What is PDRN Growth Serum and what does it have to do with a “Salmon Sperm Facial”?

by Pauli Morrow | Jun 1, 2025 | Ageless skin, Antioxidants, Collagen Stimulating Treatments, Healthy Skin, Skin Treatments

You might have heard of the so-called “salmon sperm facial”—and yes, it sounds a little wild at first. But behind the viral nickname is one of the most advanced regenerative treatments in modern aesthetics: PDRN therapy.

Derived from salmon DNA, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is gaining serious attention for its ability to revitalize, repair, and restore skin at the cellular level. I’ll explain what it is, how it works, and why it’s worth the hype..

What is it- and why salmon?

At the heart of this skin-revitalizing treatment is a powerhouse ingredient called PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide)—a naturally derived DNA fragment that kickstarts your skin’s ability to repair, regenerate, and glow from within.

So, why salmon? Surprisingly, salmon DNA shares about 95% similarity with human DNA, making it incredibly biocompatible. The PDRN used in these treatments is carefully extracted from highly purified salmon sperm DNA, chosen for its purity, safety, and exceptional ability to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity, and boost skin renewal.

Multiple studies support the efficacy of PDRNs. They’ve been shown to:

Stimulate fibroblast activity
Promote collagen and elastin synthesis
Aid in wound healing and tissue regeneration
Have anti-inflammatory effects

Where Science Meets Aesthetics: Microneedling + PDRN Growth Serum

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves creating micro-injuries in your skin to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes and enhance serum absorption.

We use a special formulation of PDRN Growth Serum with:

PDRN – a biostimulant from salmon sperm DNA. We use concentrated, medial-grade purified PDRN
Hyaluronic Acid – for deep, long-lasting hydration
Glutathione – a potent antioxidant that brightens and protects skin

Benefits of microneedling with PDRN Growth Serum:

Collagen production for firmer, plumper skin
Fibroblast activation, the cells that drive skin repair
Reduction in dark pigmentation
Deep hydration and plumping with hyaluronic acid
Improved texture and tone for smoother, healthier skin
Repair of cellular damage and strengthening skin barrier
Reduction in inflammation, redness, and signs of irritation

These benefits are supported by clinical evidence showing that PDRNs improve hydration, elasticity, and overall skin regeneration.

Is this a safe treatment?

Yes—for most people, this treatment is extremely safe and well-tolerated. In fact, the wound healing properties of the PDRN result in less downtime and faster recovery than without them. The DNA used in the serum is highly purified, removing proteins and impurities that could trigger an immune reaction. However, individuals with fish or seafood allergies should avoid PDRN treatments as a precaution.

Mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint bruising may occur after treatment but usually resolves within a day or two.

PDRN Growth Serum vs. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Check here to learn more about PRP.

Both PDRN and PRP are utilized for their regenerative properties in skincare, but they have some differences:

Source: PRP is derived from your own blood, while PDRN is sourced from salmon sperm DNA
Treatment Options: PRP can be injected into your skin for cell regeneration, whereas PDRN is only approved for topical use.
Composition: PDRN contains a concentrated mix of purified DNA and peptides, whereas PRP primarily contains platelets and growth factors.
Consistency: PDRN preparations can potentially offer more consistent results due to standardized production processes, while PRP efficacy can vary based on individual patient factors.

Why Some Patients Prefer PDRN Growth Serum:

No blood draw required
Consistent formulation
Enhanced with hydrating and antioxidant ingredients
Ideal for those whose growth factors may be suboptimal (due to age, lifestyle, or medications)

What to expect with your PDRN + Microneedling treatment:

At Evolution Dermatology, we typically recommend a series of 3–4 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart, then every 6 months thereafter to maintain optimal results. Treatments are performed with microneedling to enhance absorption and collagen stimulation. Learn more about microneedling treatment here.

The Bottom Line

PDRN therapy is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in regenerative aesthetics today. Safe, effective, and backed by science, this innovative treatment uses DNA-based repair to visibly rejuvenate the skin—improving hydration, firmness, and natural radiance.

At Evolution Dermatology, we’re proud to offer this leading-edge approach to skin health, combining medical experience with proven aesthetic results.

Ready to uncover your skin’s full potential?

Book an appointment or consultation at Evolution Dermatology and experience the power of DNA-driven skin renewal—for a firmer, brighter, more youthful you.

Discover the Power of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy

by Pauli Morrow | Jul 21, 2024 | Ageless skin, Collagen Stimulating Treatments, hair loss, Healthy Skin, Injectables, PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is used in many aspects of medicine. At Evolution Dermatology, we are excited to offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a cutting-edge treatment harnessing the natural healing power of your own blood. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, stimulate hair growth, or enhance your overall appearance, PRP therapy can be a transformative solution.

What is PRP Therapy?

Your body has the ability to heal itself. PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the growth factors and healing properties found in your own blood.

The process begins with a simple blood draw, which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. This golden serum is rich in growth factors that can stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing.

PRP therapy has been shown to help with hair growth, increase collagen and elastin production and help your body heal faster and better. And best yet, this comes naturally from your own body!

How Can PRP Therapy Benefit You?

1) Scalp Injections for Hair Loss

PRP is a treatment used to help restore hair growth. Most research on PRP for hair loss has focused on its use to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) as it is the most common. Also known as hormone-related hair loss, this is a condition that has been found to affect 80% of men and 50% of women throughout their lifetime. In men with AGA, hair loss typically occurs on the top and front of the head. In women, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head and often begins with the center hair part growing wider.

PRP therapy has shown in studies to be an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The research has demonstrated that PRP can enhance hair growth by increasing both hair count and hair thickness. For best results, consistency is key. Typically, PRP treatments are administered monthly for the first few months, followed by maintenance sessions every few months.

Depending on your specific reason for hair loss, PRP may work best when it is combined with other treatments, such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral minoxidil, prescription finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride or spironolactone. So if you are noticing hair loss, make an appointment so that we can determine what treatment plan may be the best one for you.

2) Facial Injections

PRP can be injected to treat wrinkles in areas like around your mouth or to improve the skin texture under your eye area. First the area will be numbed with topical anesthetic so that you are comfortable, and the PRP injections are only tiny ones placed just under the skin.

It has been shown that these injections stimulate collagen production and work to improve the quality of skin. Typically, a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced a month apart, will have you feeling like a rejuvenated version of yourself!

3) Microneedling + PRP: A Perfect Match

Why settle for microneedling alone when you can supercharge it with PRP? The PRP enhances your results by working to stimulate more cell growth and generate more collagen and elastin production than microneedling alone. It also decreases downtime and promotes faster healing.

The PRP is placed on your skin while you are having the microneedling procedure and just after while the channels in your skin created by the microneedling pen are still open. Plus, PRP decreases downtime and promotes faster healing,so you’re back to flaunting your glow in no time!

Pro Tip on the Day of Your PRP Treatment:

Drink plenty of water starting the day before treatment. Being well hydrated will help your blood draw go more smoothly.

Ready to Experience the Magic of PRP?

At Evolution Dermatology + Wellness, we are committed to providing advanced treatments like PRP therapy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re addressing hair loss, fine lines, or seeking enhanced skin rejuvenation, PRP therapy can be a valuable part of feeling your best.

To learn more about PRP therapy or to schedule your consultation, please call us at 720-738-7770.

We look forward to helping you discover the benefits of this innovative and amazing treatment!

Schedule an Appointment

Treatments + Products to Increase Collagen Production

by Pauli Morrow | Feb 29, 2024 | Ageless skin, Collagen Stimulating Treatments, Healthy Skin, Skin Treatments

The fact that your skin changes over time comes at no surprise—but do you know exactly how?

There are two important components that contribute to this change; they are collagen and elastin. These components of your skin help keep facial lines and wrinkles at bay and improve the quality of your skin. When you improve the quality of your skin, it will appear healthy and youthful.

There are many cosmetic treatments to help with the aging process, like Botox (and other neurotoxins) that stop muscle contraction to reduce wrinkles, or dermal fillers that replace volume that we lose over time.

However, here I describe ways to help your skin appear more radiant that can be done with or without volumizing fillers and toxins. It’s all about improving the health of your skin!

What is collagen and elastin?

At the core of skin health is collagen and elastin. Collagen is the main structural protein, which acts like scaffolding and provides plumpness to your skin. Elastin allows your skin to be flexible and helps it keep its shape even after stretching or pinching. Both of these proteins are important to maintain skin quality and integrity. This is why collagen and elastin stimulating treatments are considered both preventative and corrective in anti-aging terms

Why does collagen and elastin decrease in our skin?

Collagen is produced throughout our lives, but the amount begins to reduce in our 20’s. Elastin production stops around puberty. Some factors can increase the breakdown of collagen, like excessive sun exposure, pollution and smoking. This loss makes your skin appear thinner and have less structural support, which is why people begin to notice drooping or sagging of their skin. For youthful skin, it is important to both preserve the collagen you have and stimulate your skin to produce it faster.

What are in-office treatments you can do to boost collagen and elastin production?

There are many treatments at our office that work to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Which one you choose may depend on your specific concerns, downtime, cost, or what your goals are. Here is some great information about how in-office treatments improve the quality of your skin, but if you are not sure which one is the best choice for you, come in for a cosmetic consultation.

Here are 6 in-office treatments that can increase collagen and elastin:

1) Radiesse

Radiesse was approved by the FDA as a facial filler at the end of 2006 and has been used as a volumizing filler since. However, it can be used as a biostimulant in your skin rather than just a filler when saline and lidocaine are added to Radiesse. This mixture triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin so that you get immediate results plus long-term improvement. The benefits of this treatment are skin tightening and thickening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. Overall, skin tone, texture and elasticity can be markedly improved!

2) Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure where a device with fine needles is moved across your skin. The needles puncture the top layer of the skin and create a controlled skin injury to improve skin texture and promote collagen growth. Once this micro-injury is created with the needles, your body is stimulated to produce new collagen to fill them in as part of the healing process. This new collagen can make your skin look smoother, tighter, and more youthful. It can also help diminish acne scars.

3) PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

PRP therapy is used in many aspects of medicine. PRP is a serum that results from your own blood that can amplify the natural growth factors in your body and stimulate the growth of new cells. At Evolution Dermatology, we use PRP as injections and topical application to diminish wrinkles, improve skin quality and help treat acne scars

4) Opus Plasma Resurfacing

This procedure uses fractionated plasma energy to resurface your skin and deliver effects similar to a deep resurfacing treatment without the downtime. The Opus device uses both radio frequency energy and plasma to create fractional injuries on the surface of your skin tissue regeneration and collagen remodeling

5) Sofwave

Sofwave is a clinically-proven, non-invasive approach to rebuilding collagen and elastin to tighten and improve facial lines and wrinkles. This procedure uses ultrasound energy to pass through the surface of your skin, heating the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. With no downtime, Sofwave works to enhance and rejuvenate your skin quality and firmness.

6) Chemical Peels

These use hydroxy acids (like glycolic, lactic acids) to boost skin cell turnover, which in turn stimulates collagen production. You can see immediate benefits from chemical peels, as they can help with tone and texture, giving you an instant glow. These are best done in a series done monthly to get the most collagen regeneration and longer lasting results.

What skin care products can help?

These clinically proven skin care products are a great way to add nourishment to your skin and promote healthy collagen and elastin.

Here are the 3 main topical powerhouses…

1) Prescription Tretinoin (known by the brand name Retin-A):

Applied in the evening to your skin, this vitamin A derivative upregulates genes involved in collagen production while it exfoliates to encourage collagen and new healthy skin cells. Tretinoin and retinoids have been proven for years to be a gold standard in anti-aging skin care as stated in this publication here in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Just ask when you are in the office if this might be a good skin care topical treatment for you!

2) Vitamin C Serum:

Protect collagen with topical vitamin C. Slather on a vitamin C serum in the morning. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant that protects the collagen in your skin against UV damage. More than that, it triggers collagen formation and stabilizes the collagen proteins in skin. Has been studied for years proving its effectiveness. At Evolution Dermatology we have a vitamin C serum that also has ferulic acid and vitamin E to add antioxidant power with a hydrating hyaluronic acid base.

Evolve Vitamin C Serum from Evolution Dermatology in Boulder CO — Evolve Vitamin C Serum

3) Sunscreen:

Sunscreen is vital for skin cancer prevention — but also for keeping skin young and springy. UV exposure can lead to the breakdown of collagen, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you’re never too young to start wearing sunscreen every day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and don’t forget to cover your neck, ears and chest too!

There is no magic bullet when we talk about aesthetic treatments and skin care. No one treatment or product does everything. It is about combining treatments and products depending on your skin type and your specific goals.

Unveiling the Secrets of Dermaplaning

by Pauli Morrow | Jul 7, 2023 | Dermaplaning, Exfoliation, Skin Treatments, Skincare

Dermaplaning has been around for over 40 years, but has gained immense popularity as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure in recent years. It’s a very effective skincare treatment that is simple but delivers some amazing results. Here I explore the concept of dermaplaning, its benefits, and if it may be right for you. Let’s dive in!

What is dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning, also known as epidermal leveling or blading, is a skincare procedure performed by our experienced aestheticians. It entails using a specialized surgical scalpel to gently scrape off dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the surface of the skin. It will take about 20-30 minutes and is completely painless. You can enjoy the benefits of this treatment every three to four weeks to maintain a smooth, radiant appearance.

How can I benefit from dermaplaning?

Numerous medical journals highlight the potential benefits of dermaplaning. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Smith et al., 2018), dermaplaning can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the absorption and efficacy of skincare products. Additionally, dermaplaning can provide a smoother canvas for makeup application, resulting in a more flawless finish (Gonzalez et al., 2019). In short, it rejuvenates your skin by promoting cell turnover and enhances product penetration. Any skin care products placed on your skin after the treatment will absorb better and your skin will be glowing and smooth!

Are there any side effects?

Dermaplaning is very safe and has little side effects. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (Al-Niaimi et al., 2020) indicates that possible side effects of dermaplaning may include temporary redness, sensitivity, and a risk of superficial cuts or nicks. However, these side effects are not common and tend to resolve quickly.

Is dermaplaning right for your skin type?

Dermaplaning is suitable for most people seeking skin rejuvenation. It is particularly beneficial for those with dry or rough skin, superficial hyperpigmentation, or mild acne scarring. However, it is not ideal if you have active acne, open wounds, sunburns, or a history of keloid scarring. If you are not sure, just ask our aesthetician and she can help you make the best decision for you.

What should you know before dermaplaning?

Before having a dermaplaning treatment, there are a few considerations. It is important to have a professional experienced in performing dermaplaning and never try this at home! Additionally, inform our aesthetician about any allergies, skin conditions, or medications you are currently using. Avoid excessive sun exposure and discontinue the use of retinoids or exfoliating products a few days before the treatment.

Can you combine dermaplaning with other facials?

Dermaplaning can be combined with other types of facials to enhance your results. According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Mills et al., 2019), combining dermaplaning with chemical peels can provide a synergistic effect, improving overall skin texture and tone. When scheduling your facial, just ask if dermaplaning can be added to boost your results!

Dermaplaning offers a range of benefits to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Indulge in this rejuvenating experience, and watch as your complexion transforms, revealing a fresh and youthful appearance that will make heads turn!