If you've been scrolling through skincare content lately, you've probably seen it Salmon DNA (also known as PDRN or Polynucleotides) paired with microneedling for a skin regeneration treatment that's taking the aesthetic world by storm. At Dr. Cris Studio on Madison Avenue, we've incorporated this powerful combination into our treatment menu because the science behind it is genuinely impressive and the results speak for themselves.
What is Salmon DNA (PDRN / Polynucleotides)?
Salmon DNA, scientifically known as PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) or Polynucleotides (PN), is a highly purified extract derived from salmon sperm DNA which shares a remarkable structural similarity to human DNA. Don't let that stop you: this ingredient has been used in regenerative medicine for decades and has an outstanding safety profile.
When introduced into the skin, PDRN works by:
- Activating tissue repair through A2A adenosine receptor stimulation
- Boosting collagen and elastin synthesis from within
- Improving hydration at a deep cellular level
- Reducing inflammation and accelerating healing
- Improving skin tone, texture, and luminosity over time
Think of it as giving your skin cells the raw biological material they need to repair, regenerate, and thrive.
Why combine it with microneedling?
Microneedling creates thousands of micro-channels in the skin using fine, sterile needles triggering the skin's natural wound-healing response and stimulating collagen production on its own. But here's where the combination becomes exceptional: those micro-channels also serve as direct delivery pathways for the Salmon DNA serum.
Applied topically during or immediately after microneedling, PDRN penetrates far deeper than it ever could through intact skin reaching the dermis where collagen-producing fibroblasts live. The result is a dual regenerative stimulus: the microneedling triggers repair from the mechanical side, while the Salmon DNA supercharges the biological response.
What does it treat?
- Fine lines and early wrinkles
- Dull, tired-looking skin and uneven tone
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Skin laxity and loss of firmness
- Dehydrated or crepe-textured skin
- Under-eye area — one of the most delicate and difficult areas to treat
What results can I expect?
Most patients notice an immediate glow and improved hydration after their first session. The deeper regenerative benefits improved texture, reduced scarring, firmer skin develop progressively over 4–8 weeks as new collagen matures.
A series of 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results, followed by maintenance treatments every 3–6 months.
Is there downtime?
Minimal. Expect mild redness and sensitivity for 24–48 hours post-treatment similar to a mild sunburn. Most patients return to normal activities the next day. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, heavy makeup, and active skincare ingredients (retinol, acids) for 48 hours after treatment.
Who is it for?
This treatment is suitable for most skin types and tones and is particularly effective for patients who:
- Want to improve overall skin quality and radiance
- Are dealing with acne scarring or uneven texture
- Notice early signs of aging and want to address them proactively
- Have tried topical skincare and want deeper, more lasting results
- Are looking for a natural, biology-driven approach to skin regeneration
Why Dr. Cris Studio?
At Dr. Cris Studio, we don't just follow trends we evaluate the science. Salmon DNA has earned its place in our treatment menu because the clinical evidence supports it and our patients see real results. Every microneedling session is performed with medical-grade equipment and pharmaceutical-quality PDRN, in a clinical environment that prioritizes your safety and comfort.
Dr. Cris brings a Brazilian-trained eye for skin quality in Brazil, where aesthetic medicine was pioneered, skin health is treated as a lifelong investment, not a quick fix. That philosophy is at the heart of every treatment we offer.
Ready to experience the glow? Book your Microneedling + Salmon DNA session at Dr. Cris Studio, 455 Madison Avenue, Spa Level, New York City.