If you have recently seen a video or a Korean beauty trend repeatedly on social media about the PDRN ingredient, then it is possible that you must have heard about it.
Initially, PDRN was an ingredient for me also that I was hearing many different things about, somewhere it was being linked to a skin repairer, somewhere it was being linked to bringing glow in the skin and somewhere it was being linked to anti-aging.
But when I learned a little more about PDRN, I realized that every trend should not be assumed to be true. There is research about this ingredient & the evidence on its use.
So what is PDRN and why is it used for the skin? Let us understand it in simple words.
What is PDRN?
The full name of PDRN is Polydeoxyribonucleotide. In simple words, it is an ingredient made up of small fragments of DNA.
PDRN is not just for beauty, it has also been used for wound healing and skin-related medical research, that’s why you hear more about it in skincare and treatment.
PDRN and Polynucleotide are not the same thing. It is very important to explain one thing here: both of them are different from each other; their texture and structure can be different, hence it is not correct to consider both the same.
Why is PDRN used for skin?
A major reason for the interest in PDRN was the promise of healing and restoration of the skin.
What are PDRN Skincare Products?
Nowadays, PDRN is seen in skincare products like
- Serum
- Cream
- Toner
- Eye gel cream
- Facial mask
But here it is important to understand one important difference.
PDRN serums and creams are not the same as medical PDRN and treatments.
The existing research regarding medical treatment is not applicable to any common serum or cream just because both of them have PDRN written in their name.
The quantity of PDRN in products may vary depending on the concentration, formula and the way it reaches the skin.
This is what I found most important about PDRN because on social media, different products and medical treatments are often presented as the same thing.
PDRN is suitable for which skin type?
It is not correct to consider PDRN only for oily or dry skin.
If your skin is
- Dry
- Normal
- Combination
- Oily
then any product with PDRN can be included in your skin routine, but you should not decide by looking only at the type of skin.
What to expect from PDRN?
This is the part where I will be most careful.
From PDRN, one should not expect that the skin will completely change in a few days.
Some research has shown the results of treatment with PDRN and Polynucleotide, but currently the available evidence is limited and better research is needed.
So if I use any product with PDRN, then my expectation will be very simple:
If it can help the skin to look calm, smooth, hydrated and healthy, then it is a good thing, but I would not consider it a magic treatment.
Popular Claims and Reality of PDRN
With PDRN becoming popular, many big claims have also come forward about it.
Sometimes it has been described as a way to get a glass skin in a few days and sometimes as a solution for skin repair.
But being popular in skincare and being fully proven by science are two different things.
In the current research, PDRN and polynucleotide have been described as interesting, but at the same time the need for further research has also been highlighted.
Is PDRN necessary for young people?
This question is most important.
If you are young and your skin is already healthy, then it is not necessary to buy PDRN just after seeing a trend.
The basic routine of skincare can also be very simple:
Cleanser + Moisturizer + Sunscreen
After this, if you want to try PDRN due to any specific reason, then it would be better to look at the formula of the product, the need of your skin and the instructions for doing it.
For me, skincare does not mean that I have to add every trending product to my skincare routine.
If the skin needs something, then it is not necessary to add it just for the sake of trend.
How to add PDRN to daily routine?
If you want to try a product containing PDRN, there is no need to complicate your skincare routine too much.
Morning:
Clean your face + use PDRN product + apply moisturizer + sunscreen.
Night:
Clean your face + use PDRN products + moisturizer.
If you are already using active ingredients, then do not add too many new products at the same time.
It is better to add new products slowly in the routine so that if there is any problem like irritation etc. then it can be identified easily.
And the most important thing is to read the instructions given on the product.
My final opinion about PDRN
Seeing PDRN’s trend, I too got curious as to why everyone is talking about it.
After seeing the available research about it, I felt that there is still some reason for interest in it, but social media has presented it in a more amazing way.
For now, it is not right to call PDRN an ingredient that is guaranteed to change everyone’s skin.
If you want to try PDRN, then look at the need of your skin instead of just trend.
Read the formula of the product and keep realistic expectations. Ultimately, not every popular skincare product is necessary for our skin.
FAQs
What is Skincare with PDRN?
PDRN is an ingredient obtained from DNA which is being used in different skincare products like serum, cream, mask etc. There is research about this regarding skin repair and skin improvement.
Is PDRN suitable for all skin types?
It depends on the formula of the product and the type of skin.
Does PDRN remove acne?
It is not right to consider PDRN as a direct treatment for acne.
It is better to look for suitable skincare or consult a dermatologist.
Is PDRN necessary for young skin?
No, PDRN is not a must-have ingredient for young people with healthy skin, basic skincare is more important.
Are PDRN and polynucleotides the same thing?
No, both are DNA related ingredients. But there may be a difference in the structure of both, hence they should not be considered as replacements of each other.
Can PDRN make skin better?
Some medical treatment studies have shown good results of PDRN and polynucleotide based treatments, but according to the available evidence, the results are limited, so more research is needed.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational information related to general skincare. It is not a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Research about PDRN is ongoing and results may vary with different products.
Before using any new skincare product, read its complete formula and instructions.
If the problem of your skin is severe irritation or a medical issue, then consult a dermatologist.
Want to learn more about skin types? Read our guide on Skin Types