03 Jun 2026
Most people think skin ages because of growing older. In reality, it is the cumulative effect of years of sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle habits that often shows up first. The skin does not bounce back as quickly as it once did. It may start looking dull, rough, or tired, even when you are taking good care of it with skincare products.
PDRN therapy addresses this at the root.
PDRN, or Polydeoxyribonucleotide, is far from a passing skincare trend. It has been used in regenerative and wound-healing medicine for years, long before it gained popularity in aesthetic dermatology. Derived from highly purified salmon DNA, PDRN is valued for its ability to support the skin's natural repair and renewal processes. Rather than delivering a temporary cosmetic fix, it works at a cellular level to encourage healing, improve skin quality, and promote long-term rejuvenation.
The treatment is also not suited for every patient. When it is, the results tend to build steadily and last.
Quick Summary
- Name: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) therapy
- Origin: DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm
- How it will work: Stimulates the activity of A2A receptors, causing cell regeneration
- Delivery: Intradermal injection, mesotherapy, or post-microneedling application
- Treatment duration: 30-45 minutes per session
- Number of sessions: 3-5, at an interval of 2-4 weeks between sessions
- First results: Seen after 5-7 days of the first treatment
- Recovery time: Up to 48 hours due to mild redness
What Is PDRN Therapy?
The process starts with salmon sperm DNA. It is extracted, then put through enzymatic purification to strip away all proteins. What remains are short, biologically active DNA fragments that are compatible with human skin tissue.
When these fragments are delivered into the dermis, they bind to the adenosine A2A receptor. That receptor is responsible for switching on the skin's repair system. It drives collagen production, controls inflammation, and sets tissue regeneration in motion.
It goes into the deeper layers of the skin, which is precisely where lasting change happens.
How Is PDRN Different from Other Skin Boosters?
| Feature | PDRN Therapy | Standard HA Booster | P-R-P Therapy |
| Primary action | Cellular repair | Hydration and volume | Growth factor stimulation |
| Collagen stimulation | Strong | Mild | Strong |
| Anti-inflammatory | Yes | Minimal | Mild |
| Sensitive skin safe | Yes | Yes | Depends |
| Blood draw required | No | No | Yes |
| Treats acne scars | Yes | No | Yes |
| Downtime | 24 to 48 hours | Minimal | 24 to 72 hours |
Who Is PDRN Best Suited For?
Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic recommends PDRN for patients who present with:
- Persistent dullness and skin fatigue that topical products cannot correct
- Fine lines appearing in the early to mid stages
- Acne scars and dark marks left behind after breakouts
- Uneven tone and sun-related pigmentation
- Skin in the recovery phase after laser or microneedling procedures
- Reactive or sensitive skin that struggles with most active ingredients
- Enlarged pores and rough, uneven surface texture
How Does the PDRN Procedure Work?
Step 1: Consultation: Dr. Niti Gaur looks at your full skin picture before anything else.
Step 2: Cleansing: The skin is cleaned properly. No product goes onto unprepared skin.
Step 3: Numbing Cream: Topical anaesthetic is applied and left on for about 20 minutes so the injection process is as comfortable as possible.
Step 4: PDRN Delivery: The PDRN solution is administered through very fine needles into the dermis. In some cases it is applied directly after microneedling, using the open channels for deeper penetration.
Step 5: Aftercare: The patient will leave with clear instructions. Sunscreen starts the same day, not the day after.
The full session takes 30 to 45 minutes. Most patients go back to their normal day immediately after.
What Results Can You Expect With PDRN Therapy and When?
| Timeframe | What You Will Notice |
| Day 1 to 3 | Mild redness or swelling at injection sites |
| Day 5 to 7 | Improved glow and hydration. Acne starts to calm. |
| Week 2 to 4 | Smoother texture. Fine lines soften. Pigmentation fades. |
| Week 6 to 8 | Firmer skin, smaller pores, better elasticity |
| Month 3 to 6 | Collagen remodelling continues. Skin keeps improving. |
Patients who have completed a full course often notice their skin looking better at month four than it did at week two.
How Many Sessions Do You Need With PDRN Therapy?
- Initial course: 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
- Maintenance: Every 3 to 6 months after completing the course
- Post-procedure support: 1 to 2 sessions alongside laser or microneedling recovery
Some patients respond well in three sessions. Others benefit from completing the full five before moving to maintenance.
Key Benefits of PDRN Therapy
- Rebuilds collagen and elastin production from within the dermis
- Delivers hydration at a deeper level than any topical product can reach
- Reduces inflammation, which makes it well suited for acne-prone skin
- Gradually fades acne scars and post-inflammatory marks
- Improves texture, radiance, and overall skin quality
- Supports recovery after laser, microneedling, and skin surgery
- Works across all skin types including sensitive and darker Indian tones
- Highly biocompatible, no risk of allergic reaction
- Minimal downtime, daily routine is largely unaffected
Side Effects: What to Expect
| Side Effect | Frequency | Duration |
| Mild redness | Common | 24 to 48 hours |
| Minor swelling | Common | 12 to 24 hours |
| Small bumps at needle points | Occasional | Resolves in 24 hours |
| Light bruising | Rare | 3 to 5 days |
| Allergic reaction | Very rare | Seek clinical review |
Final Takeaway
PDRN therapy works steadily, beneath the surface, over weeks and months. It helps rebuild collagen, settles inflammation, and skin texture, tone and firmness improves.
It suits all skin types and is especially well matched to Indian skin that tends to be reactive or sensitive to more aggressive procedures.
Dr. Niti Gaur at Citrine Clinic does not recommend any treatment without first understanding your skin's full history and what it genuinely needs. If PDRN is on the table, it is because the skin assessment supports it.
To book a consultation with Dr. Niti Gaur, fill in the appointment booking form on this page or contact us on the number mentioned here.
You can also check our clinic location and patient reviews before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDRN Therapy
1. Is PDRN therapy safe for Indian skin?
Yes. PDRN does not use heat or interfere with melanin, so it carries no risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for Indian skin tones (Fitzpatrick III to V).
2. How long do the results of PDRN therapy last?
A complete course usually lasts from six months to one year, with follow-up sessions every three to six months to maintain healthy skin.
3. Is PDRN therapy painful?
Numbing cream is applied around 20 minutes before the procedure. Most patients describe a mild pricking sensation and find the session very manageable.
4. Is PDRN used to treat acne scars?
Yes, PDRN is used to treat atrophic or shallow scars as it promotes the production of collagen in the treatment area.
5. What distinguishes PDRN from polynucleotides (PN)?
While PDRN utilizes short DNA chains for cell repair, PN uses long DNA chains for volumising.
6. Who should avoid PDRN therapy?
If you are pregnant or nursing, suffering from an acute skin infection, allergic to fish or using any anticoagulants, you should avoid undergoing PDRN therapy.
7. Can PDRN be combined with other treatments at Citrine Clinic?
Yes. Dr. Niti Gaur regularly combines it with microneedling, lasers, and chemical peels. The combination plan is worked out during your initial consultation at Citrine Clinic.
8. When can I apply makeup following a PDRN procedure?
It would be better to wait at least 24 hours since applying makeup sooner could result in irritation and even infections.
9. Is PDRN the same as the viral salmon sperm facial?
Yes, essentially. PDRN therapy is the clinical version of what is widely called the salmon sperm facial. At Citrine Clinic, only pharmaceutical-grade PDRN is used under sterile conditions.
10. What should I avoid after PDRN treatment?
For 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoid sun, exercise, sauna, drinking alcohol, and active ingredients such as retinol and acids.
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