In the realm of cosmetic dermatology, regenerative therapies have become the center of attention. Among the most popular innovations are exosomes and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), two natural products making waves in aesthetic medicine.
While both gaining recognition for their anti-aging and skin-revitalizing effects, a closer look reveals distinct differences in their mechanisms, efficacy, and versatility. This blog delves into both the treatments to help understand which treatment–Exosomes vs PDRN– could be the real game-changer in your skincare regimen.
Source: The Origins of Exosomes and PDRN
Exosomes are microscopic vesicles belonging to the size range 30-150 nm. They are synthesised and released by cells. They can be prepared from human cells as well as plant cells.
PDRN is a mixture of DNA fragments within a specified range of molecular weight. DNA is present in cells and carries the genetic code. Usually, salmon sperm is the most suitable source for PDRN.
Different human and plant cells have been studied as the sources of exosomes and their potential has been backed by research. Due to the scarcity of salmon, microbial and plant-based sources for PDRN extraction are under investigation. However, they lack the scientific evidence for their efficacy.
Cellular Composition: What’s Inside?
Exosomes have a plethora of molecules, such as RNAs, growth factors, proteins, lipids, and cytokines.
PDRN only contains DNA fragments that degrade into its basic units- deoxyribonucleotides after entering the cells.
Source: The Origins of Exosomes and PDRN
Exosomes are microscopic vesicles belonging to the size range 30-150 nm. They are synthesised and released by cells. They can be prepared from human cells as well as plant cells.
PDRN is a mixture of DNA fragments within a specified range of molecular weight. DNA is present in cells and carries the genetic code. Usually, salmon sperm is the most suitable source for PDRN.
Different human and plant cells have been studied as the sources of exosomes and their potential has been backed by research. Due to the scarcity of salmon, microbial and plant-based sources for PDRN extraction are under investigation. However, they lack the scientific evidence for their efficacy.
Cellular Composition: What’s Inside?
Exosomes have a plethora of molecules, such as RNAs, growth factors, proteins, lipids, and cytokines.
PDRN only contains DNA fragments that degrade into its basic units- deoxyribonucleotides after entering the cells.
Mechanisms: The Science At Play
Exosomes, through a myriad of biomolecules, work on diverse signaling pathways, resulting in altered cellular response.
PDRN binds to A2A adenosine receptors to regulate cellular processes. Additionally, its nucleotide units serve as building blocks for DNA repair.
Exosomes can act on multiple pathways through a wide inventory of biomolecules. On the other hand, PDRN mediates only a few cellular events due to the involvement of only two pathways- the A2A receptor and the DNA repair pathway.
Properties: The Power of Rejuvenation
Exosomes possess the following unique properties that are valuable in aesthetic medicine.
- Cellular Regeneration: They inhibit cell death and stimulate cell proliferation, thus driving rejuvenation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Exosomes promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines while mitigating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines to alleviate inflammation.
- Antioxidant: They consume reactive oxygen species that destroy cells.
- Immune Regulation: Exosomes transition the immune response towards the repair and recovery process.
- Angiogenesis: Exosomes stimulate blood circulation by the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to improve overall health.
The following characteristics of PDRN have made them beneficial in the cosmetic field.
- Cell Regeneration: It activates cell proliferation and growth by repairing DNA.
- Anti-inflammatory: It stimulates release of anti-inflammatory cytokines while suppressing release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to curb inflammation.
- Angiogenesis: It also promotes blood supply by the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to improve overall health.
It is clear that not only do exosomes incorporate the PDRN properties but also exceed them by integrating antioxidant and immune regulation features. It supports the fact that exosome therapy can work on many more diverse aspects of aesthetic issues than PDRN.
Revolutionizing Skincare
Exosomes rejuvenate skin from the inside out by impacting the following cellular processes.
- Proliferate skin cells– fibroblasts and keratinocytes, renewing the skin from within.
- Inhibits the enzymes that degrade skin matrix proteins like collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, etc.
- Increase the production of matrix proteins for firm and smooth skin.
- Enhance the levels of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
- Blocks melanin-synthesizing enzymes for radiant skin.
- Consume ROS and reduce inflammation to prevent further damage.
- Modulate immune response for enhanced healing.
- Augment the supply of nutrients and oxygen for nourishment.
PDRN exerts the following effects for skin revitalization
- Stimulate fibroblast proliferation by DNA repair.
- Inhibits enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin.
- Increases the expression of collagen for better skin texture.
- Blocks the generation of melanin by suppressing the formation of melanin-producing cells and inhibiting melanin-synthesising enzymes.
- Reduce inflammation to avoid further damage.
- Boost blood circulation for healthy skin.
Both treatments seem to have identical effects. However, a keen observation reveals that exosomes have enhanced effects on the skin matrix. While PDRN only increases the levels of collagen, exosomes also boost the availability of elastin and hyaluronic acid, increasing skin elasticity and hydration.
Cosmetic Applications
The applications of exosome therapy in aesthetic treatment are vast. It is an anti-aging therapy that reduces fine lines, open pores, etc. It is also effective for various skin problems, ranging from serious medical issues such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, etc., to hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
PDRN, similar to exosomes, treats aging effects such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, as well as hyperpigmentation and acne scars. However, scientific research on its application in skin diseases is scant.
Both therapies have shown improvements in hair treatments; however, the underlying mechanisms of the latter are not clear.
Delivery Methods
The small size of exosomes aid their penetration, thus permitting their topical application. Exosome injections are preferable for hair treatments. Additionally, their combination with other aesthetic treatments enhances outcomes.
PDRN is available as a component in topical creams and serums. However, its large size requires injection into the skin using microinjections or mesotherapy techniques for deeper absorption.
Safety and Side Effects
Neither of the therapies causes any adverse reactions. Exosomes are non-cellular and non-replicative, reducing the risk of immune rejection and tumor formation.
However, PDRN can pose a risk to those allergic to salmon. Additionally, DNA-derived products are linked with the risk of tumor formation. However, till now, no such report has surfaced.
Final Verdict
Exosomes and PDRN are cutting-edge treatments in cosmetic dermatology, offering regenerative benefits beyond traditional skincare. Exosomes act as intelligent messengers that rejuvenate skin at a cellular level, while PDRN supports DNA repair and healing.
Extensive research has been conducted on exosomes derived from different sources and their underlying effects. However, the understanding of working mechanisms of PDRN is still limited. Due to their myriad of bioactive properties, exosomes offer therapeutic potential across a broader spectrum of skin concerns. On the other hand, PDRN’s therapeutic potential is more constrained, which might limit its use in dermatology. Although both treatments have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, PDRN, generated from salmon DNA, may cause allergic reactions. Therefore, in the debate of exosomes vs PDRN, exosomes are most definitely taking the lead. In India, Advancexo Skin Rejuve Kit offers the innovative exosome therapy for enhanced aesthetics.
FAQ’s
The former is a mixture of DNA fragments whereas the latter are vesicles containing biomolecules.
Both of them participate in cellular processes to drive the desired effect. However, exosomes have multiple molecules that can act on a wide range of processes whereas PDRN only acts via two specific pathways.
There has been no scientific research showing that it can affect the levels of hyaluronic acid.
Till now, there have been no reports of adverse reactions with PDRN skin booster injections, except allergic reactions to fish. Exosome skin booster injections are not available as they are topically applied to the skin.
