PDRN Skincare Explained: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in New York Magazine’s The Strategist

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD was featured in New York Magazine’s The Strategist discussing PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), a regenerative skincare ingredient often referred to in the beauty world as “salmon DNA” or “salmon sperm” skincare.

PDRN is derived from salmon DNA and has been studied for its role in tissue repair, wound healing, and skin regeneration. Because the nucleotides in salmon DNA share similarities with human DNA, the ingredient has been used in regenerative medicine in parts of Europe and Asia for years.

In aesthetic medicine, PDRN is most commonly used in in-office procedures such as microneedling or laser treatments, where it may support the body’s natural healing processes.

How PDRN Works in Skincare

According to experts interviewed in the article, PDRN acts as a biological signaling molecule that helps encourage the body’s repair mechanisms.

Potential benefits associated with PDRN treatments may include:

• Supporting tissue repair and wound healing
• Reducing inflammation in the skin
• Improving hydration and skin elasticity
• Stimulating collagen production
• Improving overall skin brightness and texture

Dr. Gould notes that topical at-home PDRN products differ from in-office treatments. Professional procedures allow ingredients to reach deeper layers of the skin, which may lead to more significant regenerative effects.

“At-home products aren’t FDA-approved for dermatologic conditions, and their formulation, concentration, and delivery are not standardized.”

At-Home vs. In-Office Treatments

Many skincare brands now include PDRN in serums and masks designed for daily use. While these products may help support hydration and calming effects on the skin’s surface, in-office treatments typically allow for deeper delivery of regenerative ingredients.

Procedures such as microneedling or laser treatments create micro-channels in the skin, allowing regenerative compounds like PDRN to penetrate into deeper tissue layers where healing responses occur.

As regenerative aesthetics continues to evolve, ingredients like PDRN are becoming increasingly common in both clinical treatments and advanced skincare formulations.