Rejuran Skin Booster: Why Is It Mentioned So Often in Korean Skin Care?

At Korean dermatology and plastic surgery clinics, you will often hear the term "skin booster." One treatment frequently mentioned is a PN (polynucleotide) injection known as Rejuran. This guide does not recommend the treatment. It simply summarizes what is useful to know before you visit.

What is a skin booster?

"Skin booster" is a broad term for injection treatments that place ingredients directly into the skin (the dermis) to care for skin condition. Creams and cosmetics mainly act on the skin surface, whereas injection treatments deliver ingredients deeper into the skin. Depending on the ingredient used, boosters are grouped into hyaluronic acid types, PN and PDRN types, and others.

What is Rejuran?

• Ingredient: The main ingredient is PN (polynucleotide) extracted from salmon reproductive cells. The manufacturer launched its first product in Korea in 2014, and later products with different viscosities were introduced for different skin thicknesses and purposes.
• Method: Very fine needles are used to inject small amounts at many points on the skin. Some clinics inject by hand and others use an injection device, depending on the clinic.
• Purpose: It often comes up in consultations when people are concerned about dullness, fine lines, or reduced firmness and overall skin texture. The degree and duration of any change vary from person to person.
• Difference from hyaluronic acid "water glow" injections: Water glow injections are based on hyaluronic acid, while Rejuran uses salmon-derived PN.

What happens during the procedure?

1. Consultation and skin assessment: The clinic checks your skin condition, the changes you want, any medications you take, and your allergy history.
2. Cleansing and numbing: After your face is cleansed, a numbing cream is often applied.
3. Injection: Small amounts are placed at multiple points depending on the area. Treatment time varies by clinic and area, so it is a good idea to ask during your consultation.
4. Soothing and finishing: The clinic may apply a cold compress or soothing care and will give you aftercare instructions.

Typical treatment intervals

According to one Korean clinician's explanation, a common approach is three or more sessions about 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions about once every 2 to 3 months. This is only one example. The actual number of sessions and the intervals depend on your skin condition and your doctor's judgment. If your stay in Korea is short, ask first whether a plan is possible within your travel schedule.

What to expect right after and during recovery

• White, raised marks at the injection points (called wheals) may appear and are generally said to fade within 12 to 24 hours.
• Redness, swelling, and bruising can occur. Areas with thin skin, such as under the eyes, tend to bruise more easily.
• Allergic reactions are rare, but they can occur. If symptoms are severe or last a long time, contact the clinic where you were treated right away.
• Guidance on when you can wear makeup, wash your face, use saunas, or exercise differs by clinic, so please check the instructions given on the day of treatment.

Checklist before your visit

• Allergies: Let the medical staff know in advance if you have a fish allergy, including salmon.
• Medications: Please mention any medicines or supplements that affect blood clotting.
• Skin condition: If you have inflammation, wounds, or dermatitis in the treatment area, first check whether treatment is possible.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, please tell the clinic during your consultation.
• Important events: If you have a wedding, photo shoot, or flight coming up, plan with extra time in case of bruising and swelling.
• Cost: This is a non-reimbursed (out-of-pocket) treatment, and pricing differs by clinic. Check the dose, number of sessions, and whether tax is included, ideally in writing.

Choosing a clinic

• Check who the medical professional is that explains and performs the treatment.
• Ask whether the product used is an officially approved medical device or drug.
• Be cautious about clinics that use wording that seems to promise results. Results differ from person to person.
• If Korean is difficult for you, check in advance whether interpretation is available and whether you can receive the consent form in a language you understand.

Summary

Rejuran is one of the skin boosters often mentioned in Korea, but it does not give the same result to everyone. Decide only after talking thoroughly with a medical professional about whether it suits your skin condition and schedule, and about the ingredient and method. This article is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment.