TITLE:
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Efficacy
AUTHORS:
Collins Daniel Pakaya, Kaindi Samuel Tumaini, Jufang Zhang
KEYWORDS:
Platelet-Rich Plasma, Facial Rejuvenation, Skin Aging, Platelet-Rich Fibrin, Cosmetic Dermatology
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Facial aging develops through progressive loss and reorganization of collagen and elastin, with visible changes that include wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, laxity, and post-acne scarring. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product in which platelets are concentrated above baseline, commonly to about 4 - 6 times the circulating level. Its relevance to facial rejuvenation comes from the release of mediators such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Together, these mediators can influence fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, extracellular-matrix turnover, and melanogenesis. We reviewed 40 sources published from 2020 to 2026 to examine how PRP and closely related platelet-derived products are being used in facial rejuvenation. The literature was considered across four clinically distinct areas: photoaging and skin quality, periorbital or pigmentary concerns, atrophic acne scarring, and volume-related problems. Improvements have been reported with PRP alone and with adjunctive treatment, although the strongest comparator-controlled findings are confined to particular combinations, especially microneedling and fractional laser approaches. Results are less consistent for pigmentary and volume-related indications, where PRP has not always performed better than the comparator. Short-term tolerability is generally favorable, and the adverse effects described in clinical studies are usually mild and self-limited. The longer-term safety picture is less certain because follow-up is often brief. Interpretation of efficacy is also complicated by differences in PRP preparation, treatment schedules, comparators, outcome measures, sample size, and duration of observation. More consistent product reporting, better-defined comparator trials, validated outcome instruments, and longer follow-up are needed before indication-specific treatment protocols can be considered established.