Polynucleotide (PN) and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are naturally occurring molecules used in skin rejuvenation treatments. These regenerative, bio-stimulating therapies originated in South Korea and have gained global popularity for their ability to improve skin health at a cellular level.
They are considered among the best advanced skincare treatments available today due to their exceptional regenerative properties. These treatments stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, while promoting the repair of damaged skin cells and accelerating wound healing.
Both PN and PDRN are used to achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin by improving elasticity, tone, and texture, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and enhancing the skin’s natural barrier.
Not all PN/PDRN is created equal, as it is not always extracted from the same marine organism sources. It is derived from DNA fragments of various species, including Keta Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Chinese Sturgeon.
The original use and studies of PDRN focused on medical applications (cellular regeneration, wound healing, etc.) before it eventually made its way into cosmetic use.
Polynucleotide (PN)
PN are long chains of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are derived from the DNA of salmon sperm. In skincare, polynucleotides are bio stimulants that are used for their regenerative properties.
- Long-lasting Structural Support: PN provides prolonged benefits by staying in the skin longer, which helps in sustained collagen synthesis and overall skin regeneration.
- Enhanced Collagen Synthesis: PN is more effective at stimulating the metabolic activity of fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen production.
- Stronger Anti-inflammatory Response: PN has a higher-ordered polymerized structure, which allows it to more effectively modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
- Broad Skin Rejuvenation: PN is excellent for overall skin rejuvenation, making it suitable for a wide range of anti-aging treatments.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)
PDRN is a specific type of polynucleotide derived from the DNA of salmon sperm. It has shorter chains than PN and is known for its powerful bio stimulant that is known for its regenerative effects.
- Targeted Healing and Repair: PDRN is particularly effective in healing and repairing damaged skin. It promotes tissue repair and regeneration, making it ideal for treating conditions like scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
- Improved Skin Hydration and Elasticity: PDRN helps improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can lead to a more youthful appearance.
- Enhanced Skin Barrier: PDRN strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, helping to prevent further damage and maintain skin health.
- Biocompatibility: As a naturally occurring ingredient, PDRN has excellent biocompatibility with human skin, making adverse reactions rare.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: PDRN works at the cellular level to decrease inflammation, promoting healing and reducing puffiness.
Key Differences
- Molecular Structure
- PN: Longer nucleotide chains with a higher molecular weight provide more surface area and binding sites for fibroblast interaction, enhancing stimulation and attachment. Their extended presence provides prolonged activation, with a steady release of nucleotides. This leads to better cellular signaling, increased collagen synthesis, and improved skin renewal.
- PDRN: Shorter nucleotide chains, making it more stable and effective for longer periods. They mimic human DNA, ensuring better compatibility with skin cells and reducing adverse reactions. The shorter chains penetrate the skin efficiently, promoting targeted healing, tissue regeneration, and reducing scars and wrinkles.
- Function
- PN: Provides long-lasting structural support and overall skin regeneration.
- PDRN: Focuses on targeted healing and repair, making it ideal for specific skin issues like scars and wrinkles.
- Collagen Synthesis
- PN: More effective at stimulating the metabolic activity of fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen production.
- PDRN: Stimulates collagen production but is more specialized in repairing damaged skin.
- Anti-inflammatory Response
- PN: Exhibits a stronger anti-inflammatory response by modulating the immune response and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- PDRN: Reduces inflammation by promoting tissue repair and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Stability
- PN: Less stable due to longer chains, making it more prone to enzymatic breakdown and cellular degradation.
- PDRN: More stable with shorter chains, maintaining integrity better under stress.
- Practical Applications
- PN: Ideal for overall skin rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, and long-term structural support.
- PDRN: Excellent for targeted healing and repair, improving skin hydration and elasticity, and treating specific skin issues like scars and wrinkles.
Side Effects & Concerns:
Side effects from PDRN and PN are typically minor, resolving within a few days, and are usually caused by the delivery method rather than the actual compound. For injections, side effects may include redness, swelling, mild bruising, needle marks, and skin bumps. For microchanneling/microneedling, side effects may include redness, slight swelling, and pinprick bleeding.
Either treatment can cause a temporary histamine reaction. Taking Benadryl, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep can help alleviate this.
Fish allergies shouldn’t be an issue, as they are caused by the body’s immune response to proteins in fish. PDRN consists of deeply filtered stem cells extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm. If someone has fish allergies and is concerned, they should speak to their allergist for confirmation.
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Sources:
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8224764/
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11375025/
(4) Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10485387/
(5) Comparison of wound healing effects between Oncorhynchus keta-derived polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and Oncorhynchus mykiss-derived PDRN
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5894545/
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