I’m so excited to chat with you today about one of the hottest skincare trends in Korea. While scrolling through TikTok, I kept seeing Korean influencers and K-pop idols with this amazing, radiant skin that I immediately wanted.
So, I turned to Google to uncover their secret. It turns out, many clinics in Korea offer a treatment called Rejuran or PDRN, where they inject salmon sperm DNA into the skin to boost plumpness, elasticity, and collagen.
Though these treatments are exclusive to Korea, I tested some PDRN products to see if they deliver similar results. Today, I’m sharing my honest review!
Is PDRN Really from Salmon Sperm?
Yes, PDRN is actually derived from salmon sperm. Specifically, it’s extracted from the sperm of salmon species like the Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmon trout) or Oncorhynchus keta (Chum Salmon). PDRN is a DNA fragment used in skincare for its regenerative properties. The extraction process is meticulous, ensuring that the DNA is purified to avoid any immune reactions. So, while it may sound a bit strange, the science behind it is solid, and it’s been used in various aesthetic treatments in Korea.
What Are the Benefits of PDRN?
PDRN is known for its ability to regenerate skin and boost collagen production. When applied to the skin, it helps improve hydration, plumpness, texture, and the appearance of wrinkles. Essentially, PDRN works at a cellular level to repair and rejuvenate the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant. It’s also known to enhance the skin’s elasticity and firmness, giving you that coveted glass-skin glow.
How Does PDRN Work?
PDRN facilitates tissue repair and wound healing by binding to A2A receptors in cells, which helps reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. This process, known as angiogenesis, promotes the growth of new blood vessels, ensuring that your skin receives more oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, PDRN has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for calming irritated skin and even reducing the formation of scars.
In Korea, clinics offer a treatment called Rejuran, or PDRN, where they inject salmon sperm DNA into the skin to enhance plumpness, elasticity, and collagen production. I know it sounds a bit unusual, but scientists have found that salmon DNA is quite similar to human DNA, making it effective at thickening the skin and healing it on a cellular level. While these treatments are currently only available in Korea, there are over-the-counter PDRN products that I tested to see if they deliver similar results.
VT PDRN Essence 100: Review
VT Cosmetics has developed a unique PDRN Essence that’s entirely vegan, using wild ginseng instead of salmon DNA. This plant-based alternative boasts a 98% purity level—the highest in Korea.
The serum’s innovative formula includes a condensed, milky texture packed with nourishing ingredients that make it incredibly hydrating. I’ve been using it in both my morning and evening routines, and I’m absolutely obsessed. It leaves my skin looking so dewy and radiant. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this is perfect for giving it that extra boost.
Before I started using this essence, my skin was kind of blah—dry and dull. But after a few weeks of using this essence morning and night, my skin completely transformed. The texture is this creamy, condensed milky goodness that melts into your skin, leaving it hydrated and dewy.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract: Boosts skin regeneration and improves elasticity, giving your skin that youthful bounce.
- Niacinamide: Brightens your complexion and evens out your skin tone, perfect for tackling dullness and redness.
- Ceramide Complex: Strengthens your skin barrier and locks in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and protected.
- Squalane & Sunflower Seed Oil: Super moisturizers that keep your skin soft, smooth, and well-nourished.
- Sodium DNA: Supports skin repair and regeneration, making your skin look more youthful and radiant.
After using this essence, my skin is glowing, plump, and feels so soft. I’m totally hooked on it, and it’s now a staple in my routine. If your skin is feeling dry or dull, this essence is exactly what you need to bring it back to life.
VT PDRN CREAM: Review
VT also created this PDRN Cream, which is incredibly creamy, moisturizing, and luxurious. I usually reserve it for nighttime since it can feel a bit heavy.
The cream is packed with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, niacinamide for brightening and evening out skin tone, and a ceramide complex to strengthen the skin barrier. The ginseng PDRN adds an extra layer of moisture and protection. With these two products, my skin feels so replenished, dewy, and it really helps combat the dryness from my tretinoin.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
- Hyaluronic Acid Complex (Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate): Delivers intense hydration, plumping up your skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract: Helps regenerate and protect the skin, improving elasticity and giving you that youthful glow.
- Niacinamide: Brightens your skin and helps to even out your complexion, tackling any dullness or discoloration.
- Ceramide Complex (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP): Strengthens your skin barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental stressors.
VT PDRN Hydrogel Mask: Review
Finally, we have the VT PDRN Hydrogel Mask. This mask is my go-to for when my skin needs a little extra TLC. It’s this beautiful Tiffany blue color with a jelly-like texture that feels so luxe on the skin.
Before using this mask, my skin would sometimes feel a bit tired and dehydrated after a long day, but now, when I pop this mask on, it’s like hitting the reset button. I leave it on for a good 3-4 hours (yes, I go all out), and when I peel it off, my skin is plump, hydrated, and glowing.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
- Ginseng PDRN: Helps with skin repair and hydration, making your skin look and feel healthier.
- Hydrogel: Locks in moisture, giving your skin a cool, refreshing feel that soothes and calms any irritation.
- Centella Asiatica Extract: Calms and heals the skin, reducing redness and irritation, while promoting overall skin health.
- Shea Butter & Squalane: Nourish your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and moisturized.
After using this mask, my skin looks and feels like I’ve just had a professional facial. If your skin ever feels dry, tired, or just in need of some love, this mask will bring it back to life.
VT Vita-Light Reedle Shot 100: Review
I also have to mention the VT Vita-Light Reedle Shot 100. This vitamin C shot is perfect for brightening and evening out your skin tone. The gel texture applies seamlessly and soaks right in, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and protected.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
- Niacinamide: Brightens the skin and helps with uneven skin tone, making your complexion look more radiant.
- Centella Asiatica Extract: Soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
- Ubiquinone (CoQ10): An antioxidant powerhouse that protects your skin from free radicals and environmental stressors.
- Glutathione & Ascorbic Acid: Brighten your skin and protect it from environmental damage.
This shot is gentle on the skin, making it perfect even for sensitive skin types. It’s helped my skin look brighter and more even, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the texture of my skin.
My Skin Before & After
Before I started using these products, my skin was really struggling. It was dry, dull, and just not in a good place. But now? My skin is glowing, hydrated, and feels so much firmer and more elastic. These PDRN products have completely transformed my skin, and I couldn’t be happier.
How To Use PDRN In Your Skincare Routine
Let me walk you through how I incorporate these amazing products into my nighttime skincare routine to achieve that radiant, glass-like glow.
I start with a double cleanse using the Skin1004 Centella Cleansing Oil to remove all my makeup. It’s super gentle and effective, especially around areas like my jawline. After emulsifying the oil with water, I follow up with the Skin1004 Centella Cleanser to ensure my skin is thoroughly clean without stripping it of moisture.
Next, I apply the VT Vita-Light Reedle Shot 100. This vitamin C gel is so lightweight and sinks right in, brightening and evening out my skin tone without any irritation—perfect for sensitive skin. Then, I go in with my retinoid to tackle breakouts and keep my skin smooth.
For an extra boost of hydration and glow, I apply the VT PDRN Essence 100. I love how this serum instantly hydrates my skin, leaving it dewy and refreshed. I usually use two to three pumps, ensuring my skin drinks it all up.
To lock in all that moisture, I use the VT PDRN Cream 100. This cream is rich and luxurious, perfect for nighttime. I make sure to cover my neck too—don’t forget, your neck needs love! It keeps my skin hydrated and plump, especially with the extra moisture it provides.
Finally, on days when my skin needs an extra treat, I apply the VT PDRN Hydrogel Mask. The jelly-like texture feels so soothing, and I leave it on for a few hours while I relax. When I peel it off, my skin is visibly plump, hydrated, and glowing. It’s the perfect way to end my day and transition from work mode to relaxation.
If you haven’t tried PDRN products yet, you seriously need to. They’ve become my holy grails, and I’m confident they’ll work wonders for you too.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products or if you’re thinking about giving them a shot. I’d love to hear all about your experience!
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