One of my favourite beauty quotes goes “ageing is a fact of life but looking your age is not”. The first organ that begins to change as you get older is the skin, many people are not comfortable with the fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and scarring that comes with getting older and this is why the anti-ageing sector of the beauty industry will continue to thrive.
Every few years, there is a new so-called “revolutionary” treatment that promises to delete 20 years off your physical appearance. First came botox followed by fillers, chemical peels, micro-needling with PRP and today we have Salmon DNA treatments!
Okay, salmon DNA is the crude term, the medical term is PRDN – Polydeoxyribonucleotides.
WHAT IS PRDN?
PDRN is a substance extracted from the Salmon testis, that has been studied and found to heal the skin from deep within the dermis. Salmon DNA is quite similar to human DNA which may be why this treatment works. Over the years scientists and doctors have advised omega 3 fatty acids(which are largely found in salmon) as very beneficial to improving the skin’s natural elasticity, texture and hydration. So instead of oral omega3 supplements, why not inject it right into the skin.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
PDRN is classified as a regenerative treatment, basically it prompts the skin’s natural healing process. Its stimulates the metabolic activities of fibroblast cells in the skin which leads to increased collagen production. It awakens aged and damaged cells and causes them to become young again.
WHO NEEDS IT?
PDRN is versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles, excessively oily skin, acne – prone skin, acne scars,eczema, dry skin, sensitive skin, seborrhic dermatitis, thinning skin and under eye circles.
It can also be used as a maintenance treatment. The skin starts to age by the mid twenties, so anyone from that age who needs a skin boost or anti ageing treatment can get it.
It balances oil production and leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and allowing makeup sit better.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Minimizes pores
- Repairs and regenerates damaged skin
- Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Improves skin elasticity
- Makes skin tighter and firmer
- Reduces inflammation (swelling)
- Improves blood circulation to the skin.
- Increased thickness of skin
- Supple and more hydrated skin
HOW IS PDRN ADMINISTERED?
Tiny amounts of PDRN are injected directly under the skin at specific points on the face with a micro-needle to enhance penetration into the dermis. The treatment is painless and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
For optimal results, you’d need three sessions done 3weeks – 4weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments done every 6 months.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
The treatment comes with a few side effects like redness, needle marks or bumps that usually fade away after 3 – 7 days in most people. Asides this, PDRN is generally regarded as safe.
This treatment which has been quite popular in Asian countries for years is slowly making it’s way into Nigeria with a few clinics now offering it and advertising it as the next best thing after Botox to people seeking potent anti-ageing treatments.
As always with any treatment you intend to try, do your research and ask your practitioner as many questions as possible in order to make a more informed decision.
Is this is treatment you’d be willing to try?
