Salmon Sperm DNA: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in Skincare

As a dermatologist and skin care expert, I’m often asked about interesting new ingredients popping up in skincare products. One that generates a lot of curiosity is salmon sperm DNA . While it may sound unusual, salmon sperm contains a compound called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) that has shown promising effects on skin health and anti-aging. On the product label the official INCI name is Sodium DNA

These are the names it may be called:

Polydeoxyribonucleotide= Common name

PDRN = Abbreviation of above

Sodium DNA = INCI name

Salmon Sperm

Salmon Sperm DNA

Salmon Semen

Fish sperm

Fish semen

Skincare Products Containing Salmon Sperm DNA

PDRN is starting to be incorporated into topical skincare products, especially in East Asia. Look for PDRN in the ingredients list for serums, ampoules, lotions, and creams focused on anti-aging.

There several products with this ingredient. Look on the label for the INCI name Sodium DNA, Polydeoxyribonucleodtide, or PDRN.

Why is Salmon Sperm used in skin care?

Why Salmon Sperm is Used on Skin?

Salmon sperm is an ideal source to extract high purity PDRN. The sperm DNA has very low levels of proteins, peptides, and other contaminants compared to other DNA sources. Through a specialized extraction process at high temperatures, over 95% pure PDRN can be obtained from salmon sperm, with no active proteins or peptides. This eliminates concerns about immunological reactions.

What is Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)?

Sodium DNA is a signal peptide that mimics extracellular nucleotides. It is composed of DNA fragments from salmon sperm cells. The chemical structure consists of short, low molecular weight DNA chains, ranging from 50 to 1500 kiloDaltons in size. These DNA strands are polymers made up of linked deoxyribonucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. The deoxyribonucleotides contain a sugar, phosphate group, and purine or pyrimidine base.

The linear DNA chains twist together into the classic double helix shape. PDRN likely gets broken down by enzymes in the skin into individual nucleotides and nucleosides to provide benefits.

how does PDRN work?

How Does PDRN from Salmon Sperm Work on Skin?

PDRN acts through two key mechanisms – activation of adenosine A2A receptors and providing nucleotides for the salvage pathway in cells.

When applied to skin, PDRN is thought to release nucleotides like adenosine that activate adenosine A2A receptors. These receptors are found on many cell types in the skin, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Activation of A2A receptors sets off a cascade of cellular signals that drive benefits like:

Increased fibroblasts production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins

Promoted blood vessel and capillary growth by enhancing VEGF production in endothelial cells

Reduced inflammation by inhibiting production of inflammatory cytokines

The salvage pathway allows cells to recycle nucleotides and nucleosides from broken down DNA and RNA. PDRN delivers nucleotides and nucleosides that skin cells can use in this pathway to synthesize new DNA instead of undergoing taxing de novo synthesis. This provides energy and supports skin cell proliferation and growth.

benefits of salmon sperm

Benefits of Salmon Semen-derived PDRN for Skin

Through these dual mechanisms, PDRN has shown a range of benefits for revitalizing and rejuvenating skin.

Salmon Sperm DNA has these skin benefits:

Improves skin texture by stimulating collagen production and inhibiting MMPs that degrade collagen

Firms skin and improves elasticity and sagging

Promotes DNA repair and growth of skin cells

Boosts angiogenesis to improve blood flow and nutrition to skin tissue

Reduces inflammation from UV exposure or other skin damage

Lightens hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis and tyrosinase enzyme activity

Helps regenerate hair growth in combination with laser therapy

Dermal Fillers with PDRN

Studies outside the US are looking at the benefits of dermal fillers containing salmon sperm DNA extract.

EvoPDRN

My patients from Brazil told me about EvoPDRN that is used in Brazil. It has not yet been studies in the USA or proven to be safe. It is not approved by the FDA in the US and as far as I know- there are no ongoing trials in the US on this at this time (Nov 2023).

PDRN is also used in injectable dermal fillers, particularly in Brazil. EvoPDRN is an injectable hyaluronic acid filler that contains PDRN. It has been reported to provide better tissue regeneration and more natural looking results compared to HA fillers alone.

Combining PDRN with Procedures

Another emerging use is applying PDRN products immediately after microneedling, laser resurfacing, skin tightening procedures, and other minimally invasive treatments.

The micro-injuries created stimulate the skin’s natural wound healing response. Applying PDRN helps maximize this effect by providing nucleotides to ramp up cell activity and growth factors to boost tissue regeneration.

PDRN injections combined with fractionated thulium laser treatments have also shown promising results for pattern hair loss. The PDRN seems to enhance the hair growth stimulating effects of the laser therapy.

PDRN from salmon sperm DNA is an intriguing new ingredient for anti-aging skincare. Early evidence indicates it may help improve skin quality, texture, collagen levels, and hair growth. More research is still needed, but PDRN’s role in supporting skin cell regeneration shows therapeutic potential. I’m hopeful larger scale studies will continue to reveal benefits and expand PDRN applications in dermatology.

Looking for the best skincare products with PDRN Salmon Sperm DNA for your skin type? Let me help!

It all starts by taking the skin type quiz so I can give you a custom skin care routine.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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