PDRN vs PN: What’s the Difference? Skin-Regenerating Injections Explained by a Gangnam Dermatology Clinic

As interest in skin care has grown, more and more people are looking into treatments such as Rejuran, skin boosters and skin-regenerating injections.

Especially when your skin looks dry and dull, its texture has become rougher than before, or fine lines are starting to show, it is natural to become interested in treatments that improve the condition of the skin itself.

Two ingredients come up again and again here: PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) and PN (Polynucleotide).

Both are derived from DNA, so it is easy to assume they are the same thing. In fact, they are often introduced together as “skin-regenerating injections” or “salmon injections”.

However, PDRN and PN differ in their molecular properties, formulation, researched actions and areas of use.

So what exactly is the difference between PDRN and PN? And is Rejuran a PDRN injection or a PN injection?

In this article, QD Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, looks in detail at the characteristics of each ingredient, how they differ, how to choose according to your skin concern, and what to know before treatment.

1. What Are Skin-Regenerating Injections?

The skin is an organ that is constantly exposed to the outside environment.

UV rays, dry air, lifestyle habits and aging all affect the condition of the skin. Over time, the skin’s ability to hold moisture can decline, its texture can become rougher and fine lines can become more noticeable.

To address these changes, a variety of skin booster treatments are used in aesthetic dermatology.

“Skin booster” is a general term for treatments that inject specific ingredients into the skin according to its condition and the purpose of treatment.

Well-known ingredients include:

• PN (polynucleotide)

• PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide)

• Hyaluronic acid (HA)

• Other combination ingredients for aesthetic purposes

However, not all skin boosters work in the same way.

For example, hyaluronic acid is used mainly for its physical, moisture-related properties, while PDRN has been studied in relation to tissue repair processes.

PN is also being studied for the physical properties of its products and their potential to improve skin condition.

So when choosing a skin-regenerating injection, it is more important to check the characteristics of the ingredient and each product’s approved indications than simply to look for a popular product.

2. What Is a PDRN Injection? An Ingredient Studied in Relation to Skin Repair

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a substance containing nucleotide chains derived from DNA.

Products are generally known to be made by purifying DNA derived from fish of the salmon family.

PDRN was not originally studied only for aesthetic treatments. Research on it has been carried out in fields such as tissue damage and repair and wound healing.

In particular, some studies have suggested that PDRN may be involved in signalling processes related to the adenosine A2A receptor.

This action is an important research topic for understanding tissue repair and the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Key Characteristics of PDRN

① Research related to tissue repair

PDRN has been covered in research on how damaged tissue recovers. Data range from cell-level studies to clinical studies in specific wound-healing fields.

However, research on wound healing does not in itself prove the effect of aesthetic injections given to healthy skin.

② Relevance to skin damage and inflammatory responses

Some studies on the biological action of PDRN have observed signalling pathways related to inflammatory responses and tissue repair.

However, how much improvement appears in actual aesthetic treatments must be assessed separately for each product and method of use.

③ Used in various formulations

PDRN can be used in different formulations depending on how a product is manufactured and its intended use.

So the ingredient name “PDRN” alone cannot tell you an injection’s effect, safety or appropriate treatment area.

3. What Is a PN Injection? The Ingredient Behind Rejuran

PN stands for polynucleotide, a polymer made up of many linked nucleotides.

One of the best-known PN-based products in aesthetic medicine is Rejuran.

PN is also DNA-derived, but in aesthetic products its relatively long molecular chains and the physical properties of the formulation are considered important.

PN-based products are sometimes used for purposes related to skin condition, such as skin texture and fine lines.

However, not all PN products have the same effect, and their actual intended use and clinical evidence must be checked product by product.

Key Characteristics of PN

① Polymer structure and formulation properties

Many PN products use long nucleotide chains, and their physical properties, such as viscoelasticity, can vary with their molecular characteristics.

② Research on skin texture and fine lines

Clinical studies related to improving skin texture and fine lines have been carried out on some PN-based products.

However, these results apply to specific products and study conditions and cannot be applied equally to every PN injection.

③ Choosing according to each product’s characteristics

Even among PN-based products, concentration, formulation and treatment areas can differ.

That is why it is important to discuss with a doctor whether a product suits your skin concern.

4. PDRN vs PN: The Differences at a Glance

PDRN and PN are both DNA-derived, but the products used in aesthetic medicine differ in their characteristics and in the fields in which they have been researched.

There is one important point here.

You cannot simply say that PDRN is always better for regeneration and PN is always better for firmness.

The two terms are related, and each product has a different molecular weight range and characteristics. So it is difficult to judge which is more effective from molecular size alone.

In actual treatment, not only the ingredient but also the product’s concentration, the injection method, the treatment area and your individual skin condition all play an important role.

5. Is Rejuran a PDRN Injection or a PN Injection?

When you search for skin-regenerating injections, you will often find Rejuran described as a “PDRN injection” or a “salmon injection”.

Strictly speaking, however, the main Rejuran products are PN-based.

Because PDRN and PN are both DNA-derived, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but when describing a product it is more accurate to refer to its actual main ingredient.

Rejuran Products and Their Characteristics

Rejuran Healer

The best-known PN-based product. It is a skin booster often mentioned in consultations about skin texture and fine lines.

Rejuran i (eye)

A product line used for delicate areas such as around the eyes. Suitability is judged by considering the condition of the skin around the eyes and fine lines.

Rejuran HB

A combination formulation containing PN, hyaluronic acid and other components, so a consultation that takes the product’s characteristics into account is needed.

As you can see, products sold under the Rejuran name differ in composition depending on the type.

Areas where the skin is thin and sensitive, such as around the eyes and mouth, in particular cannot be approached in the same way as the whole face, so the condition of each area needs to be checked carefully.

It is best to check each product’s ingredients and intended use against its domestic approved indications and the latest product information.

6. PDRN or PN by Skin Concern: Which Treatment Might Be Considered?

People look into skin-regenerating injections for a wider range of reasons than you might expect.

For some, the concern is makeup that won’t sit well on dry skin; others are looking into treatment because of pores or fine lines.

But even the same ingredient is not equally suitable for every skin concern.

① If your skin looks dry and dull

When skin is dry, its surface can look rough and makeup may not sit well.

In this case it is important to check the condition of your skin barrier and your moisturising habits first.

Depending on your needs, hyaluronic acid-based products or other skin care approaches may be considered; PN or PDRN is not necessarily the first choice.

② If rough texture and fine lines are your concern

Skin texture and fine lines are affected by many factors, including hydration, UV exposure, aging and facial expression habits.

Some PN-based products have been studied in relation to these skin conditions.

However, depending on the depth and cause of fine lines, a treatment other than injections may be more suitable.

③ If the skin around your eyes is thin and has fine lines

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the face.

In particular, under-eye darkness has many possible causes, including pigmentation, visible blood vessels, protruding under-eye fat and sagging skin.

So a skin booster used around the eyes cannot necessarily improve all dark circles or under-eye sagging.

It is important to identify the exact cause before deciding on treatment.

④ If pores and acne scars are your concern

Pores and acne scars are a different problem from simple dry skin.

Depressed acne scars in particular can involve structural changes in the skin tissue, so they are difficult to improve completely with injections alone.

Depending on the shape of the pores and the depth of the scars, other treatment methods may need to be considered.

⑤ If your skin is sensitive and reacts easily

If your skin is sensitive, its current condition should be checked first.

If the skin barrier is damaged or there is an inflammatory skin condition, it may be appropriate to postpone injection treatments.

The fact that PDRN has been researched in relation to tissue repair does not mean it is suitable for all sensitive skin.

7. When Do the Effects of PDRN and PN Injections Appear?

One of the most common questions from people considering skin boosters is when they will start to notice a change after treatment.

However, the timing of the effects of skin-regenerating injections is not the same for everyone.

Right after treatment, temporary swelling or changes on the skin surface caused by the injections may appear.

It is important to distinguish these reactions from long-term improvement in the skin.

Real changes in skin condition are influenced by the product’s characteristics, the treatment method, your individual skin condition and your lifestyle.

Whether repeat treatments are needed, and at what intervals, can also differ by product.

So rather than applying a specific number of sessions or period you read about online to everyone, it is best to plan with your doctor.

8. Aftercare and Precautions After PDRN or PN Injections

Skin-regenerating injections are medical procedures that use needles in the skin, so it is important to fully understand their side effects and precautions.

Common reactions after treatment include:

• Redness and swelling at the injection sites

• Temporary bruising or pain

• Small bumps visible on the skin surface

• Itching or irritation

• Rarely, infection, allergic reactions or persistent nodules

Most temporary reactions can ease over time, but not every adverse reaction resolves on its own.

In particular, if pain gets worse, the skin changes colour abnormally, or warmth or pus develops, you should see a doctor promptly.

If symptoms such as changes in vision appear, seek emergency care immediately.

After treatment, follow the aftercare instructions given by your medical team and avoid rubbing or irritating the injection sites excessively.

Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to a particular ingredient, or have a skin infection or inflammation, you must tell your doctor before treatment.

9. Key Criteria When Choosing Skin-Regenerating Injections at a Gangnam Dermatology Clinic

These days, information about aesthetic treatments is easy to find on social media and online communities.

But a treatment that worked well for someone else will not necessarily give you the same result.

When choosing a skin-regenerating injection, it is worth checking the following.

First, check the exact ingredient and product name.

PDRN and PN are related ingredients, but they do not mean the same product.

You should check which product is actually used, and what its main ingredients and approved indications are.

Second, identify the cause of your skin concern.

The reason your skin is dry and the reason fine lines form can be different.

So it is important to examine your skin condition thoroughly before deciding on a treatment.

Third, understand not only the effects of a treatment but also its limits.

Skin boosters alone cannot resolve deep wrinkles, severe sagging or structural scars.

Depending on your individual condition, other treatment methods may be needed.

Fourth, consider recovery time and side effects.

Especially if you have an important event or an overseas trip coming up, consider the possibility of bruising and swelling after treatment.

Fifth, have a thorough consultation with your doctor.

Even with the same skin-regenerating injection, suitability can vary with the treatment area, skin thickness and your previous treatment history.

10. Skin-Regenerating Skin Boosters at QD Clinic in Gangnam

QD Clinic, located in Gangnam, Seoul, offers consultations that take each person’s skin condition and concerns into account.

From dry, rough skin to fine lines, loss of firmness and concerns around the eyes, causes and conditions differ from person to person.

So rather than deciding on a treatment based only on a product’s popularity or trends, it is important to check your current skin condition and find the right care plan.

At QD Clinic, individual skin concerns are assessed through skin analysis and consultation with a doctor, and we explain the treatments that may be needed and the precautions involved.

We also offer consultation guidance in English for international visitors to Korea, so foreign visitors looking into aesthetic skin treatments in Gangnam can request a consultation.

11. PDRN vs PN: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Are PDRN and PN the same ingredient?

PDRN and PN are both related to DNA-derived nucleotide chains. However, the meaning of the terms and each product’s molecular characteristics and formulation can differ, so it is hard to describe them as exactly the same ingredient.

Q2. Is Rejuran a PDRN injection?

The main ingredient of the main Rejuran products is PN. Because the two ingredients are related, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but it is more accurate to distinguish them by a product’s actual ingredient.

Q3. Is PN better than PDRN?

It is hard to say that one ingredient is always superior. Skin condition, the purpose of treatment, and each product’s clinical evidence and approved indications must all be considered together.

Q4. Do PDRN or PN injections increase collagen?

Some studies have looked at skin tissue and collagen-related markers, but the same collagen-increasing effect has not been proven for every product. The level of evidence varies by product and study conditions.

Q5. Can skin-regenerating injections get rid of pores and scars?

Pores and scars vary in cause and shape, so there is no guarantee that a particular injection alone can remove them completely. Other treatments may be needed depending on your skin condition.

Q6. Can I have PDRN and PN injections at the same time?

Whether they can be combined depends on each product’s characteristics and intended use and on your individual skin condition. There is not enough evidence that simply using both ingredients together gives better results, so a doctor’s judgement is needed.

Q7. Can I have skin-regenerating injections while travelling in Korea?

Treatment during a trip can be considered, but you should allow enough time for recovery, such as bruising and swelling. It is also a good idea to check that you can get appropriate care if an adverse reaction occurs after you return home.

12. Conclusion: PDRN or PN — What Matters Is the Right Choice for You

When looking into skin-regenerating injections, you will often come across the names PDRN and PN.

Both ingredients are derived from DNA, but they differ in molecular characteristics, formulation, related research and each product’s intended use.

PDRN has been covered in research on tissue repair and wound healing, while PN is known as an ingredient used in aesthetic skin products such as Rejuran.

However, these characteristics alone cannot tell you which ingredient is more effective.

What matters is not choosing a famous injection, but finding the product and treatment method that suit your skin condition.

The causes of concerns such as dryness, fine lines, skin texture and loss of firmness differ from person to person, so a thorough consultation before treatment is needed.

QD Clinic, a dermatology clinic in Gangnam, offers guidance on the right care plan through consultations that take your individual skin condition into account.

If you are interested in skin-regenerating injections and skin boosters, take the time to understand the exact ingredients and product characteristics, and choose carefully.