Hyaluronic acid has been the darling of the skincare industry for years — and for good reason. But a newer class of ingredient — polynucleotides, also known as PDRN — is increasingly recognised as a more powerful alternative for skin regeneration.
Here's what each one does, how they differ, and why PDRN is at the heart of all three of our treatments at Skin Health Practice.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found in the skin, joints, and connective tissue. It's a humectant — a molecule that attracts and holds water. A single gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water.
In skincare, HA is used to: - Attract moisture to the skin and maintain hydration - Create a plumping effect by filling spaces between skin cells - Improve skin texture and surface smoothness
HA is also used in dermal fillers, where it's injected to restore volume and reduce the appearance of deep lines.
### Limitations of Hyaluronic Acid While HA is excellent for surface hydration and immediate plumping, it has significant limitations:
- **Temporary effects** — topical HA sits on the surface and must be applied daily to maintain results - **No regenerative effect** — HA does not stimulate collagen production or trigger cellular repair - **Molecular size** — larger HA molecules cannot penetrate the skin barrier; smaller fragments penetrate slightly deeper but still don't reach the dermis - **No healing properties** — HA hydrates but does not repair damaged tissue
What Are Polynucleotides (PDRN)?
Polynucleotides — sold under various names including PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), PN, and Rejuran — are long chains of DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon sperm DNA. They're a key ingredient in regenerative medicine and, increasingly, in advanced aesthetic treatments.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides do not simply hydrate the skin — they actively stimulate cellular repair and regeneration.
### How PDRN Works
PDRN works through several distinct mechanisms:
1. **Purinergic receptor activation** — PDRN binds to specific receptors (A2A adenosine receptors) that trigger tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level 2. **DNA repair** — as a DNA fragment, PDRN provides building blocks that skin cells use to repair damaged DNA 3. **Collagen and elastin stimulation** — PDRN stimulates fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen production) to produce more collagen and elastin 4. **Anti-inflammatory action** — PDRN actively reduces inflammation, creating conditions that support healing and regeneration 5. **Angiogenesis** — PDRN stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, improving circulation and nutrient delivery to the skin
Polynucleotides vs Hyaluronic Acid: Key Differences
| | Hyaluronic Acid | Polynucleotides (PDRN) | |---|---|---| | **Primary action** | Hydration and volume | Cellular regeneration and repair | | **Collagen stimulation** | None | Significant | | **Duration of effect** | Temporary (topical) | Lasting (stimulates ongoing repair) | | **DNA repair** | No | Yes | | **Anti-inflammatory** | No | Yes | | **Healing properties** | No | Yes | | **Suitable for sensitive skin** | Yes | Yes | | **Depth of action** | Surface to upper dermis | Deep dermis |
Why We Use PDRN — Not HA — in Our Treatments
At Skin Health Practice, PDRN is a foundational ingredient in all three of our specialist microneedling treatments:
- **Tightening Solution** — PDRN supports the regenerative process alongside Collagen, Elastin, Exosomes, and DMAE - **Eyecon Solution** — PDRN drives tissue repair in the delicate periorbital area - **Aging Solution** — PDRN combines with Exosomes, Niacinamide, and NAD+ for comprehensive skin renewal
We chose PDRN because our goal is not just to hydrate or temporarily fill — it's to stimulate genuine, lasting regeneration that continues working long after the treatment session.
When delivered through microneedling directly into the dermis, PDRN reaches exactly the depth where cellular repair and collagen synthesis take place — producing results that topical hyaluronic acid simply cannot replicate.
To find out more about our treatments and which is right for your skin, book a free consultation at Skin Health Practice. Call **020 3886 1313** or visit us at 65-73 Staines Road, Hounslow.