What PDRN Is And How It Works

PDRN is a mixture of short DNA fragments that support skin repair and regeneration. Research shows that PDRN activates the adenosine A2A receptor, a pathway involved in reducing inflammation, improving cell growth, stimulating collagen formation, and supporting tissue healing. This mechanism explains why PDRN has been used in medical settings to help wounds and ulcers heal.

The Difference Between Topical And Injectable PDRN

The way PDRN enters the skin determines the intensity of its effect. When PDRN is injected, it bypasses the skin barrier and reaches the dermis. This is where fibroblasts live, and those are the cells responsible for collagen production. Because injections deliver PDRN directly to these deeper layers, injectable treatments can genuinely remodel the skin structure, improve elasticity, and support scar repair.

Topical PDRN remains mostly in the epidermis because unmodified DNA fragments are too large to move through the outer skin barrier. This means topical formulas mainly help with hydration, redness reduction, barrier repair, and mild improvements in texture. They support the surface environment of the skin rather than influencing deep structural change.

How Delivery Technology Improves Topical PDRN

Modern research has spent years trying to overcome one major problem with PDRN in skincare, which is its large molecular size. Because PDRN is a long DNA fragment, the skin’s outer barrier naturally blocks it. To get around this, labs use advanced delivery technologies that act like molecular “vehicles” to carry PDRN closer to where it can work.

One of the most explored strategies is lipid-based delivery, where PDRN is enclosed inside tiny fat-like spheres that resemble the skin’s own lipid structure. These carriers can fuse with the upper epidermis and help shuttle the molecule a bit deeper. Other laboratories use nanoparticles and hydrogel matrices, which shrink the effective size of PDRN or suspend it inside a polymer network that slowly releases it as the skin warms and hydrates. These slow-release systems help maintain a more stable surface concentration, reducing the rapid degradation that PDRN normally undergoes on the skin.

A growing area of interest is transdermal enhancement techniques. Technologies such as microneedling, fractional radiofrequency channels, and iontophoresis temporarily disrupt or “open” micro-pathways in the stratum corneum. When combined with PDRN serums or gels, these methods allow larger molecules to bypass the barrier and reach the papillary dermis, where fibroblasts, growth factors, and wound-healing cascades are located. Evidence shows that penetration increases significantly when a physical modality is used, but still remains shallower and less concentrated compared with injectable PDRN, which delivers the molecule directly into the dermal tissue where receptors like A2A adenosine receptors are naturally expressed.

Another challenge is maintaining molecular integrity. PDRN can break down with heat, light exposure, or poor formulation design. For this reason, high-quality products often rely on buffered aqueous systems, cold-processing methods, or stabilized DNA fragments that protect the chains from early degradation. Even with these innovations, topical delivery can only activate surface-level biological pathways. Injection-based administration remains the only method capable of reaching the therapeutic concentrations seen in clinical wound-healing, rejuvenation, or anti-inflammatory studies.

These modern systems make topical PDRN far more functional than simple creams, and they genuinely improve epidermal hydration, texture, and superficial repair. However, they cannot reproduce the robust collagen stimulation, angiogenesis, or regeneration effects demonstrated in injectable studies, which require higher concentrations and direct dermal placement.The Concentration That Matters For Topical Use

Studies indicate that topical PDRN begins to show measurable biological activity at approximately zero point two percent. Concentrations around zero point five percent produce clearer and more consistent results in research settings. Products with extremely low levels of PDRN are unlikely to provide benefits stronger than those of a basic hydrating cream.

What PDRN Can Actually Improve

Topical PDRN primarily acts within the upper layers of the skin, especially the stratum corneum and epidermis. These layers are responsible for barrier integrity, hydration balance, and the first stage of inflammatory responses, which is why even surface-level improvements can create visible changes.

When applied to the skin, PDRN does not penetrate deeply unless it is part of an advanced delivery system, but it still interacts with receptors and cellular pathways near the surface. One of the most important pathways involves adenosine A2A receptors. Even in the epidermis, low molecular weight fragments of PDRN can trigger these receptors, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. This is why topical PDRN consistently shows soothing and anti-redness properties. It helps calm the skin after irritation, whether from environmental stressors, exfoliation, active ingredients, or cosmetic procedures like superficial chemical peels and laser treatments.

PDRN also influences keratinocyte behavior. In vitro studies show that when keratinocytes are exposed to fragmented DNA similar to PDRN, they increase their rate of proliferation and improve their ability to differentiate into a healthy, cohesive stratum corneum. This translates clinically into better barrier recovery. Users often report fewer dry patches, a faster return to “normal skin” after irritation, and a more stable moisture level. These effects are reinforced by the ability of PDRN to promote the synthesis of extracellular matrix components in the epidermis, particularly hyaluronic acid, which contributes to surface hydration and a smoother, softer texture.

Discoloration related to inflammation, often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can also improve over time with topical PDRN. This does not occur through direct pigment inhibition, the way ingredients like tranexamic acid or azelaic acid work. Instead, PDRN reduces the inflammatory environment that fuels excess melanin production. It helps stabilize the skin after irritation, which reduces the triggers that cause melanocytes to overproduce pigment. Over several weeks of consistent use, this milder mechanism can lead to a more even tone, especially in individuals prone to redness-linked darkening.

All of these effects are supported in early clinical and in vitro research. They are meaningful and noticeable, but they remain confined to the epidermis, which is exactly where topical PDRN is most active. While injectables can stimulate fibroblasts deep in the dermis and drive collagen regeneration, topical formulations excel at surface repair, calming benefits, hydration improvement, and barrier reinforcement. Understanding this distinction prevents unrealistic expectations and makes it easier to choose the right form of PDRN for each skin goal.

What PDRN Cannot Do

Marketing often exaggerates the abilities of topical PDRN. It cannot physically shrink pores because pore size is determined by genetics, sebum production and collagen support around the follicle. Hydrated skin may look smoother, which can make pores appear smaller, but this is an optical effect rather than a structural one.

Topical PDRN also cannot erase deep wrinkles. True wrinkle reduction requires remodeling of dermal collagen, and that level of change only occurs with injectable PDRN or other procedural treatments that reach the dermis.

Fast brightening claims are also misleading. PDRN is not a pigment blocker. It may gradually improve inflammation related discoloration, but it does not act like retinoids, vitamin C, azelaic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.

Scars require changes in dermal architecture, which again is the domain of injectable therapy or energy based devices. Topical PDRN can soothe irritated skin around scars, but it does not remodel them.

Where PDRN Comes From And Which Source Works Best

Traditional PDRN is obtained from the sperm of salmonids, usually salmon or trout. These species are selected because their DNA has a naturally favorable molecular size range, generally between 50 and 1500 kilodaltons after purification. This size allows the fragments to interact efficiently with healing pathways in human skin without triggering immune reactions. High grade clinical PDRN undergoes multiple purification steps to remove proteins, endotoxins, and residual cellular material. The result is a highly stable and biocompatible DNA fraction that has been used in wound healing, dermatology, and regenerative medicine studies for more than twenty years. Its consistency and long clinical history are the reasons it remains the reference standard in injectable formulations.

Newer technologies have made it possible to synthesize PDRN without using animal sources. One approach uses controlled fermentation or cell free enzymatic reactions to build DNA fragments with specific molecular weights. Another method uses plant based biomass as the starting material. The plant DNA is isolated, purified, then enzymatically digested to produce chains that mimic the size distribution of salmon derived PDRN. Emerging research shows that when the purification is rigorous and the molecular weight profile is correct, plant based PDRN can activate similar cellular pathways. In vitro models demonstrate stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation, enhanced fibroblast activity, and increased expression of healing related cytokines.

The challenge with vegan or lab engineered PDRN is standardization. DNA extracted from plants contains different ratios of nucleotides and different intrinsic methylation patterns compared to marine DNA. These variations may influence how efficiently the fragments bind to adenosine receptors or interact with repair pathways. Purity is another key variable, because plant cells contain polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and enzymes that require complete removal to avoid irritation or oxidation once the product is applied to the skin. Some formulations achieve this level of purification, but others on the market do not, which is why results can vary widely across brands.

This means plant derived PDRN can be a valid option for topical skincare, especially for people who prefer vegan formulations. It fits well in serums and masks where the goal is surface repair, soothing, and barrier support. However, plant sourced PDRN does not currently replace salmon derived PDRN in injectables. The clinical evidence, long term safety data, and depth of tissue response still overwhelmingly come from salmon based formulations. Vegan PDRN remains promising, especially as purification and biotechnology improve, but it is still an emerging technology and should not be treated as a direct one to one substitute for medical grade injectable PDRN.

Who Should Use PDRN And How

Topical PDRN is most useful for people who need gentle, surface-level repair without irritation. Because it sits mainly within the epidermis, it helps calm redness, reinforce the barrier, and support hydration after procedures that temporarily compromise the skin’s upper layers. This makes it ideal after superficial chemical peels, microneedling, laser toning, or periods of sensitization from acne treatments and retinoids. Topical formulas can also help people with reactive, atopic, or inflamed skin, since PDRN naturally reduces inflammatory cytokines and encourages quicker recovery of the barrier lipids that keep moisture in. It is safe for daily use because it does not trigger exfoliation or cell turnover; instead, it focuses on repair, soothing, and moisture homeostasis.

However, its benefits remain mostly epidermal and superficial, because only a limited amount can cross into deeper structures. It will not remodel the dermis, lift sagging, rebuild collagen frameworks, or reorganize old scar tissue. For those goals, a deeper, more targeted approach is required.

Injectable PDRN is fundamentally different. It is placed directly inside the dermis, which is the layer responsible for elasticity, firmness, vascular supply, and structural regeneration. This positioning allows it to reach the A2A adenosine receptors, which are the biological switches that activate angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and wound healing. These pathways cannot be activated meaningfully with topical application alone because the molecule needs to physically reach the cells that express those receptors.

Clinical studies show that injectable PDRN improves elasticity, fine wrinkles, post-acne scarring, and even chronic wounds, thanks to its ability to stimulate new blood vessels and reorganize collagen fibers. This makes injectable therapy more suitable for people who want deeper rejuvenation, structural repair, or long-term improvements in skin architecture. It is also the only form recommended for atrophic scars, advanced photoaging, or regenerative protocols used in dermatologic clinics.

Since it involves needles, it must be performed by trained medical professionals who understand sterile technique, anatomy, and appropriate dosing. But when used correctly, injectable PDRN produces effects that topical products simply cannot replicate, because it works in the exact layer where skin aging and scarring occur.

Safety Profile And Quality Considerations

PDRN has shown a strong safety profile in both medical and cosmetic research. Adverse reactions are rare because PDRN consists of purified DNA fragments that are biocompatible with human tissue.

Quality control is essential. The purity of the extract, absence of contaminants, and the correct molecular profile determine how safe and effective a product is. Consumers should always patch test topical products, and injectable treatments should be performed only by qualified practitioners.

To Conclude

PDRN is a scientifically credible ingredient with real benefits when delivered correctly. It supports regeneration, reduces inflammation, and helps the skin recover. Topical formulas strengthen and calm the outer layers, while injectable treatments reach the deeper layers that control firmness and structure.

A few days ago, a TikTok video started circulating where someone made what they called an acne fighting serum. The recipe was simple. Grate some carrots, slice some orange peel, soak everything in olive oil, and then heat the entire mixture on the stove until it cooked. After cooling it down, the creator poured the oily mixture into a cute bottle and labelled it as an acne serum. They explained that carrots contain beta carotene and orange peel contains vitamin C, therefore the oil is full of skin healing antioxidants.

The video got thousands of likes and an alarming number of comments from viewers asking for measurements, shelf life, and whether they can store it in the fridge. Several people wrote that they could not wait to try it.

At first glance it looks innocent. Natural, cheap, colourful, and presented in a calm, friendly voice. But scientifically it is one of the worst things you can put on acne prone skin. And unfortunately it is not an isolated case. It represents a growing problem on social media where influencers without any dermatological training give people advice that can genuinely damage their skin.

Let us start with the science behind this particular recipe because it explains why these DIY trends are so harmful.

Vitamin C is an extremely unstable molecule. It breaks down easily when exposed to oxygen, light, and high temperature. If you heat orange peel in oil you destroy the majority of its vitamin C content instantly. What you end up with is not a brightening antioxidant serum but simply warm orange scented oil.

Beta carotene is not much more resilient. It is fat soluble but sensitive to heat and oxidation. Heating carrots in oil accelerates its degradation and can leave you with oxidised compounds that are absolutely not helpful for inflamed skin. Oxidised oils are known irritants and can worsen acne and redness. Instead of calming the skin you run the risk of triggering more inflammation.

The oil chosen for this DIY serum also makes things worse. Olive oil is rich in oleic acid which can disrupt the skin barrier in acne prone individuals. It is comedogenic for many skin types and very easy to oxidise. Once heated it becomes even more unstable. Applying oxidised olive oil to irritated skin is an invitation for clogged pores and breakouts.

There is also the issue of hygiene. A homemade mixture of cooked plant matter left sitting in oil without any preservatives is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and mold. There is no microbial control, no stability testing, and no protection against spoilage. Using such a mixture on irritated skin is extremely risky and completely unnecessary when safe and effective products already exist.

The real problem here is not only the recipe itself. The problem is the growing culture on TikTok that encourages people to follow any aesthetically pleasing skincare hack simply because it is labelled natural or because it looks wholesome and accessible. Many viewers assume that if something comes from plants it must be safe, and if someone presents it with confidence it must be effective. This is how misinformation spreads so easily.

TikTok has become a powerful space for beauty content, but it has also turned into a platform where many people with no scientific background speak with an authority they do not have. Some creators genuinely believe they are helping. Others simply want views and engagement. The result is the same. People with real skin concerns follow advice that is not only unhelpful but often harmful.

There is a reason dermatology, cosmetic formulation, and skin science require years of study. Extracting active compounds from plants is not as simple as blending or heating them. In professional laboratories ingredients from natural sources undergo controlled extraction, purification, stabilisation, and compatibility testing. They are formulated in precise concentrations and protected with preservatives to keep them safe for use. Every step is regulated and designed to avoid contamination and degradation.

DIY skincare completely skips these steps. The content may be entertaining, but the consequences can be serious. Many viewers end up with irritated skin, damaged barriers, chemical burns, or worsened acne. Some trends promote exfoliating acids without instructions on pH or concentration. Others involve essential oils applied directly to the face. More recently there has been a rise in homemade sunscreens which is incredibly dangerous since there is no guarantee of proper UV protection.

The pattern is always the same. Attractive visuals, soothing music, enthusiastic claims, and a creator who seems confident. And behind that confidence there is often no scientific basis at all.

Influencers have a responsibility when they speak about topics that affect people’s health, but unfortunately many do not recognise the impact of their words. Beauty content today reaches millions of people in minutes. If the advice is wrong, it can cause real harm. The more attention these videos get, the more creators feel encouraged to post similar content. It becomes a cycle where popularity matters more than accuracy.

Consumers are left trying to navigate a space filled with misinformation, where trust is built on relatability rather than expertise. This is why dermatologists and trained professionals keep repeating the same message. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Homemade does not automatically mean better. And skincare is not something you should experiment with randomly, especially if you have active conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, or melasma.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with loving natural ingredients. Many of the most effective compounds in skincare are plant derived. But real cosmetic chemistry involves isolating these ingredients in a controlled environment, stabilising them, and incorporating them into formulas that are safe and effective.

Your skin deserves more than a mixture cooked in a frying pan.

As consumers we need to be more critical. As creators we need to be more responsible. And as a community we must stop rewarding harmful advice that is packaged in an aesthetically pleasing way. TikTok is an entertaining platform, but when it comes to skincare, entertainment should never outweigh evidence.

If you want real results, follow people who have studied the subject. Listen to dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and scientifically trained professionals. Your skin will thank you and you will stop wasting time, money, and effort on things that look magical on camera but fail miserably in reality.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more than just dry, itchy skin. It is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent research suggests that a surprising treatment could come from nature. A friendly skin bacterium might help rebalance the skin and improve symptoms.

Understanding Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is caused by multiple factors.

The first is barrier dysfunction. People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier. Lipids and proteins like filaggrin are disrupted, which makes the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens.

The second factor is immune dysregulation. The skin inflammation in eczema is driven by an overactive immune system. Specific immune molecules such as interleukins IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 become too active, causing redness, itching, and swelling.

The third factor is microbial imbalance. Healthy skin hosts a diverse community of microbes. In eczema, harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus often dominate while beneficial bacteria decrease.

These three elements create a cycle of barrier damage, inflammation, and microbial imbalance, which reinforces each other and triggers flare-ups.

The Roseomonas mucosa Study

In 2018, researchers led by Ian Myles published a study in JCI Insight testing whether Roseomonas mucosa, a bacterium commonly found on healthy skin, could help people with moderate eczema.

They cultured strains of Roseomonas mucosa from healthy volunteers and applied them to the skin of participants a few times per week in the form of a spray.

Many participants experienced improvements. Eczema severity scores decreased, itching improved, and patients were able to reduce the use of steroid creams. On a microbial level, the harmful Staphylococcus aureus decreased in many participants. Some of the beneficial bacteria appeared to persist on the skin for months.

No major safety issues were reported. This approach attempts to restore balance by adding helpful bacteria that compete with harmful microbes and support the skin barrier and immune system.

Why the Study Is Important and Why Caution Is Needed?

This study is exciting but it is still early research.

The study was small and open-label, meaning it was not placebo-controlled. This makes it hard to know whether improvements were entirely due to the bacteria or other factors such as psychological interference.

Not all strains of Roseomonas mucosa are the same. The study used strains from healthy individuals. It is unclear whether other strains would be equally safe or effective.

Maintaining live bacteria in a spray is challenging. Ensuring stability, potency, and safety on a large scale is not simple.

Long-term effects are also unknown. How long colonization lasts and what immune effects it might have are still being studied.

Related Research and the Skin Microbiome

This study is part of a larger field investigating the role of the skin microbiome in eczema. Other research has shown that topical probiotics and live bacterial therapies can reduce eczema severity in some patients. Laboratory studies suggest beneficial bacteria produce metabolites that support barrier repair and reduce inflammation.

Researchers are also testing combinations of bacteria and natural ingredients, such as cardamom, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These combinations are still under investigation in clinical trials.

The skin microbiome is increasingly recognized as an important part of eczema. Healthy microbial diversity supports the barrier and modulates immune responses. Restoring this balance could become a central strategy in eczema management.

Current Treatments and Limitations

Today, eczema is treated with several approaches.

Emollients and moisturizers help restore the barrier but do not address inflammation or microbial imbalance.

Topical steroid creams are effective for flare-ups but can cause skin thinning if used long-term.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors reduce inflammation without steroids but can be irritating and are not always used consistently.

Targeted biologics and JAK inhibitors are highly effective for severe cases but are expensive and require careful monitoring.

Phototherapy can help some patients but requires clinic visits, alters the skin microbiome and carries UV exposure risks.

While these treatments manage symptoms, they do not fully address the underlying microbial and barrier dysfunction.

Looking Forward

The Roseomonas mucosa study suggests a new approach: instead of only suppressing inflammation or killing harmful bacteria, we could restore a healthy microbial balance. This could reduce steroid use and provide a more natural, self-sustaining therapy.

However, larger, controlled trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety. Quality control and strain selection are crucial.

Patients should not attempt to use live bacteria at home. Clinical-grade therapies are being developed carefully for safety and consistency. In the meantime, following established eczema care plans, maintaining the skin barrier, and consulting a dermatologist remain essential.

Further Reading

• The role of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis (Clinical and Translational Allergy)

• Skin-gut crosstalk and atopic dermatitis (PubMed review)

• Molecular mechanisms of atopic dermatitis pathogenesis (MDPI review)

• Human microbiota and atopic dermatitis therapy (MDPI review)