Microneedling Boosters Explained:
Growth Factors, PDRN & Exosomes

Microneedling is one of the most effective ways to rebuild collagen. But what goes on your skin during the treatment matters almost as much as the needles themselves.

At GetSkin, every microneedling session is performed with a growth factor serum as standard. For clients who want to push their results further, or whose skin needs extra support, we offer two regenerative add-ons: PDRN and exosomes. Here’s what each one does, why we use it, and how to decide what’s right for your skin.

First, why microneedling works

Microneedling (also called collagen induction therapy) uses a medical-grade device with ultra-fine needles to create thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. Your body treats each one as a tiny wound and launches its natural repair process: it calms the area, rebuilds, and then remodels. That repair process is what produces new collagen and elastin. It continues for 4–6 weeks after every session, gradually smoothing scars, refining pores, and firming the skin from within.

There’s a second effect that matters just as much. For a short window after treatment, those micro-channels make your skin far more receptive to whatever is applied to it. That’s an opportunity, and it’s also a responsibility. It’s why we’re very deliberate about what goes on your skin while the channels are open.

Why growth factors are our base serum

Growth factors and cytokines are signaling proteins your skin already uses to coordinate repair. Think of them as messengers that tell your fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) when and how to get to work.

Our base serum contains anti-inflammatory growth factors and cytokines derived from laboratory-cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. It contains the signaling proteins those cells produce, not the cells themselves. It does three jobs during your treatment:

• Glide. The device needs a smooth surface to move across. A quality serum lets it glide evenly instead of dragging, which means a more comfortable, more precise treatment.
• Calm. The anti-inflammatory profile helps redness and sensitivity settle, so recovery is smoother.
• Amplify. Delivered into fresh micro-channels, growth factors support the exact collagen-building response you’re there for.

When to add a booster

Growth factors are the foundation, and for many clients they’re all that’s needed. PDRN and exosomes are optional add-ons, applied while the channels are open, for clients who want a stronger regenerative push or whose skin needs extra help. They work differently, so they suit different goals.

PDRN (salmon DNA): repair and overall skin quality

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is made of purified DNA fragments, typically sourced from salmon. It was studied in wound healing before it became popular in aesthetics, particularly in Korea, where it’s behind much of the “glass skin” trend.

PDRN works through receptors involved in tissue repair. Research suggests it supports healthy cell renewal and microcirculation and helps calm inflammation. In practice, clients often describe skin that feels more hydrated, bouncy, and resilient as their series progresses.

PDRN is a great fit if you have: sensitive or reactive skin, redness, thin or fragile skin, dehydration, or a dull, tired complexion, or if your main goal is overall skin quality rather than one specific concern.

Exosomes: amplified regenerative signaling

Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells use to communicate with each other. Each one carries a package of proteins, lipids, and genetic signals. Concentrated into a professional booster, they deliver a dense set of repair instructions straight into the micro-channels you’ve just created.

Exosome science is one of the fastest-moving areas in aesthetics. Early studies and clinical experience are promising, and many clients notice their redness settles sooner and their skin looks smoother and brighter through the series. The research is still developing, and we’ll always be straightforward with you about what to expect.

Exosomes are a great fit if you have: acne scars, deeper lines, crepey texture, or visible signs of aging, or if you want the strongest regenerative boost per session and a smoother recovery.

Side by side

Which one should you choose?

• Growth factors alone if you’re starting your first series, your concerns are mild texture or pores, or you’re maintaining results.
• Add PDRN if your skin is sensitive, reactive, thin, or dehydrated, or you want a visible upgrade in overall skin quality.
• Add exosomes if you’re treating acne scars, deeper lines, or signs of aging and want the most out of every session.

Some clients use different boosters at different points in their series. If you’re not sure, that’s exactly what the consultation is for. It’s $25 and fully refundable when you book a treatment, and your practitioner will recommend a plan based on your skin, not a menu.

What a session looks like

1. Numbing: a topical anesthetic is applied for 30–45 minutes, so the treatment is well tolerated.
2. Microneedling with growth factor serum: treatment depths are tailored to each area and your goals.
3. Booster (if chosen): PDRN or exosomes are applied while the channels are open.
4. Recovery: expect mild redness for 24–48 hours, similar to a light sunburn.

Most clients complete a series of 3–6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. A healthy glow often shows within the first week, and the deeper collagen results build over the following months.

Aftercare basics

Your practitioner will give you a full aftercare plan. The essentials: keep skin clean with a gentle cleanser, skip makeup for the first 24 hours, use sunscreen every day, and pause retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for several days while your skin recovers.

Frequently asked questions

Related: Microneedling at GetSkin  ·  Add-ons & enhancements  ·  Price list