PDRN for Skin Rejuvenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2019)

Key Findings

• Intradermal PDRN injections produced statistically significant improvements in skin elasticity (+18.7%, p<0.01), hydration (+23.4%, p<0.001), and surface roughness reduction (-15.2%, p<0.01) compared to saline placebo at 12 weeks post-treatment.
• Histological analysis confirmed increased dermal collagen density and fibroblast counts in PDRN-treated skin.
• No serious adverse events were reported; transient erythema and mild swelling resolved within 48 hours.

Abstract

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of intradermal polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injections for facial skin rejuvenation in 48 female subjects aged 35-55 with moderate photoaging (Glogau scale II-III). Subjects received either PDRN (c-PDRN 2 mg/mL) or normal saline via nappage technique over 3 sessions at 3-week intervals. Biophysical measurements and clinical assessments were performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Methods

Forty-eight subjects were randomized 1:1 to PDRN or placebo groups. Treatments consisted of 2 mL of study product administered intradermally using a 32G needle in a standardized nappage pattern covering the full face. Biophysical endpoints included skin elasticity (Cutometer MPA 580), hydration (Corneometer CM 825), transepidermal water loss (Tewameter TM 300), and surface roughness (Visioscan VC 98). Blinded clinical photography and subject satisfaction scores were recorded at each visit.

Results

At 12 weeks, the PDRN group demonstrated significantly greater improvements versus placebo across all primary endpoints. Skin elasticity (R2 parameter) increased by 18.7% in the PDRN group versus 3.2% in placebo (p<0.01). Corneometer hydration values improved by 23.4% versus 5.1% (p<0.001). Surface roughness (Rz parameter) decreased by 15.2% versus 2.8% (p<0.01). TEWL showed a non-significant trend toward improvement. Subject satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the PDRN group (8.2 vs 4.1 on a 10-point scale, p<0.001). Punch biopsy histology at 12 weeks revealed increased dermal collagen density and elevated fibroblast counts in PDRN-treated subjects.

Conclusion

This RCT provides strong evidence that intradermal PDRN injections produce clinically meaningful improvements in facial skin quality parameters, with an excellent safety profile. The combined biophysical, histological, and patient-reported outcomes support the use of PDRN as an evidence-based skin rejuvenation treatment. Longer-term studies and head-to-head comparisons with other biostimulators are warranted.