This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Your head probably spins daily as you consistently hear what the best and worst skincare treatments are. They vary by your age, specific skin concerns, complexion, and even your race and ethnicity. It’s seemingly impossible to find the perfect regiment that suits you and your skincare needs. So, it can be confusing when a new skincare craze emerges seemingly out of nowhere much like PDRN. What is PDRN? Where did it come from? How do you use it? And is it really for me? These are probably the questions that have run through your mind. I’m here to make it a lot less confusing, debunk whatever doubts or confidence you have in the products, and replace them with the truth. Is PDRN the latest skincare savior or just the newest skincare craze? We’ll find out together.
What Is PDRN?
If the first question that came to mind was, “What is PDRN?” I’m happy to clear this up once and for all. It is short for Polydeoxyribonucleotide. I know that’s a mouthful and I too will continue to call it by its four-letter nickname. It’s found in human placentas which many know have amazing healing properties. This is why many women choose to eat their placentas after giving birth. But in this case, it’s derived from salmon or trout DNA and more specifically sperm. Originally it was an injectable skin treatment practiced in Korea to provide patients with ageless glass skin by stimulating collagen growth in the skin cells. It’s said to be the ultimate treatment that leads to perfect hydration, elasticity, and blemish and scar-free skin. But now the phenomenon has caught on and companies are selling it by the jar, promising the same results as the injectable treatment.
PDRN Injections
Injections are the original PDRN process. The procedure is very short, spanning from about 15-20 minutes and you can go home right after. But make no mistake. Any time something is injected into your skin, it should be taken seriously. After your face is cleaned a light topical anesthesia (or numbing cream) is applied. Then the procedure begins with a licensed professional injecting the substance into different parts of the face. They inject it across the forehead, cheeks, sides, and chin. There is barely any recovery time as you will be able to go home immediately after the procedure but the injection spots may be visible for up to 48 hours. How long do the effects last? Well, it depends but you can expect your results to last a few months to a year. So it may be worth it to some.
Topical PDRN Products
Social media influencers will have you believe this is the answer to your skincare woes. The clever marketing of the companies and support of their brand ambassadors almost had me sold as well! Companies such as Medicube and Rejuran have put so much into their social media presence that I was convinced I would have the skin of an 18-year-old within a week of purchasing all of their products! And while I am sure these products are great, they don’t provide the same results as the injections since they are not placed directly into your skin. Instead, they are being smeared on topically. Even though the products absorb into the layers of your skin, there’s still no comparison to the invasive concept of the injections themselves. Additionally, not much science is available to support the effectiveness of PDRN applied topically. Sorry!
Cost Of PDRN
You can expect the PDRN injection procedure to cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 per session. This is admittedly affordable for influencers like Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber. And cost can vary heavily based on location and what you have included in your package. A boutique spa in Beverly Hills may run you a bit more than a more laid-back spa in Orlando, Florida. But it’s safe to say that this procedure will cost you more than a jar of the available serums, gels, and face masks. Serums and gels seem to range from $20- $300. Prices will vary based on the company and ingredients of the products, of course. I personally like Medicube’s price ranges as opposed to the more expensive brands that were available.
Possible Concerns
Like anything you put on your face or body, there can be side effects. And though it’s rare, allergic reactions can occur from the injection and topical use of PDRN products. Mild swelling, redness, and bruising can occur at the injection sites. And for those who have opted for the serums and gels, breakouts have been reported. Again, these are all things that can happen with any products so this is not meant to discourage but more to keep you aware of the possibilities in case it turns out that PDRN is not the savior you thought it might be for you specifically. Just remember to go to reputable and certified professionals and consult with medical professionals before you decide to go this route. It’s not worth the possible inconvenience.
Is It Science?
According to an article written in Vogue Arabia, German Board Certified Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, Dr. Shehzadi Kohli, confirms, There’s solid science backing PDRN.” She states that when administered with injections, the active ingredients have been shown to speed up natural healing. She continued, “One study on diabetic foot ulcers found that it actually doubled the healing rate.” So maybe there is something to this new procedure! However, the research is overwhelmingly based on injections and not topicals.
The True Secret Behind Perfect Skin
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want flawless skin every day. We all want to look as youthful and vibrant as we can for as long as humanly possible… and beyond. But here’s the hard truth. Are there amazing products out there that will allow you to look radiant every day? Of course! But remember that a lot of your skin journey is highly influenced by genetics, your diet, your environment, and other things not taken into account. Does that mean that products are a waste of money? No! There are so many things that can help you keep a natural glow like using retinol, hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and perhaps the most important product sunscreen! Drink water, get sleep, and reduce the amount of pressure you put on yourself to look and be perfect.
Remember that we are supposed to age. It’s a gift! You will have smile lines from the funniest moments of your life, hyperpigmentation from that one pimple you picked years ago, and worry lines from that annoying job you once had. They are a part of what makes that beautiful face of yours. So, try these products and procedures if you like. You never know what could work for you, but make sure you love what you see in the mirror, regardless. Beyonce said it best. You wake up flawless.
What do you think about this latest skincare craze? Comment your thoughts below.
Leave a Reply