Rejuran (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) Skin Booster: Clinical Applications
Rejuran is a polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) skin booster used primarily for skin rejuvenation, wound healing acceleration, wrinkle reduction, and treatment of photoaging-associated hyperpigmentation through intradermal injection. 1, 2, 3
Primary Clinical Indications
Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
- PDRN promotes physiological tissue repair by activating adenosine A2A receptors and salvage pathways, leading to increased collagen synthesis, improved skin texture, and reduced wrinkles. 3
- The mechanism involves stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, enhanced angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. 1, 3
- Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvements in skin smoothness, elasticity, moisture content, and overall facial appearance after 3-4 treatment sessions. 4
Wound Healing Enhancement
- PDRN accelerates impaired wound healing in conditions such as diabetes, thermal injury, and ischemia by promoting cell migration and growth while reducing inflammation. 3
- It reduces wound hypoxia, decreases oxygen radical levels, and enhances angiogenesis in compromised tissue. 3
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
- PDRN exhibits novel anti-melanogenesis properties by decreasing melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and MITF/TRP-1 expression through ERK and AKT signaling pathways. 2
- Clinical evaluation of six female patients showed more than noticeable improvements in facial hyperpigmentation after three intradermal PDRN injection sessions. 2
Molecular Classification and Product Characteristics
Standardized Nomenclature
- PDRN refers specifically to DNA polymers with molecular weight <1500 kDa, while polynucleotides (PN) denote polymers ≥1500 kDa. 1
- Commercial PDRN products (Placentex, Rejuvenex, HiDr) are traditionally extracted from salmon sperm cells (Oncorhynchus mykiss or O. keta). 5
- The molecular weight range typically spans 50-1500 kDa, though recent formulations may include fragments from 1-10,000 kDa. 1
Available Formulations
- PDRN is commercially available as injectables, gels, creams, serums, and masks for various aesthetic applications. 1
Optimal Treatment Protocol
Injection Technique
- Use 30-gauge needles with 4mm length for intradermal delivery at shallow angles with bevel facing upward. 6
- Each injection must create a visible wheal or papule with blanching to confirm proper intradermal placement and avoid deeper vascular structures. 6
- Space injections 5mm apart across treatment areas including crow's feet, nasolabial folds, perioral wrinkles, and periorbital regions. 6
Treatment Schedule
- Administer 3-4 initial treatment sessions spaced one month apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6-12 months. 6
- Apply topical anesthesia for at least 30 minutes before the procedure and remove completely before injections. 6
Zone-Specific Modifications
- For delicate periorbital skin, reduce needle gauge further and limit depth to 0.25mm, or consider using a 22G × 2 inches cannula for enhanced safety. 4, 6
- Warn patients about potential bruising and swelling in the under-eye area. 4, 6
Combination Therapy Strategies
PDRN with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Combining PDRN (marketed as "skin booster") with PRP demonstrates superior clinical efficacy compared to either treatment alone, with 88.75% total clinical effectiveness and only 6.25% adverse reaction incidence. 7
- This combination significantly improves facial skin indicators, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with appearance after one treatment course. 7
- The synergistic effect delivers multiple growth factors for soft tissue repair combined with PDRN's regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. 8, 7
PDRN with Microneedling
- Microneedling combined with PDRN acts synergistically to improve acne scars and overall skin rejuvenation outcomes. 4
- Inject PDRN into problem areas before microneedling when the product is in its most liquid form. 6
PDRN with Hyaluronic Acid
- A 50:50 mix of PRP (which can be combined with PDRN) and non-crosslinked HA produces highly significant improvement in overall facial appearance (p<0.0001) with 20%, 24%, and 17% increases in FACE-Q scores at 1,3, and 6 months respectively. 8
- Mix immediately before injection in a single syringe for optimal results. 8
Safety Profile and Adverse Effects
Documented Safety
- PDRN demonstrates excellent safety with minimal side effects, promoting healing time and wound regeneration without significant complications. 3
- No serious adverse events have been reported with PDRN monotherapy or combination treatments. 8, 7
- The anti-inflammatory properties reduce tissue damage and accelerate recovery. 5, 3
Post-Treatment Care
- Advise patients to avoid sunlight and heavily scented facial products for 24 hours post-procedure. 6
- Typical healing time is 24-48 hours with potential for mild bruising or swelling. 6
Critical Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid
Injection Depth Errors
- Never inject deeper than 2.5mm to maintain intradermal safety and avoid vascular complications. 6
- Failure to create visible papules indicates incorrect depth placement and risks reduced efficacy by missing target dermal fibroblasts. 6
Product Handling
- PDRN products must be used according to manufacturer specifications regarding storage and preparation. 1
- When combining with PRP, use PRF within 20-40 minutes after preparation before it clots in the syringe. 6
Treatment Spacing
- Inadequate spacing between injection points (less than 5mm) may result in uneven treatment coverage and suboptimal outcomes. 6