Interview

Dr. Malda Al Daoudi

Aesthetic Dermatologist and Rejuran Key Opinion Leader

Rejuran: Advancing Regenerative Aesthetics Through Skin Healing and Rejuvenation

As regenerative medicine continues to shape the future of aesthetic dermatology, treatments that stimulate the skin’s natural healing and repair mechanisms are gaining significant attention. Among these innovations, Rejuran has emerged as a leading regenerative therapy, offering a science-based approach to improving skin quality, texture, elasticity, and overall skin health.  Leading this frontier in the Middle East is Dr. Malda Al Daoudi, a highly distinguished specialist aesthetic dermatologist with over 18 years of clinical expertise. A Master’s graduate in Dermatology (2006), certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine, and holder of a Master of Healthcare Management (MHCM) for Physicians from Harvard University (2024), Dr. Al Daoudi is a member of the AAD and EADV, and a revered regional clinical trainer.

As the founder of the prestigious Eternel Clinic in Dubai, Dr. Al Daoudi is renowned for her philosophy of “facial sculpturing”, where advanced science meets natural, elegant symmetry. In this exclusive interview with “Hospitals” magazine, she breaks down the clinical breakthrough of Rejuran and why Polynucleotides (PN) represent the future of cellular skin healing in the GCC.

Rejuran has become one of the most discussed regenerative treatments in aesthetic medicine. What exactly is Rejuran, and how does it work?

Rejuran is a regenerative skin treatment based on highly purified polynucleotides (PN), which are DNA fragments derived through a sophisticated purification process. Unlike treatments that add volume or hydration, Rejuran works at the cellular level by supporting the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Polynucleotides help create an optimal environment for tissue regeneration by stimulating fibroblast activity, improving microcirculation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen production. The result is healthier, stronger, and more resilient skin with gradual yet natural-looking improvement.

For our medical peers reading “Hospitals” magazine, could you clarify the specific cellular mechanism of action behind Polynucleotides (PN) in Rejuran?

The mechanism is profoundly scientific. Polynucleotides are long-chain polymers that serve two primary functions upon injection. Mechanically, they create a temporary scaffold in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to support cellular attachment. Biologically, as they degrade, they release purine and pyrimidine nucleotides that bind to A2A adenosine receptors. This binding triggers an anti-inflammatory cascade, downregulates inflammatory cytokines, and crucially stimulates fibroblasts. This leads to an upregulation of endogenous collagen types I and III, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, effectively reversing dermal thinning.

The Middle East, particularly the GCC region, faces unique environmental challenges, including extreme heat, UV radiation, and constant air conditioning. How does Rejuran address these specific regional skin concerns?

The GCC environment accelerates what we call “environmental photoaging,” characterized by severe oxidative stress, compromised skin barrier function, and chronic low-grade inflammation, often referred to as “inflammaging.” Rejuran is uniquely equipped for our climate because PN molecules possess potent anti- inflammatory and tissue-healing properties. It clears free radicals, repairs UV-induced DNA damage, and reinforces the epidermal barrier. It moves patients away from the cycle of chronic dehydration and barrier damage common in this region.

 

In your practice at Eternel Clinic, what are the primary clinical indications where you find Rejuran to be the gold standard treatment?

Rejuran possesses an exceptional clinical versatility that serves as a foundational step in modern facial rejuvenation. I consider it the gold standard for the delicate periorbital area, where the primary objective is to restore dermal thickness, smooth fine dynamic lines, and improve localized microcirculation to address dark vascular under-eye shadows. It is equally brilliant for structural acne scar remodeling, refining skin texture, shrinking dilated pores, and strengthening the fragile skin matrix of the neck.

Furthermore, its ability to restore barrier integrity makes it an indispensable treatment for patients with reactive or compromised skin. Rejuran doesn’t replace traditional contouring modalities; it elevates them. It acts as a biological primer that prepares the skin matrix, ensuring that the tissue canvas is healthy, resilient, and fully optimized to enhance the longevity and final outcome of subsequent clinical procedures.

Can Rejuran be safely combined with other aesthetic procedures such as lasers, microneedling, energy-based devices, fillers, or botulinum toxin?

Absolutely. In fact, combination treatments often produce the most comprehensive outcomes. Rejuran integrates very well with laser treatments, radiofrequency devices, microneedling, botulinum toxin, fillers, and collagen-stimulating procedures. One of its valuable applications is supporting skin recovery after energy-based treatments by enhancing tissue repair and reducing downtime. In modern aesthetic practice, treatment plans are increasingly personalized, and Rejuran is an excellent component of a multimodal rejuvenation strategy.

Dermatologists often encounter patients who are hesitant about injectables due to a fear of the “overfilled” look. How do you use Rejuran to bridge this gap for the minimalist patient?

Rejuran is the ultimate answer for the “tweakment” generation and aesthetic minimalists. Because it adds zero artificial volume or fullness, there is no risk of product migration, facial distortion, or an over-processed appearance. I educate my patients that Rejuran is akin to “cellular fitness”, it trains and feeds the skin cells to behave younger. It appeals heavily to patients who want to focus on skin quality, density, and luminosity rather than changing their facial contours.

Rejuran is often promoted for delicate areas such as the under-eye region. What has been your experience using it in this challenging treatment area?

The periocular area is one of the first regions to show signs of aging, yet it remains one of the most difficult areas to treat successfully. Rejuran has shown excellent results in improving skin quality around the eyes, particularly for fine lines, crepey skin, and overall tissue quality. What makes it especially valuable is that it focuses on improving the skin itself rather than adding volume. This allows for subtle and natural rejuvenation while preserving facial harmony.

What is the recommended treatment protocol for Rejuran to achieve cumulative, long-lasting biological results, and what should patients expect regarding longevity?

Because we are inducing a biological healing response rather than placing a temporary physical implant, a loading phase is necessary. I recommend an initial protocol of 3 to 4 sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Patients notice improvements in hydration and texture within a few weeks, but the peak structural remodeling, visible as enhanced elasticity and firmness, is most evident around the 4- to 6-week mark following the third session. Maintenance requires just a single session every 6 months to sustain the cellular regenerative momentum.

What are the most common misconceptions patients have about Rejuran, and how do you address them during consultation?

One common misconception is that Rejuran works like a filler and provides immediate volumization. Another is that a single treatment session is sufficient to achieve optimal results. During consultation, I emphasize that Rejuran is a regenerative therapy. Its purpose is to improve skin health and function over time. Patients who understand the biological mechanism behind the treatment are usually very satisfied because they appreciate the natural and long-lasting improvements it can deliver.

Looking forward, how do you see the role of regenerative medicine and products like Rejuran shaping the future of aesthetic dermatology in the Middle East over the next decade?

The future of aesthetics belongs undeniably to regenerative medicine. We are moving away from the era of simply filling and using toxins and moving toward an era of true cellular restoration. Products like Rejuran are leading this revolution. Over the next decade, skin quality and biological age reversal will supersede sheer volume. As clinicians, our goal will be to optimize cellular health before any structural interventions are even considered. Rejuran is not just a trend; it is a foundational shift in how we approach aging.

“Beautiful skin is not created by adding more; it is achieved by restoring the skin’s ability to repair, regenerate, and function optimally. Rejuran is an exciting step forward because it supports the skin’s natural biology and helps us move toward a truly regenerative approach to aesthetic medicine.”

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