In 2026, K-beauty fans once again turned their attention to Kendall Jenner’s skincare. In June, Anua announced Kendall Jenner as its first global ambassador and unveiled a campaign centered on its PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray. In the brand’s announcement, Jenner said she likes double cleansing, azelaic acid serum, and PDRN products that give the skin a dewy glow.[1]
A few months later, the story continued. In September, U.S. outlet Page Six reported that Jenner uses Anua’s PDRN and hyaluronic acid moisturizer in her skincare routine.[2] The fact that a global model has incorporated Korean skincare into her daily routine is interesting, but from a dermatologist’s perspective, another question matters more: “Can applying PDRN cosmetics be expected to produce effects similar to PDRN or PN injections administered at a dermatology clinic?”
The short answer is that they are not the same treatment, even if the same name appears in both. Cosmetics are home-care products applied to the skin’s surface, while PN injections such as Rejuran are medical treatments that deliver ingredients into the skin. If you want glowing skin, it is far more important to first determine whether the issue is dryness or fine lines and rough texture than to simply follow a product name.
What to take from Kendall Jenner’s “glowing skin”
Glowing skin is not a medical term for a single skin condition. When the skin is sufficiently hydrated, its surface is smooth, and its tone appears even, it reflects light well and looks like what we commonly call “radiant skin.” So when your skin seems dull, reaching for PDRN products first may be approaching the problem in the wrong order.
For example, if your skin feels tight after cleansing and your makeup easily looks patchy, the first things to consider are hydration and the skin barrier. Conversely, if fine lines around the eyes or rough texture remain despite using enough moisturizer, home care alone may have limitations. The American Academy of Dermatology also explains that, for basic anti-aging care, moisturizing and sun protection should come first, and that it is better to address the one concern that bothers you most rather than adding several products at once.[3]
How are PDRN cosmetics and Rejuran different?
PDRN refers to an ingredient obtained from DNA fragments. In cosmetics, it may be used for moisturizing or skin conditioning, but a topical product cannot be considered equivalent to a medical treatment that injects an ingredient directly into the skin. The way it passes through the skin and the depth it reaches are fundamentally different.
Rejuran, commonly discussed in dermatology, involves injecting PN (polynucleotides) into the skin. In a randomized comparative study of 27 people, in which PN and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid were each injected around the eyes, improvements were observed in both groups, while the PN group showed greater improvement in some measures of skin texture, hydration, and elasticity. However, because the study was small and involved a specific area and product, its findings cannot be applied directly to everyone or to every PN product.[4]
Simply put, it is helpful to think of PDRN cosmetics as “daily home care” and PN skin boosters as “medical treatments chosen after a consultation.” This does not mean that one is universally better than the other; their roles are different.
Three lifestyle habits a dermatologist would recommend first
1. Cleanse not more thoroughly, but more gently
If your skin is dry or sensitive, repeatedly using a strong cleanser and exfoliating morning and night may cause irritation before it creates radiance. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, and if your skin feels very tight afterward, reduce the strength of your cleansing routine.
2. Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing
With moisturizing, timing matters more than an expensive product. Applying moisturizer while a little moisture remains on the skin can help lock it in. If your skin is dry, it is better to first stabilize a simple moisturizing routine than to layer several heavily fragranced or multifunctional products at once.[3]
3. Sun protection is the foundation of glowing skin
As pigmentation increases and the skin’s texture becomes rougher, the complexion can look dull no matter how much you moisturize. During the day, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as a basic step, and reapply if you will be outdoors for an extended period.[3]
If home care is not enough, consider just two treatment options first
If dryness and dullness are the main concerns: HA skin boosters and Super Miracle Water Glow Injection
If your skin continues to feel dry and makeup still does not apply well despite changing your cleansing and moisturizing routine, you may consider a hyaluronic acid (HA) skin booster. In a randomized study of 60 people, the group that received HA injections into the skin showed greater improvement in skin hydration than the placebo group, but no clear difference was found in elasticity.[5] In other words, the realistic goal of this treatment is not to “solve all signs of aging,” but to improve hydration and overall skin condition.
At Seolreim Clinic, Super Miracle Water Glow Injection is offered for concerns about hydration and radiance.[6] For medical tourists looking for a skin booster in Seoul or Gangnam, it is better to confirm not only the name “water glow injection,” but also the actual injected ingredients, expected swelling and embossing, when makeup can be applied after treatment, and how these factors fit with your return flight schedule.
If fine lines and rough texture are the main concerns: Rejuran and Shining/Royal Rejuran
If your skin is sufficiently moisturized but fine lines around the eyes or rough texture remain noticeable, a PN skin booster such as Rejuran may be considered first. In the randomized study mentioned above, measures related to skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness improved after PN injections.[4] However, a single treatment does not resolve every skin concern, and the number and intervals of treatments needed may vary depending on the treatment area and skin condition.
At Seolreim Clinic, Shining and Royal Rejuran are offered alongside standard Rejuran.[7] If improving texture is the primary goal, it may be easiest to start by considering standard Rejuran; if concerns about skin tone, hydration, or elasticity are also present, you can compare the components of combination programs. The information provided for a clinic’s program should be considered separately from the findings of independent clinical studies.
What should you check when looking for PDRN or Rejuran in Seoul or Gangnam?
Even when searching for a clinic abroad using terms such as “Rejuran Seoul,” “skin booster Korea,” or “Gangnam skin clinic,” the criteria to check are straightforward. First, confirm the actual product and ingredients being used. Second, clearly explain whether your goal is hydration or skin texture. Third, allow enough time in your travel itinerary for swelling or embossing to subside. Fourth, check how to make contact if a problem arises after you return home, as well as the aftercare guidance.
Comparing prices alone can make it easy to mistake different products and treatment methods for the same thing. During a consultation, ask first not “How many cc are used?” but “What product will be used, on which area, and why?”
Dr. Kang Jeong-ha’s recommendation
The main thing worth taking from Kendall Jenner’s PDRN routine is not one particular product, but the approach of making consistent home care the foundation. If your skin feels dull or rough, first try reducing cleansing-related irritation for about two weeks, while consistently moisturizing immediately after cleansing and applying sun protection during the day. For many people, this basic routine alone can make their skin feel more comfortable.
If dryness and dullness remain, the first choice may be a treatment aimed at hydration, such as an HA skin booster or Super Miracle Water Glow Injection. Conversely, if hydration is adequate but fine lines and rough texture remain bothersome, it makes sense to consider a Rejuran-based treatment first. Rather than undergoing many treatments at once, identifying the priority among your skin concerns and starting in one direction makes it easier to assess the results.
And one important reminder: using the same cosmetics or treatments as a celebrity does not give you the same skin. The starting point for good skincare is not knowing who used what, but accurately understanding what your own skin needs now.
Frequently asked questions
If I use PDRN cosmetics, do I not need Rejuran?
It is difficult to regard them as serving the same role. Cosmetics are home care used on the skin’s surface, while Rejuran is a medical treatment that injects PN into the skin. If your concerns are mild, home care alone may be sufficient; if concerns such as fine lines or rough texture persist, you can consider treatment after a consultation.
Should I get Rejuran or a Water Glow Injection first?
It is easiest to decide based on your greatest concern. If dryness and dullness come first, consider HA or water-glow treatments; if fine lines and texture are the priority, consider PN or Rejuran-based treatments first. Even if you need both, it is better to set priorities than to combine numerous treatments from the outset.
Can I get a skin booster while traveling in Korea?
You can, but plan your recovery time first. Depending on the treatment, swelling, bruising, or embossing may occur, so avoid scheduling it immediately before an important photo shoot or flight. Also confirm whether English-language consultations are available, how to contact the clinic afterward, and what guidance is provided for care after returning home.
Interesting skin stories for healthier skin
Drawing on 16 years of experience running Seolreim Clinic in Gangnam and expertise in dermatological treatments, I explain practical skincare methods for everyday life, along with engaging and approachable stories about dermatology featuring celebrities, public figures, and television. Through professional knowledge and experience, I hope to help your skin look healthier and more beautiful. I hope this series broadens your understanding of skin and helps you discover ways to care for yourself.
Kang Jeong-ha, Medical Director (Seolreim Clinic Gangnam)
