The Science of Synergy: How NAD⁺, PDRN, and Peptides Work Together

The Science of Synergy: How NAD⁺, PDRN, and Peptides Work Together

 

I. NAD⁺ Energy:

NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, also known as NAD Plus) is the universal coenzyme that fuels cellular energy, DNA repair, and longevity-related enzymes called sirtuins. As NAD⁺ levels decline with age, skin loses its capacity to repair and renew efficiently. Regenerative-medicine literature identifies this depletion as one of the earliest drivers of visible aging (Akaberi 2022).

A 2024 study in Cells demonstrated that replenishing exogenous NAD⁺ in human fibroblasts—particularly when CD38 enzymes that degrade NAD⁺ are inhibited—restored mitochondrial activity, lowered oxidative stress, and reduced MMP-1-related collagen breakdown (Kang 2024). These findings support topical delivery systems that maintain NAD⁺ stability and enhance absorption.


Formulation environment:

In the DERMA-CODE™ PDRN + NAD⁺ Facial Serum, humectants and lightweight emollients maintain surface hydration and flexibility, allowing NAD⁺ to disperse evenly. In the Universal Barrier Support Moisturizer, ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane create a breathable occlusive layer that prolongs contact time and enhances overall performance.

 

II. PDRN Regeneration:

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a purified DNA fragment complex traditionally derived from salmon sperm extract—a biocompatible source known for its regenerative potential. PDRN activates adenosine A2A receptors that regulate collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Clinical and pre-clinical studies describe improved wound healing, elasticity, and pigment balance through these pathways (Akaberi 2025).


Our molecular weight advantage:

Research identifies biologically active PDRN fragments between 50 and 1,500 kDa, with mid-range sizes performing best for skin repair. DERMA-CODE™ uses a 50–300 kDa fraction, optimized for topical integration while preserving structural integrity. This size is small enough to interact with surface biology yet large enough to retain the signaling profile that stimulates regeneration (Akaberi 2025).


Supportive environment:

Panthenol, allantoin, and barrier-friendly emollients help maintain comfort and hydration so PDRN can function within the skin’s surface ecosystem.

 

III. Peptide Communication

Peptides are precise messengers composed of short amino-acid chains that tell cells how to behave—whether to firm, soothe, or rebuild. The value lies in strategic selection, not quantity. Excessive or unrelated peptides may compete for the same receptors, reducing overall efficiency. Effective formulation relies on choosing peptides that complement each other’s roles and communicate within shared biological pathways (Wang 2024; Cleveland Clinic 2024).

 

DERMA-CODE™ PDRN + NAD⁺ Facial Serum

  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Botox-like peptide): Targets expression lines.
  • Acetyl Octapeptide-3: Supports smoother appearance.
  • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Promote collagen support and resilience.
  • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl): Stimulates matrix proteins for firmness.
  • Copper Tripeptide-1: Encourages elasticity and visible recovery.

 

DERMA-CODE™ Universal Barrier Support Moisturizer

  • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8: Support collagen and calming balance.
  • Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 and Heptapeptide-6: Target dynamic lines and glycation effects.
  • Oligopeptide-1 (EGF-type peptide): Encourages surface renewal.
  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Complements serum for smoothness.

Each peptide was chosen for a distinct signaling purpose, creating coordinated communication across repair, firmness, and barrier comfort—never random overlap.

 

IV. The Synergy Duo:

Together, NAD⁺ (energy), PDRN (regeneration), and targeted peptides (communication) create a complete framework of performance:

  • NAD⁺ and NAD Plus deliver the energy skin cells need to perform essential repair.
  • PDRN from salmon DNA activates regenerative signaling and collagen renewal.
  • Precision peptides instruct structural rebuilding and visible firmness.

When layered as the DERMA-CODE™ Synergy Duo—serum first, moisturizer second—the moisturizer’s breathable occlusive system helps extend the serum’s contact time, enhancing the overall activity cycle.

This is the real science behind skin that performs, not just appears.

We earn trust through results, not promises.

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