VAMP™ ADVANCED 

VAMP™ Advanced & PDRN: What Is It and What Does It Do for Your Skin?

You've probably been hearing a lot about PDRN lately. It's showing up everywhere from Korean skincare to aesthetic treatments, and yes, you've probably also heard it referred to as “salmon DNA.”

So what exactly is PDRN? And is it worth adding to your microneedling treatment?

Here's what I think you should know.

What is PDRN?

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide. It is made up of purified DNA fragments and has been studied for its role in tissue repair and regeneration. PDRN used in aesthetic medicine is commonly derived from salmon DNA. MDPI

There's promising science behind PDRN, particularly involving wound healing and skin repair. But like many things in aesthetics, the marketing has moved faster than some of the research.

That distinction matters to me.

Is PDRN the same as “salmon sperm DNA”?

This is where social media has had a field day.

Salmon-derived PDRN can originate from reproductive tissue, but what is used in professionally manufactured products is highly purified DNA fragments. You are not having raw “salmon sperm” put on your face.

Not quite as exciting for TikTok, I know.

What is VAMP™ Advanced?

VAMP™ Advanced is the PDRN product I use in my practice as an add-on to microneedling.

The formula contains: PDRN – 5 mg/mL, Hyaluronic acid – 5 mg/mL, 11 vitamins, 23 amino acids and 6 minerals.

The idea is to combine PDRN with ingredients that support hydration and overall skin quality while we're already creating a controlled skin-renewal response with microneedling. VAMP Aesthetics

Why combine PDRN with microneedling?

This is an important distinction.

Putting a PDRN serum on intact skin is not necessarily the same thing as using a professional formulation in conjunction with an aesthetic procedure. PDRN molecules are relatively large, and evidence for passive penetration of topical PDRN through intact skin is still limited. Dermatology Times

Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin and is itself used to stimulate collagen production and skin remodeling. It can also facilitate transdermal delivery. 

PubMed

That's one reason I'm much more interested in PDRN as part of a professional treatment than simply jumping on every PDRN serum that pops up online.

What are the potential benefits of PDRN?

PDRN is being studied for its potential role in skin repair, inflammation and regeneration. There is encouraging research, but there are still limitations in the clinical evidence specifically surrounding aesthetic procedures and long-term outcomes. PubMed

For my patients, I think of VAMP as an option for someone wanting to focus on things like:

Skin quality. Hydration. Texture. Radiance. And overall rejuvenation.

It's not filler. It's not Botox. And it's not something I would sell as a miracle treatment.

It's another tool we can use when the goal is healthier-looking skin.

Who is a good candidate for VAMP™ with microneedling?

I may recommend adding VAMP™ Advanced when we're already doing microneedling and your goal is to improve overall skin quality rather than change the structure or shape of your face.

As with anything I offer, I don't believe everyone needs every treatment.

Your skin, your goals and what you're already doing all matter.

How often should you do PDRN with microneedling?

There isn't one magic schedule that applies to everyone.

How often I recommend microneedling depends on your skin, what we're treating, your other treatments and your overall plan.

Sometimes adding more isn't the answer.

Sometimes doing the right treatments at the right time is.

Is PDRN worth the hype?

I think PDRN is interesting and promising. I also think we should be able to be excited about something new without pretending we know more than we actually do.

There is legitimate science behind PDRN and skin repair. There are also areas where we still need better aesthetic-specific research. MDPI

That's how I approach new treatments in general.

I don't add something to my practice because it's trending. I add it when I believe it makes sense for my patients.

If you're already coming in for microneedling and you're wondering whether adding VAMP™ Advanced makes sense for your skin, ask me at your next appointment.

Laurie Peterson, RN, CANS

Aesthetic Nurse Injector | Carlsbad, California