216 reviews
Updated April 2026 · about a 6 minute read
The serum matters almost as much as the method.
The short answer
A good resurfacing serum is fragrance free, alcohol free, free of active acids, biocompatible and hydrating, which is exactly why gentle PDRN serums are a favourite in Australia. Here is how to choose, and what to skip. Browse resurfacing serums and skin boosters.
Resurfacing is one of those routines where the serum matters almost as much as the resurfacing itself. Straight after a session your skin is temporarily more absorbent, so whatever you put on it interacts more intensely than usual. Choose well and you support recovery; choose badly and you risk upsetting freshly treated skin.
What makes a good resurfacing serum
Fragrance free. Not lightly scented, not naturally fragranced with essential oils, zero fragrance. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of irritation, especially on freshly treated skin.
Alcohol free. No denatured alcohol or ethanol. These dry out and irritate skin.
Free of active acids. No AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C or retinoids. Great ingredients on normal days, but not on the day your skin has fresh micro channels.
Biocompatible. Ingredients your skin recognises and tolerates well. This is where PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) stands out, being structurally similar to human DNA so it interacts gently.
Hydrating. Freshly treated skin needs moisture support so it feels comfortable while it settles.
If it tingles on normal skin, do not risk it on freshly treated skin.
What to avoid
Read the label. If a serum contains any of these, put it back for resurfacing use:
- Fragrance or parfum (including natural essential oils)
- Denatured alcohol or ethanol
- Glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid, or any exfoliant
- Retinol or retinal
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), acidic and can sting on freshly treated skin
- Witch hazel (astringent, drying)
- Menthol, camphor or anything that tingles or cools
Our recommendation
For professional sessions, CureNex is a Korean formulated PDRN serum built for application during and immediately after a session, fragrance free, alcohol free, biocompatible and hydrating.
For home use, VITARAN capsules are a great option. Each one is individually sealed and sterile, which matters when your skin is recovering. After a professional session you can usually start from about 24 hours (check with your clinician).
CureNex Salmon DNA PDRN Skin Booster with Peptides
Fragrance free, biocompatible PDRN and peptides, lovely on its own or with your at home skin tool (a roller, stamp or pen).
$79 AUDAfterpay available · free shipping over $150Shop the skin booster →
A note on resurfacing at home
Resurfacing at home is fine, as long as you keep it gentle. Stick to a shallow depth (0.25 to 0.5mm) with clean, single use heads, and never go deep enough to draw blood. We stock gentle at home skin tools (a roller, stamp or pen) for exactly this, and our resurfacing guide covers the safe method. Deeper work is a clinical treatment and should only be done by a trained professional in a clean setting, since going too deep at home risks irritation, infection or marks.
And if you would rather skip the whole thing, a PDRN serum used on the surface of the skin works beautifully on intact skin: Can You Use PDRN at Home Without Resurfacing? See also: Resurfacing Aftercare.
Shop resurfacing serums and skin boosters →
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a resurfacing serum?
Fragrance free, alcohol free, free of active acids, biocompatible and hydrating. A gentle PDRN serum ticks all these boxes.
Can I use vitamin C after resurfacing?
No, vitamin C is acidic and can sting on freshly treated skin. Wait at least 48 to 72 hours before reintroducing it.
What is the best serum to pair with resurfacing?
A gentle, fragrance and alcohol free PDRN serum like CureNex (in clinic) or VITARAN (at home) is ideal.
Disclaimer: these are cosmetics, not therapeutic goods, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Resurfacing at home should be gentle (0.25 to 0.5mm) with sterile single use heads; deeper work belongs with a trained professional. Always patch test; not suitable for those with fish allergies.
