PN VS PDRN: Are They the Same?

Regenerative skin boosters from South Korea have gained significant popularity in both aesthetic medicine and skincare in recent years. As these treatments become more mainstream, I’ve noticed a common misconception among patients — the assumption that PN and PDRN are the same ingredient. In online forums and many beauty and skincare editorials, these two terms are often (and wrongly) used interchangeably.

While the two are closely related, these aren’t the same thing and differ in function. Learning the differences between PN and PDRN ensures you choose the appropriate treatment for your skin concerns. In this article, I explain the key differences and how they work within the skin.

Polynucleotide (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are both biopolymers derived from salmon DNA and are known for their potential in skin regeneration and mitigating skin ageing. PN are complex molecules composed of longer DNA fragments while PDRN is made up of shorter chains. PN is developed through controlled depolymerization, which results in a higher molecular weight and viscoelastic texture. Due to PN’s higher molecular weight, it is more porous and has a higher viscoelasticity whereas PDRN is less viscous and has a more fluid consistency.

In mechanism, one of the key differences between PN and PDRN is the scaffold-like structure in PN that is absent in PDRN. What does this mean?

To understand how PN works, it helps to first understand the role of fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are important cells required for collagen production and maintaining the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). In young and healthy skin, receptors on fibroblasts are able to attach to collagen and other proteins in the extracellular matrix effectively, enabling the fibroblasts to stretch and stimulate collagen. As we age, collagen fibrils become fragmented and shorter, leading to less attachment points for fibroblasts to attach on and stretch. This results in a loss of stimulation and reduced collagen production in the skin.

This is where PN comes in. When injected into the dermis, PN cells, which are hexagonal, acts as a superior scaffold structure, enhancing the matrix scaffold in the extracellular matrix and allows fibroblasts to attach and regain functionality. Due to PN’s ability to modulate the elasticity of the extracellular matrix, this makes suitable for a wide variety of skin concerns, such as for filling depressed scars, treating fine lines, and for restoring firmness to lax skin.

PDRN on the other hand, works through a different pathway. It excels in activating adenosine A_2A receptors, a receptor that plays a key role in modulating inflammation. Due to its smaller molecular weight and shorter DNA fragments, PDRN can be rapidly reincorporated into cellular processes to accelerate wound healing and regeneration. It has been shown in clinical studies to accelerate wound healing, promote angiogenesis and exert notable anti-inflammatory effects, making it a suitable post-procedural care for surface level-healing, soothing inflammation and to support skin recovery after laser treatment or chemical peels. In addition, PDRN has been shown to inhibit MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibres, thus preserving collagen production in fibroblasts.

While both PN and PDRN possess the ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and play a role in skin regeneration, PDRN is ideal for quick skin repair and skin soothing due it being smaller and fasting acting while PN offers longer term structural skin remodeling and more sustained stimulation of fibroblasts due to its longer chains and scaffold-forming molecular configuration.

PN and PDRN Comparison Chart

Now that we’ve discussed the functional differences between PN and PDRN, let’s talk about its applications. PN, due to its large molecular size, is designed to be delivered directly into the dermis and remains an injectable skin booster treatment in clinics. PDRN on the other hand, has expanded beyond in-clinic treatments and is now incorporated into everyday skincare products such as serums, ampoules and creams. Many brands position PDRN skincare products as a super ingredient touting skin repair and anti-ageing benefits. This naturally raises an important question — is topical PDRN truly effective?

For PDRN to stimulate fibroblast activity, it has to be delivered to the dermis layer where fibroblast cells are located. While smaller than PN molecules, PDRN molecules, which ranges between 50 – 1500 kilodalton (kDa) in molecular size, is still unable to permeate the stratum corneum transdermally. This is because efficient skin permeation is generally limited to molecules below 500 daltons (Da). With its high molecular weight, topical PDRN skincare products are unable to penetrate intact skin and thus do not produce its intended effects.

That said, for those who wish to reap the benefits of PDRN without going for injectable treatments, the good news is that there are ways for which PDRN can be delivered non-invasively.

Penetration Enhancers

Topical PDRN cannot penetrate intact skin passively, but there are several non-invasive treatments that can facilitate the delivery of PDRN to the dermis layer. One method is via electroporation, which we use in our Needleless Rejuran treatments. During treatment, a meso-chip device is used to create micro channels in the stratum corneum. This then allows topical PDRN to breach the skin barrier via the opened micro channels, enabling it to reach the superficial dermis layer. Sonophoresis (ultrasound delivery) also increase the delivery efficiency deeper into the skin.

Laser-Assisted Delivery
Topical PDRN can also be effectively absorbed after ablative or fractional laser treatments. These laser treatments create controlled micro injuries and tiny vertical channels within the skin, making the skin temporarily permeable for high molecular weight compounds like PDRN that would normally not traverse intact. In this context, topical PDRN serves as useful post-procedure care, aiding faster skin recovery.

However, the penetration efficiency will still not be the same as injectable treatments, where PN or PDRN can be deposited into the (deeper) reticular dermis layer compared to non-injectable treatments which can reach the superficial dermis. For skin remodelling and regeneration, injectable PN would still be the go-to treatment and PDRN treatments with penetration enhancers should be seen as complementary or a maintenance treatment for skin soothing and brightening instead of a replacement.