How does Rejuran (PDRN/PN) work?
Rejuran's active ingredient — polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) or its longer-chain equivalent polynucleotide (PN) — is a pharmaceutical-grade compound extracted from the sperm of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus mykiss), then extensively purified to remove allergenic proteins. PDRN consists of short DNA fragments with molecular weights of approximately 50–1,500 kDa, made up of deoxyribonucleotide monomers connected in phosphodiester bonds.
When injected intradermally, PDRN activates adenosine A2A receptors on fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and extracellular matrix proteins. A2A receptor activation triggers a cascade of downstream signaling that stimulates fibroblast proliferation, increases procollagen Type I and III synthesis, and activates tissue repair mechanisms. Separately, PDRN also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting TNF-alpha and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping resolve chronic low-grade skin inflammation that contributes to accelerated aging.
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In vitro studies have demonstrated that PDRN increases fibroblast proliferation by up to 43% compared to untreated controls, while in vivo wound-healing studies show significantly accelerated collagen deposition and epithelialization — supporting the clinical regenerative effects observed in aesthetic applications.[1]
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers (which provide mechanical volume), Rejuran's mechanism is entirely biological — it does not fill tissue but stimulates the skin to regenerate its own structural proteins.[2] This produces improvements that develop gradually and feel natural because they represent genuine tissue quality improvement rather than volumization.
What are the different Rejuran variants, and which is right for me?
The Rejuran family, manufactured by PharmoS (South Korea), currently includes four primary clinical variants, each formulated for a specific indication:
- Rejuran Healer: The original and most widely used formulation. Medium-viscosity PN solution for full-face intradermal injection. Indicated for overall skin rejuvenation, barrier repair, collagen stimulation, and skin quality improvement in patients with photodamage, rough texture, dullness, and fine lines.
- Rejuran HB (Hydro Booster): Lower-viscosity formulation combining PN with hyaluronic acid. Designed to deliver both the regenerative benefits of PN and the immediate hydration and skin plumping of HA. Preferred for patients prioritizing skin hydration and glow alongside structural regeneration.
- Rejuran I (Eye): Optimized for the delicate periorbital area. Lower PN concentration and lower viscosity than Healer — formulated for fine-gauge needle delivery and reduced tissue stress around the thin under-eye skin. Targets fine periorbital lines, under-eye texture, and mild hollow improvement.[3]
- Rejuran S (Scar): Highest-viscosity formulation in the family. Specifically developed for intradermal injection into depressed acne scars and surgical scars. The high viscosity allows it to remain localized at the injection site and provide mechanical filling while stimulating fibroblastic scar remodeling from within the scar.
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A 2020 Korean clinical study using Rejuran Healer showed statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity (22%), hydration (34%), and texture scores after 3 sessions at 4-week intervals — with histological evidence of increased collagen density and improved dermal architecture at 3-month biopsy.[4]
What happens during a Rejuran procedure?
A Rejuran session is performed as an office procedure, typically taking 30–45 minutes including numbing time. Topical anesthetic cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before injection. Some providers also use ice or topical vasoconstrictors to minimize bruising.
- Consultation and variant selection: The provider assesses the patient's skin concerns and selects the appropriate Rejuran variant(s). Full-face treatment may use Rejuran Healer or HB; periorbital concern may additionally include Rejuran I; acne scars may incorporate Rejuran S at scar sites.
- Topical numbing: EMLA cream or similar anesthetic is applied for 20–30 minutes and removed before injection.
- Intradermal injection: The provider injects Rejuran intradermally in a grid or papule pattern — tiny blebs of material placed just below the skin surface at 1–1.5cm intervals across the treatment area. A full-face treatment involves 50–100+ injection points. The papule technique creates visible small bumps that flatten within 24–48 hours.
- Post-injection: Ice packs are applied to minimize swelling and bruising. Patients leave with visible small papules and mild redness that typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
- Aftercare: No active skincare (retinoids, AHAs) for 24 hours. Gentle cleansing and SPF required. No vigorous exercise or sauna for 24–48 hours to minimize bruising.
What results can I expect from Rejuran?
Rejuran results are described as improving the foundational quality of skin over a series — not providing dramatic or immediate change, but progressively making skin smoother, more hydrated, more even, and more resilient. The first session typically produces modest improvements that compound over subsequent sessions.
After 3–4 sessions, patients typically describe a noticeable improvement in overall skin texture and smoothness, reduced pore visibility, more even skin tone, and a healthy luminosity that persists independently of topical products. Fine lines — particularly dynamic lines and superficial texture lines — soften as the dermis regains its structural density.
Rejuran S, used specifically for acne scars, produces gradual filling and remodeling of individual depressed scars over a series of sessions. Improvement is more moderate than Fraxel or subscision for deep scars, but without the downtime — making it a popular option for patients who want progressive improvement with regular working life continuity.
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What is the recovery and downtime after Rejuran?
Rejuran has minimal downtime relative to laser or chemical peel alternatives. Immediately after treatment, small raised papules (blebs) are visible at each injection site across the treated area, giving the face a bumpy appearance. These typically flatten significantly within 2–4 hours and are largely resolved by 24–48 hours.
Redness and mild puffiness may persist for 24–48 hours. Bruising is the most common extended recovery factor — patients prone to bruising may have visible marks for 5–7 days. Arnica supplementation and avoiding blood thinners (NSAIDs, alcohol) before treatment significantly reduces bruising. Most patients are comfortable returning to work within 1–2 days.
Unlike ablative laser or chemical peel recovery — which involves active peeling and requires significant skincare modification — Rejuran aftercare is simple: gentle cleanser, SPF, and avoidance of actives for 24 hours. This makes it well-suited for patients who need to maintain a full social and professional schedule.
Who is a good candidate for Rejuran?
Rejuran is suitable for adults of all skin types and Fitzpatrick tones — including types V–VI — because it carries no thermal risk or melanocyte-disrupting mechanism. This broad inclusivity makes it one of the most universally applicable skin booster options, particularly popular across Asian skin care markets where darker skin tones are common and pigmentation safety is a priority.
Ideal candidates include those experiencing general skin quality decline (dullness, loss of hydration, fine surface lines), patients with acne scar concerns who want gradual improvement without downtime, and younger patients (late 20s–early 40s) seeking preventive or maintenance skin rejuvenation. Rejuran is frequently combined with neuromodulators, dermal fillers, and energy-based devices in comprehensive treatment plans.
Contraindications include known fish or seafood allergy (due to the salmon-derived origin, though modern purification removes allergenic proteins — providers should assess individually), active skin infection at treatment sites, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and coagulation disorders. Patients on anticoagulants should discuss bruising management with their provider before treatment.
How much does Rejuran cost?
Rejuran pricing varies significantly between South Korean origin markets and Western markets.
- South Korea — per full-face session: $150–$400
- United States — per full-face session: $400–$900
- United States — typical course (3–4 sessions): $1,200–$3,000
- Rejuran I or S (specialized variants): priced slightly above standard Healer sessions
Combination packages with other skin booster injectables like Profhilo or Skinboosters are common and may offer pricing advantages. Rejuran offers a compelling cost-to-downtime ratio compared to mid-range laser treatments.
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Rejuran offers a compelling cost-to-downtime ratio — producing skin quality improvements comparable to mid-range laser treatments at 30–60% lower cost per session and with significantly less social downtime, making it particularly popular for maintenance-oriented patients.