Regenerative aesthetics is an exciting area of medicine—not only because of what it can do for the skin, but because it is constantly in flux. Every few months brings a buzzy serum or new indication for an injectable that is nothing less than game-changing. We’ve cycled through the benefits of PRP, exosomes, growth factors, PDRN—and now, platelet-derived growth factor. PDGF is making waves in dermatology offices as an adjunct to popular in-office treatments.
Ahead, we spoke with dermatologists about PDGF’s growing popularity with microneedling, and why you might want to consider pairing it with your next in-office session.
Featured experts
- Anna Chacon, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Dr. Shereen Teymour is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
What is PDGF?
“PDGF is a powerful regenerative protein naturally found in the body that plays a key role in healing and skin renewal. In skin care, it’s typically lab-engineered and formulated into lightweight serums designed to absorb easily into the skin,” explains Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. PDGF essentially acts as a messenger, communicating with cells involved in regeneration and helping to orchestrate the healing response. It helps to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity and support overall skin repair. Expect smoother, firmer and more resilient skin over time.
New York dermatologist Dr. Shereen Teymour says the PDGF that is generating the most buzz right now in aesthetics is recombinant human PDGF-BB, meaning it is manufactured in a controlled environment, rather than it being extracted from a patient’s blood. “With ariessence pure PDGF+, for example, the PDGF is combined with a hyaluronic acid-based solution before topical application. The result is essentially a lightweight serum that can be applied directly to the skin after a procedure,” she explains.
Ariessence pure PDGF+, marketed for topical cosmetic use, is currently garnering the majority of attention. “Injection of this particular product is not FDA-approved, and the manufacturer specifically states that it is not intended for administration by injection,” says Dr. Teymour. She further explains that this type of PDGF should not be confused with other FDA-approved recombinant PDGF products intended to be injected for orthopedic use, “which is why PDGF itself has such an interesting history, but again, this should not be confused with approval to inject a topical cosmetic PDGF product into the face.”
How does PDGF compare to PRP and PDRN?
PRP and PRF are derived from a patient’s own blood and can vary in composition, whereas PDGF products are more standardized, but are designed to mimic some of the same regenerative benefits. “[PRP and PRF] contain platelets and a mixture of multiple growth factors and signaling molecules, including naturally occurring PDGF,” says Dr. Teymour. Recombinant PDGF, on the other hand, is much more targeted. “You’re delivering a highly purified, standardized version of one specific signaling protein rather than the variable mixture found in someone’s own blood,” she explains.
PDGF is also often compared with exosome products because both fall under the broader umbrella of regenerative aesthetics, but remain biologically different. “Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can carry numerous proteins, lipids and signaling molecules; PDGF is a defined growth factor,” says Dr. Teymour.
PDGF and microneedling
Microneedling creates thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin, helping to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing and collagen remodeling process. The temporary microchannels created in the skin after microneedling make it an ideal time to apply a topical regenerative product like PDGF. “Regenerative treatments and microneedling are such a natural pairing. They’re both centered around encouraging repair and remodeling,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill.
“I consider the combination of the two as a synergistic approach to skin regeneration: the microneedling provides the initial stimulus for repair and collagen production, while PDGF provides additional signaling to support that regenerative environment,” says Dr. Teymour. “We’re not simply applying another serum on top of intact skin, rather, we’re strategically pairing it with a procedure designed to initiate skin remodeling.”
After PDGF is applied topically immediately after microneedling (or even a resurfacing laser), it may be continued to be applied topically at home depending on the protocol. Because collagen remodeling takes time, dermatologists usually recommend a series of treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart, with results continuing to improve over time.
