Ultimate Guide to Skin Boosters: Polynucleotides, PDRN, Exosomes, Collagen & More

When it comes to achieving radiant, youthful skin, skincare products alone aren’t always enough. That’s where skin boosters come in — injectable (or tropical) treatments designed to hydrate, repair, and rejuvenate your skin from within.

If you’ve heard terms like polynucleotides (PN), PDRN, exosomes, or collagen boosters but aren't sure what they are or how they work, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of skin boosters, how they work, and which one might be best for your skin goals.

What Are Skin Boosters?

Skin boosters are minimally invasive injectable treatments that work by improving the skin’s overall quality. Unlike dermal fillers that add volume or reshape facial contours, skin boosters enhance the skin’s health and texture by delivering key nutrients and stimulating natural processes like collagen production and cellular repair.

Skin boosters typically contain ingredients like:

✅ Polynucleotides – For skin regeneration and collagen stimulation

✅ PDRN – For healing and reducing inflammation

✅ Exosomes – For cell-to-cell communication and rapid repair

✅ Hyaluronic Acid – For hydration and plumpness

✅ Collagen – For strengthening and firming the skin

Skin boosters improve:

• Skin hydration and elasticity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Redness and inflammation

• Skin tone and texture

• Acne scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation

  
  

Now, let’s dive deeper into each type of skin booster and how they work.

Polynucleotides (PN): Deep Skin Regeneration

Polynucleotides (PN) are long chains of nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA and RNA — that work by repairing damaged skin cells and stimulating fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin).

How Polynucleotides Work:

• They penetrate deep into the skin, encouraging cell regeneration.

• They activate fibroblasts, which increases collagen and elastin production.

• PN also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce redness and protect the skin from oxidative stress.

  
  

Best For:

✔️ Improving overall skin texture and hydration

✔️ Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles

✔️ Restoring skin elasticity and glow

Polynucleotide treatments are ideal for people who want to enhance their skin’s quality and structure without adding volume or changing facial contours.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotides): Focused Healing and Repair

PDRN is a specific type of polynucleotide derived from salmon DNA. While it shares similarities with PN, it’s more specialized for skin healing and repair.

How PDRN Works:

• PDRN works by activating adenosine A2A receptors in the skin, which reduces inflammation and increases blood flow.

• It stimulates tissue repair and boosts cell regeneration.

• It’s particularly effective for healing damaged skin, treating acne scars, and reducing post-inflammatory redness.

Best For:

✔️ Healing acne scars and damaged skin

✔️ Reducing redness and inflammation

✔️ Strengthening skin barrier and improving resilience

💡 PN vs. PDRN – Polynucleotides are ideal for overall skin quality, while PDRN is more focused on healing and repairing damaged skin.

Exosomes: The Future of Skin Regeneration

Exosomes are one of the most exciting developments in skin science. They are tiny vesicles derived from stem cells that carry proteins, growth factors, and genetic material.

How Exosomes Work:

• They improve communication between skin cells, accelerating repair and regeneration.

• They stimulate collagen and elastin production.

• They have anti-inflammatory and brightening effects, helping to reduce redness and pigmentation.

Best For:

✔️ Fast skin repair and healing

✔️ Improving skin tone and texture

✔️ Reducing redness and inflammation

Exosome treatments are highly versatile and are often combined with microneedling or laser treatments to maximize results. (They are NOT being injected)

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Skin Boosters: Intense Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that binds to water, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. HA skin boosters are one of the most popular options for achieving that coveted "glass skin" look.

How HA Skin Boosters Work:

• HA attracts moisture, helping to retain hydration in the skin.

• They smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin from within.

• They improve skin elasticity and give a healthy glow.

Best For:

✔️ Dehydrated skin

✔️ Fine lines and wrinkles

✔️ Improving skin texture and glow

HA boosters are quick, with minimal downtime, making them perfect for a pre-event skin refresh.

Collagen-Based Skin Boosters: Strengthening and Firming

Collagen-based skin boosters work by either directly supplying collagen or stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Unlike PN and PDRN, which focus on cell repair and regeneration, collagen-based boosters target skin structure and firmness.

Types of Collagen Boosters:

Collagen-Stimulating Injectables

• Sculptra® – Contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate fibroblasts and trigger collagen production.

• Radiesse® – Contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which acts as a scaffold for new collagen growth.

  
  

  Direct Collagen Injections

• Bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine (fish) collagen may be injected directly into the skin.

• These injections are less common due to potential allergic reactions.

  
  

  Microneedling with Collagen Serums

• Microneedling helps collagen-infused serums penetrate deeper into the skin.

  
  

  Bio-Boosters

• These injectables deliver amino acids and peptides that support collagen synthesis.

Best For:

✔️ Restoring skin firmness and elasticity

✔️ Reducing sagging and deep wrinkles

✔️ Strengthening and plumping the skin

How to Choose the Right Skin Booster

Choosing the right skin booster depends on your skin type and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Skin Concern	Best Skin Booster
Fine lines & wrinkles	Polynucleotides, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Stimulators
Loss of firmness	Collagen Stimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse)
Redness & inflammation	PDRN, Exosomes
Uneven texture	Polynucleotides, Exosomes, PRP
Dehydration	Hyaluronic Acid
Scars & post-inflammatory pigmentation	PDRN, PRP, Exosomes

What to Expect During a Skin Booster Treatment

• Most skin booster treatments are performed using fine needles or cannulas.

• A numbing cream is usually applied beforehand to minimize discomfort.

• Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur but typically resolves within a few days.

• Results develop gradually over a few weeks as collagen production and cell turnover increase.

FAQs

Q: Are skin boosters the same as fillers? No. Fillers add volume, while skin boosters improve skin quality and hydration.

Q: How long do results last? Results typically last between 4–12 months depending on the type of booster, your skin’s response, your diet and aftercare/ skincare.

Q: Can you combine skin boosters? Yes! Many treatments work well together for enhanced results. For example, HA boosters can be combined with PN or PDRN for both hydration and repair.

Skin boosters are one of the most effective ways to achieve radiant, youthful skin. Whether you’re looking to improve hydration, repair damage, or restore firmness, there’s a skin booster that’s perfect for you. Consult with a skincare professional to create a personalized plan and unlock your skin’s full potential!

✨ Ready to try a skin booster? Book a consultation with your practitioner today and experience the glow! (If you are not sure which practitioner to trust or choose, reach out to us and will will help to guide you)

✨Or if you are interested in learning how to use skin-boosters and get certified, sign up for your training program.