With Exosomes + PDRN
Advanced microneedling with exosomes and PDRN to support repair.
- Treatment time
- Around 60 minutes including numbing
- Results
- Brighter in a week; regeneration over 4–8 weeks
- Longevity
- Long-lasting after a course; maintain every 4–6 months
- Downtime
- 24 hours of redness
- Price
- £180
About With Exosomes + PDRN
This is the advanced version of microneedling. The same fine-needle pen makes thousands of tiny channels in the skin, but the serum worked into them contains three ingredients: hyaluronic acid to hydrate, PDRN (fragments of polynucleotide taken from salmon DNA) to signal repair, and exosomes, which are tiny messenger particles that tell skin cells to regenerate.
Together they speed up and strengthen the skin's response. That makes it a strong choice for ageing skin, scars, sun damage, pigmentation, and skin that has been slow to heal.
Key Benefits
- 01A quicker, stronger collagen and elastin response than standard microneedling
- 02Treats scars, sun damage, pigmentation and ageing skin
- 03Exosomes and PDRN help repair and calm inflammation
- 04Hydration from the hyaluronic acid
- 05Better healing and shorter downtime than needling on its own
- 06Works for most skin types and tones
Is this treatment right for me?
This is for you if you want the most out of microneedling: if you have scars, sun damage, patchy pigmentation or skin that has lost its spring, or if other treatments haven't worked well for you. As with any needling, active acne, infection or inflamed skin must calm down first, and you can't have PDRN if you're allergic to fish.
You may be suitable if…
- You have scars, sun damage or an uneven skin tone
- Your skin looks older, thinner or is slow to heal
- You want a stronger result than standard microneedling gives
- You're not allergic to fish and have no active acne or infection in the area
Your consultation will consider…
- Your skin type and tone, and whether you're prone to pigmentation or keloids
- A fish allergy (PDRN comes from salmon) or recent use of isotretinoin
- The right needle depth and serum mix for your concern
- A course plan, which is usually three to four sessions
What to expect
Before treatment
John reviews your skin and history and confirms your plan. For a week beforehand, stop retinol, acids and other actives, keep the area out of the sun, avoid hair removal there, and come with clean skin.
During treatment
Your skin is cleansed and numbed for 20–30 minutes. John then needles it in overlapping passes at the depth that suits your concern, applying the exosome, PDRN and hyaluronic acid serum the whole time so it travels down into the channels. The needling takes around 30 minutes, and the appointment about an hour.
After treatment
For the rest of the day your skin will be red and warm. The serum helps repair, so redness often fades sooner than after standard needling. A calming layer and SPF go on before you leave.
Watch
See this treatment in the clinic, in short videos on John’s aesthetics site, Trusted Touch Aesthetics.
Watch 22 videos →Results & longevity
Your skin usually looks brighter and smoother within a week. The regenerative effect builds over four to eight weeks and grows with each session. Changes to scars, pigmentation and firmness tend to show most clearly after a course of three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. With good skincare and sun protection the results last a long time, and a top-up session every four to six months keeps your skin at its best.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Recovery is close to that of standard microneedling: red and warm on the day, then pink for one or two days. The regenerative serum often makes it shorter, and most people are happy to be seen in public within 24 hours.
Side effects
Short-lived redness, warmth, tightness, light swelling and flaking are all expected. Tiny spots of bleeding while you're being treated are normal. Less often, you might get a breakout over the next few days, temporary darker patches if your skin is prone to pigmentation (the reason SPF is so important), or a mild infection if the aftercare isn't followed. If you're prone to cold sores, treatment near the mouth can set one off.
Aftercare
For the first 48 hours keep your routine minimal: a gentle cleanser, the serum John suggests and a plain moisturiser. Leave make-up off for 24 hours and active ingredients such as retinol, acids and vitamin C off for five to seven days. Wear SPF 50 every day for at least two weeks. Skip exercise, saunas, swimming and direct sun for 48 hours, and leave any flakes to come away on their own.
Get in touch with the clinic if redness or swelling is getting worse after 48 hours, you notice spots filled with pus, or any area of skin turns darker.
- Downtime
- 24–48 hours of redness
- Redness
- Marked on the day, pink for 1–2 days
- Swelling
- Mild, first day
- Bruising
- Uncommon
- Normal activities
- Next day; no exercise, saunas or swimming for 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are exosomes?
They're tiny particles cells use to pass instructions to each other. In skincare they tell skin cells to repair themselves and make collagen, so they amplify the healing that microneedling already starts.
What does PDRN stand for?
Polydeoxyribonucleotide: purified DNA fragments from salmon that encourage tissue repair and calm inflammation. It belongs to the same ingredient family as injectable polynucleotides.
Is it better than standard microneedling?
For regenerative goals such as scars, sun damage and ageing skin, it works harder and faster. If you just want glow and upkeep, standard microneedling with hyaluronic acid may be enough.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually three to four, four to six weeks apart, followed by a top-up every four to six months.
Is it painful?
With numbing cream it's uncomfortable rather than painful: a scratchy, buzzing feeling. Afterwards your skin feels like it has caught the sun.
Can I have it if I'm allergic to fish?
Because PDRN comes from salmon, we'd suggest standard microneedling with hyaluronic acid instead. Please tell us about any allergies at your consultation.
How much downtime is there?
Your skin is red on the day and pink for a day or two. Avoid make-up for 24 hours and exercise for 48 hours.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Banana Beauty Lab and runs his aesthetics practice, Trusted Touch Aesthetics, here. He specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. His training is CPD-certified, he is fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.