What is PDRN? – The DNA Regenerator that is Fuelling the New Age of Youthful Beauty
PDRN, standing for ‘polydeoxyribonucleotide’, is a small DNA fragment that excited Italian scientists in the 20th century due to its healing capabilities. It was a microscopic molecule that, when applied to wounds in the skin, was found to promote rapid growth and healing. It boosted collagen formation and regenerated the skin beneath it to a firmer, youthful state.
Rise of PDRN in Dermatology
At the time, its applications to medicine were being explored, but it would not be too long before dermatologists were exploring its anti-aging capabilities. Extracted from salmon DNA, its application could even stimulate healing in cells that otherwise could not heal themselves (i.e. burn wounds, ischemia). It can provide aged or damaged cells with a ‘salvage pathway’, stimulating healing and repair when they can’t heal on their own.
This was first applied to tackle acne scarring, and it was found high concentrations of PDRN pushed collagen remodeling, soothed inflammation and inhibited formation of new scars. This highlighted PDRN as a process to help rehabilitate damaged, scarred skin.
It was no surprise that dermatologists were immediately interested in not just wound repair – but repairing the damage of aging cells. It was found application of PDRN to skin improved skin texture, boosted collagen, reduced wrinkle depth and led to aesthetic improvement. It has raged through Korean beauty products – becoming one of the best and brightest additions to everything from injectables to face creams to masks.
Maximizing Results
Setting aside injectables (directly adding products to problem areas), the best products can be boosted via products that improve absorption, such as VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot, which helps form micro-channels to super-charge delivery of PDRN to deeper layers of skin.
This effect can similarly be boosted by the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro Mini, which helps drive products deeper into skin and provides a glowing boost.
Best PDRN Products
One of the ultimate PDRN serum’s on the market is Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Exosome Serum, which is carefully designed with 10,000 ppm of extracted salmon PDRN packaged into exosomes (little cell parcels, which promote delivery directly into skin cells). This has been carefully designed to maximize delivery of PDRN into skin for great result. People immediately notice smoother, plumper skin and lifting of fine lines within a few uses.
It comes in two strengths, 2000 exosome and 7500 exosome – with the 2000 recommended for beginners for pore care and radiance. The 7500 is designed for more experienced users and it is recommended to carefully work up use to ensure skin can adapt well to the concentration. This is the ideal treatment to help smooth pores, heal damaged skin and heal dark spots.
Another recommended serum, specifically to help anti-aging and bring back glow to skin is the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 serum, which contains a good concentration of PDRN (labelled as Sodium DNA extract on the bottle), which is carefully combined with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to plump and repair damaged skin. Unlike the stronger Medicube serum which is designed for dramatic, fast result – the Anua range works for more sensitive skin and is designed to incorporate PDRN into skin in a safe, softer concentration.
If you have more oily skin and are concerned healing dark spots without causing breakouts, a good product to try out a little PDRN is the new Be The Skin VitaVita Raspberry PDRN range, which promotes a soothing cream with niacinamide, vitamin C and PDRN to help tackle hyperpigmentation, with brightening raspberry extract. With luscious antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cream and serum works hard to use natural ingredients to improve skin.
Is PDRN safe to use?
PDRN is very safe for use, and there are few instances of reactions or inflammation. There is no recorded toxicity to the body, low comedonic risk and is even considered very safe for skin injection (which is a common practice in South Korea).
Is it Cruelty-Free?
It does come from salmon sources in most products (although there is a current risk in plant-based PDRN which have shown to be similarly great for skincare). This does come from farmed salmon, which are used for meat – so it doesn’t lead to waste, but it is not a vegan friendly formulation.
Is there a visible result?
Yes, within 4-6 weeks the majority of users report improved collagen production, elasticity and reduction in fine lines. It is a beloved product by those who have experienced it and it is becoming ubiquitous in a variety of Korean skincare brands. Have a look at your favourite skincare brand – and chances are, they’re starting to incorporate PDRN.
