Polynucleotides are DNA fragments (PDRN/PN) that promote cellular repair through DNA salvage pathways, reduce inflammation, and stimulate fibroblast activity. Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that carry growth factors and signalling proteins to reprogram cellular behaviour. Polynucleotides are better for bio-repair and hydration. Exosomes are better for deep regeneration and post-procedure recovery. They can be combined.

See also: what are polynucleotides? · what is PDRN? · PRP vs exosomes · skin boosters vs PRP

Polynucleotides (PN/PDRN) are your best option when you need bio-repair — restoring damaged skin at the DNA level. They work by activating the purine salvage pathway, which helps cells regenerate nucleotides needed for DNA repair. They also bind to adenosine A2A receptors, producing a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that reduces redness, sensitivity, and chronic skin irritation.

Dr Azra recommends Rejuran polynucleotides for patients with sun-damaged or photaged skin, dark circles and periorbital ageing, fine lines and crepey texture, chronic skin sensitivity or redness, and as a bio-repair treatment for overall skin quality improvement. For more on polynucleotides, read Profhilo vs polynucleotides, skin boosters vs polynucleotides, our salmon DNA facial guide, and the salmon DNA treatment page.

Exosomes are the right choice when you need deeper cellular reprogramming — not just repair, but active regeneration. They carry mRNA, microRNA, growth factors, and proteins that instruct cells to increase collagen production, reduce melanin activity, accelerate wound healing, and promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation).

Choose exosomes for scarring and deeper textural damage, post-procedure healing acceleration (after laser, microneedling, or peels), hair loss and hair thinning, pigmentation irregularity, and advanced skin ageing where surface treatments haven’t delivered sufficient results. See also: stem cell vs PRP vs exosomes, microneedling vs exosome therapy, and exosome treatment pricing →

In clinical practice, polynucleotides and exosomes serve different roles within a regenerative aesthetics protocol. Polynucleotides are Dr Azra’s preferred choice for patients whose primary concern is skin quality decline — dullness, dehydration, sensitivity, and early ageing signs. They are gentle, predictable, and work well as a standalone treatment or complement to Profhilo or skin boosters.

Exosomes are reserved for patients who need more aggressive regeneration — scarring, post-procedure recovery, hair restoration, or skin that hasn’t responded adequately to other treatments. For the most comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr Azra sometimes layers both: polynucleotides for bio-repair and exosomes (applied during microneedling) for cellular-level regeneration. The best protocol is determined during consultation.