If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling social media, you’ll know that skincare has become obsessed with initialisms. There’s AHA, BHA, PHA, HA, EGF, LED and enough letters to make you feel like you’ve wandered into a game of Scrabble. While SPF remains non negotiable, PDRN is the new four letter emerging as a popular supporting step for those looking to help their skin recover and maintain a healthy looking glow, no matter the season.
What is PDRN?
PDRN, short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, is the ingredient behind the so-called “salmon sperm facial” that has become one of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetic medicine. Before you recoil in horror, let’s clear something up. PDRN is made up of DNA fragments, traditionally derived from salmon, which researchers have been studying for decades because of their ability to support tissue repair and regeneration.
What are the benefits?
Research suggests it may help support wound healing, calm inflammation, encourage collagen production and improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation.
How to use PDRN in your skincare routine
For years, PDRN was mostly found in professional treatments carried out in clinics and medical spas. It’s often applied after procedures such as microneedling and laser treatments, when the skin is primed to absorb restorative ingredients more effectively.
More recently, PDRN has made its way into at-home skincare products, including serums, creams and sheet masks. While these won’t work as deeply as professional treatments, regular use may help improve skin texture, elasticity and glow over time.
Is PDRN worth it?
Like most skincare ingredients, it’s not a miracle cure and it won’t erase every sign of ageing overnight. But if your goals include brighter, calmer, healthier-looking skin, PDRN is certainly one of the more interesting ingredients to emerge in recent years. And in a beauty world overflowing with confusing acronyms, it’s one worth remembering.
