Dermapen 4 vs Rejuran: What’s the Difference—and Which Is Right for Your Skin?

In the world of regenerative aesthetics, two of the most talked-about treatments are microneedling with Dermapen 4 and Rejuran (polynucleotide injections).

Both aim to improve skin quality, boost collagen, and restore a youthful appearance—but they work in completely different ways.

Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right treatment—and achieving the best results.

What is Dermapen 4 Microneedling?

Microneedling—also known as collagen induction therapy—uses a device like Dermapen 4 to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin.

These micro-channels trigger your body’s natural healing response, leading to:

• increased collagen production

• improved skin texture

• smoother, more even skin

  
  

The channels also allow active ingredients to penetrate more effectively, enhancing results.

In simple terms: Microneedling stimulates your skin to repair itself.

What is Rejuran?

Rejuran is an injectable treatment made from polynucleotides (PN)—highly purified DNA fragments derived from salmon.

These molecules act as biological signals that:

• stimulate fibroblasts

• promote tissue repair

• improve skin elasticity and hydration

Rather than triggering repair through injury, Rejuran works by directly supporting regeneration at a cellular level.

In simple terms: Rejuran helps rebuild and repair your skin from within.

The Core Difference: Mechanical vs Biological

This is the most important distinction.

	Dermapen 4 Microneedling	Rejuran
Type	Mechanical stimulation	Injectable regenerative treatment
How it works	Creates micro-injury → healing response	Delivers polynucleotides → cellular repair
Target	Surface + upper dermis	Deeper dermal regeneration
Effect	Collagen stimulation	Tissue repair + anti-inflammatory

Or more simply: Microneedling “activates” the skin, Rejuran “repairs” the skin

What skin concerns does each treat best?

Dermapen 4 Microneedling is ideal for:

• Acne scars

• Enlarged pores

• Uneven texture

• Dull skin

• Mild fine lines

Because it stimulates collagen through controlled injury, it’s particularly effective for surface-level structural issues.

Rejuran is ideal for:

• Thin, ageing skin

• Under-eye concerns

• Skin barrier damage

• Redness and inflammation

• Overall skin quality and elasticity

Because it works at a deeper level, it’s better suited to regeneration and repair.

Downtime and experience

Dermapen 4:

• Redness for 1–3 days (like mild sunburn)

• Slight sensitivity

• Gradual improvement over weeks

Rejuran:

• Small injection bumps for 24–72 hours

• Mild swelling or bruising

• Results build progressively over multiple sessions

Both treatments typically require a course of 3–4 sessions for optimal results.

Which one is better?

This is the wrong question.

They are not competing treatments—they do different jobs.

• Microneedling improves structure and texture

• Rejuran improves skin quality and repair

In fact, many advanced clinics now combine both approaches because they work synergistically.

Why combining them often gives the best results

When used together:

• Microneedling creates channels and stimulates collagen

• Rejuran enhances regeneration and healing

This combination can lead to:

• faster recovery

• improved skin quality

• longer-lasting results

The Thrive approach

At Thrive, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments.

Instead, we design medical, personalised protocols that may include:

• Microneedling (Dermapen 4) for stimulation

• Rejuran for repair

• Additional regenerative treatments for optimisation

  
  

Final takeaway

If you’re deciding between the two:

• Choose microneedling if your main concern is texture, scarring, or pores

• Choose Rejuran if your concern is ageing, thinning skin, or skin quality

Or, for the best outcome:

Combine both for a complete regenerative approach

Want to know what’s right for your skin?

A proper assessment is key. Your skin type, concerns, and goals will determine the most effective approach.