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In modern skin care, PDRN has caught people’s attention, and according to Dr. Pat Nicolas, with good reason.
There are several skin care ingredients that we often hear about in the 2020s. There’s hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinoids, AHAs, BHAS, to name a few. But there’s one that board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pat Nicolas swears by: PDRN.
PDRN is short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, which is derived from the sperm cells of salmon and trout. Despite its recent surge in popularity, PDRN was pioneered in Italy during the 1980s, when it was used to treat burn wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and post-surgical recovery. In the 2000s, South Korean dermatologists began using it for aesthetic treatments, shifting from in-clinic injectables to topical Korean beauty products. Although it is primarily sourced from salmon and trout sperm, plant-derived sources have emerged, including Panax ginseng, chlorella, and rice.
Below, Dr. Nicolas shares her insights and recommendations for PDRN.
What are the benefits of PDRN?
PDRN promotes deep tissue repair, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, and accelerates cell turnover. All these benefits in turn help the skin to become more hydrated, support collagen production, and address skin concerns such as wrinkles and premature aging conditions such as photoaging, elastosis, dermatoporosis, and lentigos.
Who should use it?
According to Dr. Nicolas, PDRN has many benefits, but she recommends it for people in their late 20s and beyond, as the ingredient addresses many skin concerns of that age group. “It’s really nice. It helped my face to become hydrated and also my wrinkles,” she shares about her personal experience. “If you use it too early, sometimes you can have an allergic reaction because you’re having too much collagen.”
How should you use PDRN?
If you can afford injectables, Dr. Nicolas recommends applying them through that method. However, topical application works as well. Her personal recommendation is Rejuran, a Korean skin care brand that specializes in PDRN.
Frequently Asked Questions
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA-based regenerative compound made from highly purified fragments of DNA.
Dr. Pat Nicolas is a licensed medical doctor specializing in Aesthetic Medicine based in Metro Manila, Philippines.
PDRN is considered safe for most adults, but exercise caution if you have severe fish or seafood allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin infections, or have autoimmune conditions.
PDRN is available in the form of over-the-counter skin care products (like serums, creams, and ampoules) at major online marketplaces, health stores, and beauty retailers. For injectable PDRN, it must be administered by a licensed dermatologist or certified aesthetician.
PDRN should be used after cleansing and toning and before heavier serums and moisturizers.
