As the science of dermatology continues to rocket forward, we've been able to isolate more of the compounds found in nature to harness their benefits for the skin. Some of these may have been used in the past as oral treatments to help promote health and healing in the body. Now, they're integrated into some of the best topical skincare. A great example of this? A compound currently beloved in Korean beauty lines: PDRN.
This little ingredient places an essential role in K-beauty trends, because it can help you achieve glass skin and smooth the effects of aging. Let's dig into why it's so popular — and what sets it apart from other ingredients on the market.
For all of its uses, PDRN's origins are still a bit controversial! It's derived from salmon DNA, an unexpected natural source. So how did it get into skincare — and what shocks people about it?
Polydeoxyribonucleotide, or PDRN, is a registered drug derived from a process of controlled purification, then rigorous sterilization, of DNA from salmon trout and chum salmon. Which DNA in particular? It is actually the sperm of both of these fish! This means it can be harvested repeatedly without killing the fish in question.
Because of the unique properties of the DNA itself and the way it is processed, it's
stripped of any potentially harmful active proteins and the peptides in similar types of DNA. And because it's taken from a string of specific DNA, it is also effective at your own cellular level. The result is PDRN, a healing agent found to be effective for its anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, and tissue repairing properties — and a miracle worker in the cosmetic world!
PDRN has been around for a while now, but it has only become popular in skincare during the last several years. It has a distinctive ability to reduce the cytokine levels that slow the healing process. Originally, it was used as a wound healing compound, specifically to treat diabetic foot ulcers and other similar types of wounds. It has also been used to treat skin damage — and that's how it began to cross over to being a successful dermatological ingredient.
K-beauty is known for innovation in its formulas, and this ingredient is no exception, appearing in many popular Korean products for skincare. PDRN skincare products are used to treat skin damage and to reduce signs of aging. It works to smooth areas prone to fine lines, and helps even out skin tones.
How does it do all of this? It stimulates collagen production, reminding the skin to boost its overall collagen stores as our production of this valuable compound slows down naturally with age. It also boosts the production of elastin, improving the elasticity of skin, which is how it decreases the appearance of fine lines, particularly in sensitive areas of the skin.
Have you been asking yourself recently how to upgrade your skincare routine? Or maybe you feel like you are ready to try a fresh new option in your usual product line-up? PDRN is easy to integrate into any routine. I love to recommend three particular products as the perfect places to start:
My top recommendation is a glossy serum that is bound to give your skin a glow of hydration. The Dr. Esthé Rejuvenating Ampoule combines PDRN with propolis, another of my favorite K-beauty ingredients, to speed the healing process of the skin's barrier layer. This also helps to plump out wrinkles and prevent higher levels of moisture loss that can quickly make wrinkles more apparent. If you want to know more about this golden product, I talk more about it here!
And don't worry, using an ampoule isn't as complicated as it may sound. After cleansing, massage in a small amount of this ampoule serum first, to help enhance the active ingredients in your other products. Then apply any other serums and finally, your usual moisturizers. You can apply this product both in the morning and at night.
Due to the gentle nature of PDRN, it is often used in K-beauty products for eye and lip repair, such as the House of PLLA Eye and Lip Cream. This product uses PDRN and PLLA to target crow's feet around the eyes and the fine lines that form around the lips.
The cream can also be used in the morning and evening. Just apply a tiny amount, gently massaged into the eye area with an applicator, as a finishing step before putting on your makeup.
The House of PLLA Promoter Volumizing Gel adds moisture back into the skin, creating a plumping effect. In addition to PDRN, it incorporates azulene, a compound derived from chamomile, for an extra-soothing effect on any inflammation in your skin. This gel is effective on its own, but also optimizes the effects of ultrasound treatments, especially when treating acne.
Pro tip: This gel also makes an excellent makeup primer, perfect to help ease any acne-related inflammation before applying makeup.
You might not have guessed how effective salmon DNA could be for the skin! With my 20 years of experience as a licensed master aesthetician, I'm here to share all my latest and greatest findings — along with my tried-and-true faves. Get all the details when you join the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club, including personalized support for your questions, access to savings, and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within the 14 days at no charge.
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