Opinion article
Injectable PDRN vs. skincare: where the evidence stands
PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a DNA-derived molecule, traditionally extracted from salmon or trout sperm, used in medicine for decades to speed up tissue healing. In recent years it has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in aesthetic medicine, and it has also shown up in cosmetic form, in serums and creams. The problem is that social media treats the two as interchangeable, when they aren’t.
Injectable PDRN
Administered by healthcare professionals as microinjections into the dermis, it works by binding to adenosine receptors that stimulate collagen production, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and tissue repair. Clinical studies, mostly from South Korea, show improvements in skin quality, hydration and elasticity after a series of sessions.
PDRN in skincare (creams and serums)
Applied to the skin’s surface, PDRN struggles to cross the skin barrier in any meaningful amount, because it’s a large molecule. There is no solid evidence that it produces the same effects as the injectable route. That doesn’t mean it’s useless as a moisturising ingredient, but the “bio-regeneration” claims on the packaging don’t carry the same scientific backing.
If an over-the-counter product promises the results of an injectable treatment, be sceptical. The route of administration matters as much as the ingredient itself.
Before considering injectable PDRN
- It should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, in an appropriate setting.
- It typically requires a course of several sessions, not a single procedure.
- Like any injectable, it has contraindications and possible side effects that should be discussed in consultation.
This article is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Sources
- Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, et al. Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017
- Galeano M, Bitto A, Altavilla D, et al. Polydeoxyribonucleotide Stimulates Angiogenesis and Wound Healing in the Genetically Diabetic Mouse. Wound Repair and Regeneration. 2008