If you’ve been exploring new skin rejuvenation treatments, you’ve probably come across the term polynucleotides. They’re being talked about everywhere from skincare clinics to social media and are often described as the next big thing in regenerative aesthetics.
But what are they exactly, and more importantly, do they actually work?
In this article, I’ll break down what polynucleotides are, how they function, what clinical studies show, and what kind of results you can realistically expect. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether polynucleotide treatments are worth considering for your skin.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are natural molecules derived from salmon DNA. They’re biocompatible, meaning your body recognises and accepts them without triggering allergic reactions. These molecules act as bio-stimulators substances that encourage your cells to regenerate and repair themselves.
When injected into the skin, polynucleotides promote:
- Collagen and elastin production.
- Cell regeneration to repair damaged tissue.
- Hydration by attracting and retaining water molecules.
- Improved elasticity and firmness.
Unlike fillers or Botox, they don’t “fill” or freeze the skin. Instead, they rejuvenate it naturally from within.
How Do Polynucleotides Work in Your Skin?
Your skin goes through a lot every day. Ageing naturally slows down its ability to repair itself, and things like UV rays, pollution, and everyday stress can speed up the process. You might notice sagging, dryness, or a loss of that youthful glow over time.
Polynucleotides work by helping your skin repair itself on a cellular level. They stimulate your fibroblasts the cells that produce collagen and other key components of your skin’s structure. By boosting their activity, polynucleotides help your skin rebuild its framework from the inside out.
They also support your extracellular matrix, which is like the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm and hydrated. When this network is damaged, your skin can feel tired, loose, or uneven. Polynucleotides help restore this support system, so your skin looks healthier and more resilient.
The best part is that the results feel natural. Unlike dermal fillers, which give instant volume, polynucleotides work gradually. Over a few weeks, you may notice your skin becoming smoother, firmer, and better hydrated.
Basically, polynucleotides don’t just cover up the signs of ageing they help your skin repair itself. By supporting its natural repair processes, you give your skin a chance to look and feel its best over time.
The Science Behind Polynucleotides
Polynucleotide technology has been used in medicine for decades especially in wound healing, ophthalmology, and even orthopaedics because of its regenerative capabilities.
In dermatology, clinical studies have shown that polynucleotides:
- Improve skin elasticity by increasing collagen synthesis.
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Speed up tissue regeneration in damaged or ageing skin.
- Enhance hydration levels by improving water retention.
One 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found significant improvement in skin smoothness, elasticity, and brightness after just two sessions of polynucleotide injections. Another study confirmed increased fibroblast density and collagen formation in treated skin samples.
So yes the evidence supports that polynucleotides do work.
What Skin Concerns Can They Help With?
Polynucleotides are versatile and can be used across different areas and skin types. They’re suitable for both younger and mature patients who want to improve texture and resilience.
They’re commonly used for:
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Dull, dehydrated skin.
- Loss of elasticity and firmness.
- Acne scars or enlarged pores.
- Sun damage and pigmentation.
- Under-eye wrinkles and dark circles.
Because they stimulate natural regeneration, results tend to look subtle and authentic not artificial or overdone.
Treatment Areas
Polynucleotides can be used safely on many areas of your face and body. One of the most popular spots is the under-eye area, where they help reduce fine lines and even lighten dark circles, giving you a fresher, more awake look.
You can also use them on your face and neck to boost firmness and add a natural radiance. Over time, your skin can feel smoother and look more youthful.
The décolletage and hands are other common areas for treatment. These spots often show early signs of ageing, like rough texture or fine lines, and polynucleotides can help improve both feel and appearance.
Even the scalp can benefit. When injected carefully, polynucleotides support hair health, helping with thickness and overall hair quality.
To make the treatment as comfortable and precise as possible, the injections are done using very fine needles or a cannula. This ensures minimal discomfort while targeting the exact areas that need care.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical session of polynucleotide injections takes around 30–45 minutes. Here’s what happens:
- Consultation: Your specialist assesses your skin concerns and explains the procedure.
- Preparation: The area is cleaned, and a topical numbing cream is applied.
- Treatment: Small amounts of the polynucleotide solution are injected across the targeted areas.
- Aftercare: The skin may appear slightly red or swollen for a few hours, but recovery is minimal.
Most people need a course of 3–4 sessions spaced about three weeks apart for optimal results.
When Do You See Results?
Polynucleotides work differently from fillers or Botox you won’t see instant changes. Instead, they help your skin repair itself gradually, so improvements happen naturally over time as new collagen and elastin form.
Usually, you’ll start noticing visible changes around 3–6 weeks after your first session. Your skin may feel firmer, smoother, and more hydrated, and small lines might start to soften.
If you complete the full course of treatments, you can continue seeing improvements for up to 3 months as your skin rebuilds its structure.
The results aren’t permanent, but they can last 6–12 months, depending on factors like your age, skin condition, and lifestyle. With regular maintenance, you can keep your skin looking refreshed and youthful over the long term.
In addition to visible improvements, many people notice that their skin feels healthier overall. It can feel softer to the touch, more resilient, and better able to retain moisture giving you a natural glow that lasts.
Another benefit is that polynucleotides support your skin’s long-term health. By strengthening your skin from within, they can help slow down the signs of ageing, so the improvements you see aren’t just temporary they contribute to a healthier, stronger skin barrier over time.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results from polynucleotide treatments can last up to a year, though this varies depending on your age, skin type, and lifestyle. Everyone’s skin responds differently, so some people may notice longer-lasting effects, while others might need touch-ups sooner.
To maintain your results, many people schedule top-up sessions every 6–9 months. These sessions help reinforce the improvements, keeping your skin firm, smooth, and hydrated over time.
Your daily skincare routine also makes a difference. Using products that support hydration and collagen health, along with sun protection, can extend the benefits of your treatment.
Consistency is key the more regular you are with your treatments and skincare, the better your skin will respond. Over time, this approach not only preserves the results but also helps strengthen your skin’s natural resilience.
Are Polynucleotides Safe?
Yes, polynucleotides are considered very safe for most people. Here’s why they’re trusted in aesthetic medicine:
- They are derived from purified DNA and completely free from proteins, which makes allergic reactions extremely rare. This means your body is much less likely to react negatively compared to other treatments.
- Polynucleotides are clinically tested and approved for use in aesthetic medicine across Europe and the UK, giving you confidence in both their safety and effectiveness.
- Because they are regenerative rather than volumising, they work by supporting your skin’s natural repair processes instead of changing your facial shape. This helps maintain your natural look.
Possible side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they often resolve quickly:
- Minor swelling or redness at the injection site is common but typically disappears within a day or two.
- Mild tenderness or bruising can occur, similar to what you might experience after any small injection.
- Temporary bumps at the injection site may appear but generally settle within 24–48 hours.
It’s important to remember that your safety depends on the specialist administering the treatment. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner ensures not only the highest safety standards but also the most effective and natural-looking results.
With the right care and guidance, polynucleotides offer a low-risk way to rejuvenate your skin, improve hydration, and support long-term skin health.
How Do Polynucleotides Compare to Other Treatments?
When comparing polynucleotides with other popular skin treatments, their main benefit lies in natural skin regeneration. Results typically last six to twelve months, and they’re best suited for improving texture, firmness, and hydration with minimal downtime.
Dermal fillers work differently they add volume to treat deep wrinkles and facial volume loss. Their effects last nine to eighteen months, though you may experience one to two days of downtime.
Profhilo focuses on deep hydration and gives the skin a healthy glow while softening fine lines. Results last six to nine months, and recovery is usually minimal.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) promotes cellular repair, helping improve texture and acne scars. Its results last six to twelve months, with about one to two days of downtime.
Lastly, Botox works by relaxing facial muscles to smooth out expression lines. It
Combining Polynucleotides with Other Treatments
Polynucleotides work well on their own, but they can also complement other skin treatments to give even better results. Many dermatologists combine them with other procedures to address multiple concerns at once.
Some common combinations include:
- CO2 laser resurfacing – helps improve skin texture and can speed up the healing process when paired with polynucleotides.
- Microneedling – enhances absorption of the polynucleotides while stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.
- PRP therapy – works synergistically with polynucleotides to support skin repair and rejuvenation at a deeper level.
- Chemical peels – boost overall skin brightness and even out tone, while polynucleotides help maintain hydration and repair.
Your specialist will design a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, goals, and lifestyle. This ensures you get the best possible results while keeping your skin healthy and natural-looking.
Clinical Results: What the Evidence Says
There’s growing scientific evidence showing that polynucleotide injections can deliver measurable improvements in skin quality. Multiple clinical trials and published studies support their effectiveness, highlighting benefits for firmness, hydration, and overall skin health.
Some key findings include:
- Improved elasticity and hydration – A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reported that 90% of participants saw noticeable improvements in skin firmness and moisture after three treatment sessions.
- Reduction in fine lines and pigmentation – Research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found a significant decrease in fine lines and uneven pigmentation, helping skin look smoother and more youthful.
- Enhanced wound healing and reduced inflammation – Compared to other biostimulatory injectables, polynucleotides were associated with faster tissue repair and less inflammation, supporting long-term skin health.
These studies show that the benefits of polynucleotides are not just anecdotal. By working at a cellular level, they help restore skin vitality, stimulate collagen, and improve overall texture, making the science behind the treatment as strong as the results you can see and feel.
Are Polynucleotides Suitable for Everyone?
Polynucleotide treatments are safe for most adults and can be tailored to suit a variety of skin concerns. They’re particularly beneficial if you’re starting to notice the early signs of ageing or want to maintain your skin’s health naturally.
You might consider polynucleotides if you:
- Notice fine lines and wrinkles appearing, especially around delicate areas like the under-eyes.
- Have dehydrated or dull skin that needs a boost in hydration and radiance.
- Want to improve under-eye fine lines and dark circles for a fresher, more awake appearance.
- Have post-inflammatory pigmentation or scarring, such as acne marks or uneven tone.
- Prefer a natural approach to rejuvenation rather than dramatic volume changes.
However, polynucleotides aren’t suitable for everyone. They are generally not recommended if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Experiencing active skin infections
- Living with autoimmune disorders
A consultation with a qualified specialist can help determine whether polynucleotides are the right choice for you and which areas or combination treatments will give the best, safest results.
Recovery and Aftercare
One of the great things about polynucleotide injections is that downtime is minimal. You might notice a bit of redness, mild swelling, or tiny bumps where the injections were given, but these usually settle within 24–48 hours.
To help your skin heal smoothly and get the best results, you can follow a few simple steps:
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least a day to prevent irritation.
- Skip makeup for 24 hours so your skin can recover naturally.
- Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid saunas or intense heat for a few days, as your skin will be more sensitive.
- Keep your skin hydrated using gentle moisturisers and plenty of water this helps your skin recover faster and enhances the results.
Most people find they can return to their normal activities immediately, making polynucleotides a convenient option if you have a busy schedule.
Following these simple aftercare tips can help you enjoy smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin while minimising any temporary side effects.
Why Polynucleotides Are So Popular
Polynucleotide treatments have become a favourite among dermatologists and patients alike for several reasons:
- They’re natural and stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms.
- They improve overall skin health, not just appearance.
- Results are subtle and progressive, not artificial.
- Minimal downtime and low risk of side effects.
Essentially, they bridge the gap between traditional injectables and advanced regenerative medicine.
Cost of Polynucleotide Treatments
The price of polynucleotide injections in the UK typically ranges from £250 to £500 per session, depending on the clinic, area treated, and the brand used (such as Plinest, Nucleofill, or Newest).
A full course usually costs between £700 and £1,200, which makes it comparable to premium skincare injectables like Profhilo but with deeper regenerative benefits.
If you’re considering polynucleotides treatment in London, consult a reputable clinic that specialises in advanced regenerative aesthetics to ensure safe and tailored care.
Who Performs the Treatment?
Polynucleotide injections should always be performed by a qualified professional. This could be a dermatologist, aesthetic doctor, or another trained medical practitioner. Having the right expertise ensures the treatment is both safe and effective.
Precision and technique are especially important when treating delicate areas like your under-eyes. A skilled practitioner knows exactly how to place the injections so that you get natural-looking results without unnecessary swelling or bruising.
Hygiene and safety are also key. By choosing a qualified specialist, you reduce the risk of infection or complications and can feel confident that your skin is in good hands.
If you want, I can expand this further with tips on how to choose the right practitioner and what questions to ask before your treatment, making it very practical for readers. Do you want me to do that?
The Future of Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine
Experts believe that polynucleotides are just the start of a bigger shift in aesthetic medicine. Instead of focusing only on volumising or muscle-relaxing treatments, the future is moving toward helping your skin restore and repair itself naturally.
For you, this means treatments that don’t just cover up signs of ageing but support your skin from within, improving its structure, hydration, and resilience over time. Polynucleotides are leading the way in this regenerative approach.
As research continues, you can expect even more targeted formulations designed for specific concerns, like reducing pigmentation, calming redness, or improving scars. This means your treatments can be personalised more than ever, so you get exactly what your skin needs.
With advances like these, the focus of aesthetic medicine is shifting from temporary fixes to long-term skin health, giving you natural, lasting results while enhancing your skin’s own repair mechanisms.
FAQs:
1. What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are natural molecules derived from salmon DNA that act as bio-stimulators for the skin. They encourage your cells to repair and regenerate themselves, improving overall skin quality. Unlike fillers or Botox, they do not simply add volume or freeze facial muscles. Instead, they strengthen your skin from within, enhancing hydration, elasticity, and long-term rejuvenation.
2. How do polynucleotides improve skin?
Polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, while also supporting the extracellular matrix the structural framework of your skin. By enhancing these natural repair mechanisms, they improve firmness, texture, hydration, and overall skin resilience. Over time, this gives a subtle yet noticeable rejuvenation that looks natural.
3. Are polynucleotide injections painful?
Most people experience only mild discomfort during treatment. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and the injections are delivered using fine needles or a cannula to ensure precision. Any redness, minor swelling, or small bumps at the injection site typically settle within 24–48 hours, making the treatment very tolerable.
4. How many sessions are needed for optimal results?
Generally, a course of three to four sessions spaced around three weeks apart is recommended. The exact number can vary depending on individual skin conditions, age, and personal goals. Your specialist will create a tailored plan to ensure the best possible results for your skin.
5. When will I see results from polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides work gradually, as they support your skin’s natural repair processes. Visible improvements, such as firmer, smoother, and more hydrated skin, usually appear three to six weeks after the first session. Completing the full treatment course often results in the most noticeable changes, with further improvements continuing over the following months.
6. How long do the effects last?
The results from polynucleotide treatments generally last between six and twelve months, depending on factors like age, skin type, and lifestyle. Regular maintenance sessions every six to nine months can help prolong the benefits. Daily skincare and sun protection also play a role in maintaining results and supporting overall skin health.
7. Are polynucleotides safe?
Polynucleotides are considered very safe. They are purified and free from proteins, which makes allergic reactions extremely rare. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including slight redness, swelling, or small bumps at the injection site. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner is essential for achieving safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
8. Who should perform polynucleotide injections?
These treatments should only be performed by trained medical professionals, such as dermatologists or aesthetic doctors. Expertise is particularly important for delicate areas like the under-eyes. A qualified practitioner ensures precision, minimises side effects, and achieves natural, lasting results.
9. Which areas can be treated with polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides can be used on multiple areas, including the under-eyes, face, neck, décolletage, hands, and even the scalp. Treatments help reduce fine lines, improve elasticity, boost hydration, and restore overall skin quality. Your specialist can customise the treatment to target multiple areas in one session.
10. Can polynucleotides be combined with other treatments?
Yes, polynucleotides can complement other aesthetic procedures for enhanced results. They work well with microneedling to boost collagen production and absorption, with PRP therapy to support deeper skin repair, and with CO2 laser resurfacing to improve texture and accelerate healing. They can also be combined with chemical peels to brighten and even out skin tone while maintaining hydration. Your specialist can design a personalised combination plan based on your skin’s needs.
Final Thoughts: Do Polynucleotides Actually Work?
Yes, polynucleotides really do work. We’ve seen how they improve hydration, firmness, texture, and overall skin quality by supporting your skin’s natural repair processes. They might not give the instant “wow” effect of fillers, but what they offer is even better: long-lasting, natural rejuvenation that strengthens your skin over time.
If you’re considering a polynucleotides treatment in London, get in touch with us at the London Dermatology Centre. Our specialists provide personalised care and safe, tailored treatments so you can achieve visible, lasting results. With consistent sessions and expert guidance, your skin can look healthier, fresher, and more resilient the natural way.
References:
1. Lee, K.W., 2024. Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Applications. Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, [online] Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11311621/
2. Lampridou, S., 2025. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, [online] Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16721
3. Cavallini, M., 2020. Consensus Report on the Use of PN-HPT in Aesthetic Medicine. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, [online] Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7984045/
4. Kim, J.H., 2020. Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Novel Hyaluronic Acid–Polynucleotide Complex Fillers. Scientific Reports, [online] Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61952-w
5. Park, K.Y., 2016. Long-Chain Polynucleotide Filler for Skin Rejuvenation: A Case Report. Dermatologic Therapy, [online] Available at: https://sarasinclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/polynucleotiden-studie.pdf