If you’ve been anywhere near skincare in the last two years, you’ve heard the letters PDRN. It’s in clinic menus next to laser and microneedling. It’s showing up on shelves in Seoul, Sydney and London. And it’s changing how dermatologists think about skin renewal.
Here’s what it actually is, how it works on your skin, and why we built our entire range around it.
What is PDRN?
PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide — a fancy way of saying ‘fragments of DNA’. Specifically, it’s made up of short chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) that your skin’s own cells recognise and respond to.
When applied to skin, PDRN doesn’t just sit on the surface. It signals to your cells to do what they already know how to do — just faster and better: repair, regenerate, rebuild collagen, and turn over old cells.
Why salmon DNA?
Salmon DNA is structurally similar to human DNA, which is why it’s become the gold-standard source. Salmon PDRN is also a sustainable choice — derived from the trimmings of salmon already processed for food, it’s an upcycled active that would otherwise be waste.
This is the same source used in clinical PDRN treatments around the world.
How PDRN works on your skin
Three things happen when PDRN reaches the lower layers of your skin:
- Fibroblast activity increases. Fibroblasts are the cells that make collagen. PDRN switches them on.
- Cell turnover accelerates. Old, damaged cells are cleared faster; new ones come up to the surface.
- Micro-damage is repaired. Tiny daily injuries (sun, pollution, friction) that normally accumulate get patched up.
The result is skin that visibly looks firmer, brighter, smoother, and more resilient over a few weeks of consistent use.
The catch: PDRN can’t reach deep skin layers on its own
PDRN is a relatively large molecule. To deliver real results topically (rather than injected in clinic), it needs help getting into the skin.
That’s why we pair PDRN with Micro-Spicule delivery in our flagship PulseRenew serum. Micro-spicules create temporary channels in the skin’s surface so PDRN can reach the layers where it actually works — inspired by the same principle as in-clinic microneedling.
What results to expect
Most people see changes in this order:
- Week 1-2: Better hydration, more even tone, calmer skin
- Week 3-4: Visible firming, smoother texture, brighter complexion
- Week 6-8+: Reduction in the look of fine lines, stronger skin barrier
Individual results vary. PDRN works at the cellular level — the longer you use it, the more your skin renews.
Australian-made PDRN, made accessible
PDRN treatments in clinic typically cost $300–$500 per session, with multiple sessions recommended. We built Next Skin to bring the same active ingredient into a daily routine you can do at home, for a fraction of the price.
Every Next Skin formula is developed with leading scientists, manufactured in Australia, and formulated with precision and integrity.
Where to start
For your first PDRN routine, we recommend the Skin Reset Kit. It pairs PulseRenew (nightly PDRN serum) and GlowSerum (daily brightening). One routine, designed to be used together.
If you’re focused on hair density, the Hair Pulse serum delivers PDRN directly to the scalp.
Questions about PDRN or which routine is right for you? Get in touch — we read every message.
