Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides (PDRN) in injectable cosmetology: A new era of cellular regeneration

Recent years have been marked by a paradigm shift in aesthetic medicine: from simple volume filling, we have moved to bioreparation and regenerative medicine. Polynucleotides have become a key tool in this direction.

What is PDRN?

Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) are low molecular weight DNA fractions obtained by extraction from salmon milk. The choice of raw materials is not accidental: the structure of salmon milk DNA is as similar as possible to the DNA of human leukocytes.

Mechanism of action: more than just hydration

Unlike hyaluronic acid, which works mainly through hydration, polynucleotides act as "building blocks" and signaling molecules:

1. Activation of A2 receptors: PDRNs bind to adenosine A2 receptors, which triggers a cascade of reactions aimed at collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory effect.

2. Stimulation of fibroblasts: increased production of type I collagen and elastin.

3. Angiogenesis: stimulation of new capillary growth improves microcirculation and tissue trophism.

4. Salvage pathway: the body uses the introduced nucleotides to repair damaged strands of its own DNA.

Main indications for use

Polynucleotides are universal soldiers in the beautician's arsenal:

1. Age-related skin changes:

• decreased skin turgor and elasticity;
• thin, atrophic skin;
• fine and medium wrinkles;
• reduced dermis density;
• photo- and chronoaging (skin recovery after intense solar radiation).

2. Dehydration and deterioration of skin quality:

• dryness and dehydration of the skin;
• dull complexion;
• impaired skin microrelief;
• reduced elasticity.

3. Skin regeneration and restoration:

• recovery after aggressive cosmetic procedures (laser procedures, peels, RF-techniques);
• rehabilitation after plastic surgery;
• accelerated tissue healing;
• damaged or stressed skin.

4. Delicate anatomical areas:

• periorbital area - wrinkles, thin skin, reduced turgor, correction of dark circles, puffiness. PDRN does not attract water, so they are ideal for patients prone to pastiness;
• perioral area;
• neck and décolleté;
• hands.

5. Skin structure disorders:

• scars and post-acne (acceleration of regeneration and smoothing of the relief);
• uneven skin relief;
• enlarged pores;
• striae (as part of combined protocols).

6. Seboregulation and problem skin:

• oily skin with signs of dermis degradation;
• post-inflammatory changes after acne;
• reduced skin regenerative potential.

7. Aging prevention:

• early signs of aging in patients 25–35 years old;
• maintaining skin quality between biorevitalization or filler courses;
• preparing the skin for volume correction.

8. Trichology: treatment of alopecia and strengthening hair follicles.

Key advantages of PDRN therapy

​For a cosmetologist, polynucleotides are indispensable due to the following characteristics:

• high biocompatibility - the structure of PDRN is identical to human DNA fragments, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions;
• ​absence of swelling - unlike hyaluronic acid, PDRN molecules do not attract excessive amounts of water. This makes them the drug of choice for patients with a deformation-edematous type of aging and for work in the periorbital zone;
• complex effect - one drug simultaneously works as an antioxidant, reparant and angiogenesis stimulator;
• ​stability of the result: rejuvenation occurs due to the restoration of the skin's own resources, so the effect lasts longer than from simple replacement therapy.

​Clinical effects: what will the client see?

The results of the therapy usually appear gradually (cumulative effect), reaching a peak after 2–3 procedures.

​1. Skin quality and microrelief

​Dermal compaction: the skin becomes more elastic and resilient due to neocollagenesis.

​Pore narrowing: regulation of the sebaceous glands and strengthening of the pore walls.

​Wrinkle smoothing: PDRNs are particularly effective in working with a fine mesh of wrinkles ("crow's feet", pout).

​2. Facial color and tone

​"Porcelain skin" effect: improved microcirculation provides a healthy glow and blush.

​Lightening pigmentation: PDRNs inhibit excessive melanin synthesis, helping to combat solar lentigo and post-acne.

​3. Therapeutic effect

​Anti-inflammatory effect: rapid relief of inflammatory processes (acne, rosacea in remission).

​Accelerated healing: scars and stretch marks (striae) become less noticeable, become softer and acquire the color of healthy skin.

​Lifting effect: thanks to the strengthening of the collagen framework, facial contours are tightened.

Injection techniques and practical advice

To achieve maximum results, cosmetologists are recommended to use the following techniques:

• micropapule: for uniform distribution in the dermis;
• cannula: vector lifting to stimulate collagen synthesis in the middle and lower third of the face;
• bolus: in areas with soft tissue deficiency.

Expert advice: PDRN are perfectly combined in one session with hardware techniques (for example, with microneedle RF-lifting), as they provide tissues with a resource for rapid recovery after thermal damage.

Conclusion

Injectable polynucleotides are not just a trend, but a scientifically proven method of biological rejuvenation. They allow you to work with skin quality at the cellular level, providing long-lasting results without the risk of overcorrection.