Polynucleotide (PN) Basics: Rejuran, Regevan & Vitaran
A board-certified Seoul dermatologist introduces polynucleotide (PN) skin boosters — how they regenerate skin and strengthen the barrier — and compares Rejuran, Regevan, and Vitaran.
This is an English adaptation of a clinical article Dr. SangYoul Yun — board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Delight Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul — originally published in Korean. Read the Korean original on Naver. It has been restructured and translated for international readers; all references are the author's own.
Hello, this is Dr. SangYoul Yun, board-certified dermatologist. Prolonged exposure to winter cold easily leads to dehydration and dry skin, which reduces elasticity and brings on flaking and fine lines. Because water is lost through a damaged skin barrier, winter calls for extra care. Today I'll introduce one way to supply the skin with hydration and regeneration — polynucleotide (PN) treatment — as an introductory overview.
What is polynucleotide (PN)?
PN consists of DNA polymers of varying lengths, extracted from the testes of salmon or trout. The higher-molecular-weight form is called PN, and the lower-molecular-weight form is called PDRN. These components extracted from salmon and trout are nearly identical to the nucleotide units that make up human DNA. PN is extracted from the testes and sterilized, and its regenerative capacity is used to regenerate wounded and damaged skin and to strengthen the skin barrier. The familiar "salmon injection" refers to products that use PN extracted from salmon testes.
What PN does
PN products regenerate the skin's collagen, producing improvements such as:
- Skin restoration and regeneration, anti-inflammatory effect
- Improvement of fine wrinkles
- Increased skin elasticity
- Pore reduction
- Improved skin tone and texture
- Scar improvement
Park et al. (2018, Annals of Dermatology) proposed that PN raises the metabolic activity of fibroblasts, promoting collagen secretion and regenerating various components of the dermis, thereby increasing skin elasticity. Through this effect, injection around both eyes improved dark circles and increased peri-ocular skin elasticity.1
The main PN products compared
Rejuran Healer
The best-known PN product. It provides fundamental regeneration of the epidermis and dermis for healthy, elastic skin. Because PN is heat-stable and highly biocompatible, even those with sensitive skin can be treated comfortably. Its results have been validated over a long period, so it's the one I mainly recommend. For details, see our Rejuran treatment guide.
Regevan
A relatively recent product, released by a company (Tentec) run by a dermatologist. Unlike Rejuran, it is made from DNA extracted from trout testes. In my personal view, it injects more smoothly than Rejuran with less patient discomfort, and it has a price advantage. Its durability and effect, however, warrant a little more use before firm conclusions.
Vitaran
A recent product from LG Chem. PN is extracted from imported fish; to verify the fish's growth history, they reportedly farm sea trout, monitoring growth from the fry stage. Its therapeutic effect is similar to Rejuran, with slightly less pain on injection.
Schedule and who it's for
The recommended schedule is three sessions at one-month intervals. It's an effective option if you want overall skin improvement, aren't sure which treatment to choose, or want to improve fine wrinkles. For those worried about pain, the Dermashine device allows treatment with less discomfort.
In short: Rejuran Healer is the standard and, with its long-validated results, the one I mostly recommend — but the newer Regevan and Vitaran have similar therapeutic effects and offer advantages in cost and comfort, so they're worth considering too. PN is one of several skin boosters; I recommend deciding what best suits your skin condition and goals in consultation.
References
- Park KY, Kwon HJ, Youn CS, et al. Ann Dermatol. 2018 Oct;30(5):522-528.
Medical disclaimer. This article is general information and does not replace individual consultation. Whether PN treatment suits you, the choice of product, and the possibility of side effects should be decided through an in-person consultation with a dermatologist. If you have a fish allergy (salmon, trout, etc.), please tell us before treatment.
Notice: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans are determined through personal consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Results may vary.
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