Skin Regeneration Treatments: What the New Research Tells Us About NCTF

At ReflectorN, I am always interested in skin regeneration treatments that improve skin quality by supporting the skin's own regenerative processes, rather than simply adding volume. One of the more interesting recent studies has compared four very different regenerative treatments: NCTF, PDRN, calcium hydroxylapatite and human derived exosomes. There is some particularly interesting data around NCTF 135 HA, and I want to explain what it does and does not tell us.

What Is NCTF?

NCTF 135 HA is a polyrevitalising formulation containing a combination of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, vitamins, nucleotides, minerals and coenzymes.

Rather than functioning like a traditional dermal filler, its purpose is to create an environment that supports skin quality, hydration and cellular activity. This makes it particularly interesting when the goal is healthier looking, more resilient skin rather than added structural volume, which is the same principle behind our other skin boosters.

What Did the New Study Find?

The 2026 study compared NCTF with PDRN, calcium hydroxylapatite and human derived exosomes, as well as a combination of all four.

The researchers assessed collagen deposition, fibroblast density and microvascular density in a controlled animal skin model over 14 days.

Of the individual treatments, NCTF produced the strongest response across the measured regenerative markers. It generated greater collagen deposition and fibroblast activity than the other single treatments tested, along with the greatest increase in microvascular density.

The overall winner, however, was the combination of all four treatments, which suggests that different regenerative pathways may complement one another.

Does This Mean NCTF Is the Best Skin Treatment?

Not necessarily, and this is where it is important to look beyond the headline.

The study was performed in animals rather than humans, and the follow up period was only 14 days. It measured biological changes within the tissue rather than clinical outcomes such as wrinkle reduction, skin elasticity, pigmentation or how patients actually perceive their own skin.

So we cannot conclude from this study that NCTF will necessarily produce better long term clinical results in human skin than the other treatments tested. What we can say is that the study provides interesting preclinical evidence of strong regenerative activity, particularly in relation to fibroblasts, collagen deposition and microvascular changes.

I think this distinction matters. Research like this is genuinely encouraging, but a single preclinical study is a piece of the picture, not proof of a best treatment.

Why This Research Is Interesting for Microneedling

This is where I find the research particularly relevant to what we do in clinic.

Microneedling works by creating controlled micro injuries that initiate the skin's natural wound healing response. That process involves inflammatory signalling, fibroblast activity, extracellular matrix production and remodelling.

Using a polyrevitalising formulation alongside a skin renewal treatment therefore makes biological sense. You are combining controlled stimulation of the skin with a formulation containing multiple components already involved in cellular and dermal processes.

At ReflectorN, this is why I incorporate NCTF into our microneedling skin rejuvenation treatments. The focus is on improving the quality and health of the skin rather than filling or adding volume.

How This Fits With Other Skin Regeneration Treatments

Regenerative treatments work through different pathways, which is why the study's combination result is so interesting. In practice, this is also why I rarely recommend a single treatment in isolation.

Rejuran uses polynucleotides to support cellular repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Bioremodelling improves skin laxity and elasticity across larger areas. Our Glass Skin Facial focuses on hydration and surface luminosity, while LED light therapy supports healing and collagen activity after treatment.

Which combination suits you depends entirely on your skin, your concerns and your timeline, which is what we work out together at consultation.