeneous causes. Broad efficacy claims are not justified.

Insufficiently supported

Skin hydration

Systematic reviews have not found a consistent improvement in hydration.

Scar treatment

PRP for atrophic acne scars

Atrophic acne scars are commonly described as rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars. They differ in shape, depth and tissue architecture, so a single approach is unlikely to suit every scar.

Current data often concern the combination of microneedling and PRP. The controlled micro-injury is created by needling; PRP is studied as an adjunctive biological component. These findings cannot automatically be transferred to laser treatment, subcision or PRP alone.

Schematic illustration – not a treatment prognosis.
Comparison

PRP alone or in combination?

ProcedurePrincipleCurrent scientific interpretation
PRP injectionAutologous plasma is placed into or beneath the skin.Possible changes in selected skin-quality parameters; protocols are heterogeneous.
Microneedling plus PRPControlled micro-injuries are combined with PRP.Promising current data, particularly for atrophic acne scars.
Fractional laser plus PRPA resurfacing procedure with adjunctive PRP.Some positive findings, but PRP’s independent contribution is often unclear.
PRFAutologous preparation with a fibrin network, usually without anticoagulant.Increasingly studied; no general superiority over PRP has been established.
Preconditioned or activated PRPPRP is technically or biologically modified.An interesting research approach, but not enough evidence for general superiority.
Distinction

PRP and PRF: related, but not identical

PRP

  • usually prepared with an anticoagulant
  • liquid plasma fraction
  • cell composition depends on the system
  • generally a less narrow processing window than PRF

PRF

  • usually prepared without anticoagulant
  • a fibrin network forms during clotting
  • time-sensitive processing
  • not automatically more effective or more advanced
PRF is a related autologous procedure, but it is not categorically a better form of PRP.
Technique and quality

Why PRP results are difficult to compare

PRP is not identical everywhere. Blood volume, tube system, additives, leukocyte content, baseline platelet count, centrifugation steps and harvesting method all influence its composition.

Terms such as “high concentration” or a fixed RPM value are not sufficient for comparison. A documented workflow, intended use and the actual relative centrifugal force are more informative.

For a reproducible workflow, tube system, additives, fill volume and centrifugation protocol must be matched.

PRP tubes as part of the system

Products differ in material, fill volume, anticoagulant, separation gel and intended use. These characteristics cannot be transferred arbitrarily between protocols.

RPM is not RCF

RPM describes revolutions per minute. RCF describes the relative centrifugal force acting on the sample and also depends on rotor radius. The same RPM can therefore produce different RCF values in different rotors.

The Hettich EBA 200 MD is one example of a compact medical-device centrifuge with adjustable speed, time and RCF.

Mentioning this device does not constitute a universal PRP protocol. Settings must match the tube system, rotor, intended use and instructions for use.

Safety

How does a PRP skin treatment proceed?

1Medical history and informed consent
2Blood collection
3Centrifugal preparation
4Selection of the intended plasma fraction
5Medical application
6Aftercare and follow-up

Injection depths, volumes and centrifugation values are not universally transferable. They belong in qualified professional practice and product-specific instructions.

Adverse effects, risks and precautions

Autologous does not mean risk-free. Temporary local reactions are common; invasive procedures can also cause rare but serious complications.

  • redness and swelling
  • bruising
  • pain or tenderness
  • infection
  • post-inflammatory pigment changes
  • vascular or nerve injury during injection

Possible exclusion and precaution factors

  • acute infection
  • relevant coagulation disorders
  • certain blood or platelet disorders
  • medication affecting coagulation
  • active skin disease in the treatment area
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding depending on the indication
  • unrealistic expectations

Aftercare following a PRP treatment

What can currently be said with confidence?

Current studies suggest that PRP may support selected skin properties and the treatment of atrophic acne scars. The findings cannot be applied to every skin concern. Differences in preparation, application and study methodology still make direct comparisons difficult. Individual medical assessment remains necessary.

Direct answers

Frequently asked questions about PRP skin treatments

What is a PRP skin treatment?

A platelet-rich plasma fraction is prepared from the patient’s own blood and used by a medical professional. Depending on the concept, it may be injected or used alongside procedures such as microneedling. PRP is neither a conventional filler nor a product with identical composition in every setting.

Does PRP improve wrinkles?

Some studies report modest improvements in fine lines or texture. Results are inconsistent and depend on the measurement method, protocol and baseline condition. They do not establish a lifting effect or reliable correction of pronounced wrinkles.

Does PRP help acne scars?

The most interesting current evidence concerns atrophic acne scars and PRP as an adjunct to microneedling. A 2026 meta-analysis found benefits over microneedling alone. Scar type, depth and accompanying procedures still influence outcomes.

What is the difference between PRP and PRF?

PRP is usually prepared with an anticoagulant as a liquid plasma fraction. PRF is generally processed without anticoagulant and forms a fibrin network. Both are autologous, but they are not interchangeable. Current evidence does not show PRF to be generally superior.

Is PRP better than microneedling?

The procedures use different mechanisms and are often combined. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries, while PRP is studied as an adjunctive biological component. Evidence does not support a universal ranking for all skin concerns.

How many sessions are needed?

Studies use different treatment series and intervals. A fixed number cannot be applied reliably to every person or objective. Planning and follow-up require medical assessment of the baseline condition.

When may changes become visible?

Studies often assess changes after several weeks or months. Timing and magnitude depend on skin condition, procedure and measurement method. Early swelling should not be confused with a durable result.

How long may results last?

Controlled long-term data remain limited for many cosmetic dermatology uses. Duration may depend on baseline skin condition, treatment series, combination procedures and individual factors.

What adverse effects are possible?

Temporary redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness are common. Invasive procedures also carry risks including infection, pigment changes and, rarely, vascular or nerve injury.

Why do PRP tubes matter?

Tube material, fill volume, additives and separation system affect preparation. A protocol should not be transferred to another tube system without validation. Intended use and instructions for use are decisive.

Which centrifuge is needed for PRP?

The centrifuge must match the tube system and intended process. Rotor, vessel capacity, RCF range, timing and medical-device status are relevant. A specific device does not replace a validated protocol.

What is the difference between RCF and RPM?

RPM is rotational speed. RCF is the relative centrifugal force acting on the sample and also accounts for rotor radius. Two centrifuges can therefore generate different RCF at the same RPM.

Selected scientific sources

  1. 2026: Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Treatment of Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. Source
  2. 2026: Efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma for atrophic acne scars: systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Dermatological Research. Source
  3. 2025: A systematic review of platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation. PubMed. Source
  4. 2025: Platelet-rich plasma in facial rejuvenation: systematic review. PubMed. Source
  5. 2025: Platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-rich fibrin in facial rejuvenation: systematic review. PubMed. Source
  6. 2026: Photothermal biomodulated platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: randomized split-face study. Scientific Reports. Source
  7. 2024: Variability in platelet-rich plasma preparation and reporting across randomized trials. PubMed. Source

This selection is intended to contextualise the evidence and is not exhaustive.

Product added to wishlist
Product added to compare.
group_work Cookie consent