What Do Polynucleotides Do to The Skin?

The skincare world is always buzzing with the latest treatments, trends, and miracle ingredients. But every once in a while, something truly exciting comes along that makes you stop and pay attention. Lately, polynucleotides have been getting a lot of buzz and for good reason. They’re being hailed as a powerful option if you’re looking to repair and rejuvenate your skin.

Now, you might be wondering: what exactly are polynucleotides, how do they actually work on your skin, and are they really worth your time and money? Don’t worry you’re not alone. With so many skincare options out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which treatments are actually effective versus just hype.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about polynucleotides in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll learn how they interact with your skin, the science behind why they work, and the real benefits you can expect if you decide to incorporate them into your skincare routine. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether polynucleotides could be the right solution for your skin concerns and how they might help you achieve that healthy, glowing complexion you’ve been aiming for.

How Do Polynucleotides Work?

You might be wondering exactly what polynucleotides do once they’re in your skin. At a cellular level, these molecules are like little helpers that get to work repairing, protecting, and revitalising your skin from the inside out. Here’s how they help you achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin:

• Cell repair and regeneration: Polynucleotides support your fibroblasts the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that keep your skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. By helping your fibroblasts function better, polynucleotides encourage your skin to regenerate naturally, so you can see real improvements over time.
• Hydration: One of the easiest ways to make your skin look fresh and radiant is by keeping it well-hydrated. Polynucleotides attract and bind water molecules, which helps your skin stay plump, soft, and moisturised. If your skin often feels dry or dull, this effect can be particularly noticeable.
• Antioxidant effects: Free radicals those unstable molecules created by sun exposure, pollution, and everyday stress are one of the main causes of premature ageing. Polynucleotides help neutralise these free radicals, protecting your skin from damage and keeping it looking healthier for longer.
• Tissue healing: Polynucleotides also encourage microcirculation, which improves blood flow to your skin. This not only helps deliver nutrients more efficiently but also enhances your skin’s natural healing process after damage, irritation, or even minor trauma.

What makes polynucleotides different from treatments like fillers or Botox is that they don’t just mask signs of ageing. They don’t add volume or paralyse muscles they work from within to improve your skin’s quality, resilience, and overall appearance. In other words, polynucleotides aren’t just a quick fix; they help your skin truly rejuvenate at a cellular level.

Key Benefits of Polynucleotides

So, what can you realistically expect if you try polynucleotide treatment? Let’s break down the main benefits so you can see how they might make a difference for your skin:

1. Improved Skin Hydration
   Polynucleotides work like a natural sponge, attracting and holding water in your skin. This means your skin looks fresher, feels softer, and has that plump, healthy glow you’ve been craving. If you often struggle with dry or dull skin, this hydration boost can be a game-changer.
2. Increased Elasticity
   Over time, your skin loses some of its natural bounce. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, polynucleotides help your skin regain firmness and resilience. You’ll notice your skin feels more supple, and it can even help prevent sagging before it becomes more noticeable.
3. Reduced Fine Lines
   Unlike dermal fillers, which simply fill in wrinkles, polynucleotides work to improve your skin’s overall structure. This means fine lines become less visible as your skin becomes healthier, smoother, and more resilient from the inside out. It’s a subtle, natural-looking improvement rather than a quick-fix “plump.”
4. Skin Healing
   If you’ve had treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels, polynucleotides can help speed up recovery. They encourage your skin to repair itself more efficiently, reducing redness, irritation, and downtime so you can enjoy the benefits of your treatments faster.
5. Fewer Signs of Ageing
   Daily exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors can take a toll on your skin. Polynucleotides’ antioxidant properties help neutralise these harmful molecules, protecting your skin and slowing down visible signs of ageing. Over time, this means your skin stays healthier, brighter, and more youthful-looking.

In short, polynucleotides aren’t just about one or two quick fixes they support your skin’s overall health, helping it look and feel better every day.

Who Can Benefit from Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are surprisingly versatile, and a wide range of people can see real benefits from them. You might want to consider this treatment if you:

• Have dull or tired-looking skin: If your complexion feels lacklustre or lacks that healthy glow, polynucleotides can help rejuvenate your skin from within, giving you a fresher, more radiant look.
• Want to improve fine lines or early signs of ageing: Even if you’re not ready for fillers or more invasive procedures, polynucleotides can help smooth fine lines naturally by improving your skin’s structure and elasticity.
• Struggle with acne scars or uneven texture: They support your skin’s repair process, helping to soften the appearance of scars and promote a smoother, more even surface.
• Have sensitive or dry skin that needs hydration: Polynucleotides attract and retain moisture, making your skin feel softer, plumper, and more comfortable especially if it tends to get dry or irritated easily.
• Are recovering from aesthetic treatments: Whether you’ve had laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels, polynucleotides can speed up healing, reduce redness, and improve your overall recovery time.

While polynucleotides are generally safe for most skin types, it’s always a good idea to speak with a dermatologist before starting any new treatment. They can help you confirm whether it’s suitable for your skin and guide you on the best approach for your specific needs.

Areas Polynucleotides Can Treat

One of the things that makes polynucleotides so appealing is their versatility. You can use them on several areas of your body where your skin might need a boost. Common treatment areas include:

• Face: The face is the most popular area, particularly around the delicate under-eye region. If you’ve noticed fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles, polynucleotides can gently improve skin texture without the risk of looking overfilled, which sometimes happens with traditional fillers.
• Neck and décolletage: These areas often show signs of ageing before you might notice them on your face. Polynucleotides can help improve firmness and hydration, giving your skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.
• Hands: Our hands are exposed to sun, water, and daily wear and tear, making them prone to dryness, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Polynucleotide treatment can restore hydration and reduce visible signs of ageing, helping your hands look softer and more rejuvenated.
• Scars or damaged skin: Whether it’s acne scars, surgical scars, or other types of damaged skin, polynucleotides support the skin’s natural repair process, encouraging smoother, healthier-looking tissue over time.

Essentially, if there’s an area of your skin that looks tired, dehydrated, or damaged, polynucleotides could be a gentle yet effective solution to help rejuvenate it. They work at the cellular level, so the results feel natural, not forced.

What to Expect During Treatment

If you’re considering a session, here’s how it usually works:

1. Consultation: Your dermatologist will assess your skin and discuss goals.
2. Preparation: A numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
3. Injection: Polynucleotides are injected just under the skin in small amounts.
4. Recovery: You may notice slight redness or swelling, but this usually fades within a day or two.

The process is straightforward and quick, often taking less than 30 minutes.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

If you’re thinking about trying polynucleotide treatments, it’s important to know that they work best as a course rather than a single session. Just like any skin-rejuvenating treatment, your skin needs consistent support to see noticeable, long-lasting results.

• Initial course: Most people start with 2–3 sessions, spaced about 3–4 weeks apart. This gives your skin the repeated stimulation it needs to repair itself, improve hydration, and boost collagen and elastin production. You’ll usually start to notice subtle improvements after the first session, but the full benefits build over the course of the treatment.
• Maintenance: To keep your results looking fresh, a top-up session every 6–12 months is recommended. Think of it like giving your skin a little boost to maintain the improvements you’ve achieved and prevent new signs of ageing from developing.

By following this approach, you’re giving your skin sustained support, which helps ensure the benefits of polynucleotides last longer and feel natural. So, if you’re patient and consistent, your skin can look healthier, smoother, and more radiant over time.

How Soon Will You See Results?

If you’re hoping for instant transformations, it’s important to know that polynucleotide treatments aren’t like fillers they don’t give immediate volume. Instead, the results develop gradually, which is actually one of their biggest advantages: your improvements look natural and not “overdone.”

• After 2–3 weeks: You may start to notice subtle changes, like better hydration, a fresher glow, and a softer, more comfortable feel to your skin. Even these small improvements can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels day to day.
• After 6–8 weeks: By this point, you’ll likely see enhanced elasticity and smoother texture. Your skin starts to feel firmer and healthier as the polynucleotides continue to stimulate collagen, elastin, and overall skin regeneration.
• With continued sessions: The more consistent you are with your course, the more noticeable and long-lasting your results will become. Over time, your skin becomes naturally rejuvenated, and the benefits accumulate, giving you a youthful, radiant appearance that isn’t artificially created.

The gradual nature of the results is what makes polynucleotides so appealing they improve your skin from the inside out, so what you see is real, natural, and sustainable.

Polynucleotides vs Other Treatments

You might be wondering how polynucleotides compare to other popular skin treatments.

• Fillers: Add volume immediately. Polynucleotides don’t add volume but improve skin quality.
• Botox: Relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles. Polynucleotides focus on repair and hydration.
• Profhilo: Another bio-remodelling injectable, but mainly for hydration. Polynucleotides offer additional regenerative benefits.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma): Uses your own blood plasma to stimulate healing. Polynucleotides provide similar rejuvenation but with more predictable results.

Each treatment has its place, and sometimes they’re used together for best outcomes.

Safety and Side Effects

If you’re considering polynucleotide treatments, it’s natural to wonder about safety and possible side effects. The good news is that polynucleotides are generally well tolerated and considered safe for most people.

Like any injectable treatment, you might experience a few mild, temporary effects, such as:

• Redness or swelling: It’s common for your skin to look slightly pink or puffy at the injection sites for a short time.
• Mild bruising: Some people notice small bruises, especially if their skin is sensitive or prone to bruising.
• Slight tenderness: Your skin may feel a little sore where the injections were given, but this usually fades within a day or two.

Most of these side effects are mild and disappear on their own within a few days. Serious reactions are extremely rare, especially when treatments are performed by a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic professional.

By understanding what to expect, you can feel more confident and prepared, knowing that polynucleotides are a gentle, safe option to help your skin look and feel healthier.

How to Choose a Clinic

Because polynucleotide treatments are relatively new, it’s important to choose a clinic with experience. Look for:

• Qualified dermatologists or aesthetic doctors.
• A good track record with injectable treatments.
• Clear aftercare guidance.
• Transparent discussion about realistic results.

If you’re interested in exploring polynucleotides treatment in London, booking a consultation with a trusted skin clinic is the best way to start.

Aftercare Tips

To get the most from your treatment:

• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, or hot baths for 24 hours.
• Keep skin clean and avoid harsh products.
• Use gentle moisturisers and broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support skin health.

Myths About Polynucleotides

Like any new trend, there are misconceptions. Let’s clear a few up:

• “They’re the same as fillers.” Not true   they improve skin quality rather than add volume.
• “They give instant results.” Improvements are gradual and natural, not overnight.
• “They’re only for ageing skin.” They’re great for younger people too, especially for hydration and early prevention.

The Future of Polynucleotides in Skincare

Polynucleotides may still feel like a newcomer in the skincare world, but the research behind them is growing rapidly. If you’re someone who loves staying ahead of trends or is curious about innovative treatments, this is an ingredient worth watching.

Current studies are exploring how polynucleotides can be used beyond everyday skin rejuvenation, including:

• Wound healing: They may help your skin repair itself faster after injuries, supporting more effective recovery.
• Post-surgery recovery: Polynucleotides could be used to improve healing and reduce downtime after aesthetic or medical procedures.
• Reducing inflammation in skin conditions: Early research suggests they might help calm inflamed skin, making them potentially useful for certain dermatological conditions.

As scientists continue to study them, it’s likely we’ll see even broader applications in the coming years. If you enjoy trying treatments that are backed by emerging science, polynucleotides might be one of the most exciting options for maintaining youthful, healthy skin in the future.

FAQs About Polynucleotides in Skincare:

1. What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the essential building blocks of DNA and RNA. In skincare, they are extracted and purified to support the skin’s natural repair and rejuvenation processes. They work at a cellular level to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, which are key for maintaining firm, smooth, and youthful-looking skin.

2. How do polynucleotides work on the skin?
When applied or injected into the skin, polynucleotides encourage cell regeneration and improve microcirculation. They attract and retain water molecules to keep the skin hydrated while also acting as antioxidants, neutralising free radicals that can accelerate ageing. Unlike fillers or Botox, they do not mask signs of ageing but instead improve the skin’s quality and resilience from within.

3. Who can benefit from polynucleotide treatments?
Polynucleotide treatments are versatile and suitable for a wide range of people. They can refresh dull or tired-looking skin, reduce fine lines and early signs of ageing, and support recovery after treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or laser therapy. People with dry or sensitive skin can also benefit from their hydrating properties, while those with acne scars or uneven texture may notice smoother, more even skin over time.

4. Which areas of the body can be treated with polynucleotides?
These treatments are most commonly used on the face, particularly under the eyes, where fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles often appear. The neck and décolletage, which show early signs of ageing, can also benefit from improved firmness and hydration. Hands are another popular area, as they are prone to dryness and visible ageing. Additionally, polynucleotides can support the repair of scars or damaged skin, helping it appear smoother and healthier.

5. How is the treatment performed?
A polynucleotide session usually begins with a consultation to assess your skin and discuss your goals. A numbing cream may be applied for comfort before the polynucleotides are injected just under the skin in small amounts. The procedure is quick, often taking less than 30 minutes, and most people experience minimal downtime, with only mild redness or swelling that usually resolves within a day or two.

6. How many sessions are needed?
Polynucleotide treatments work best as a series rather than a single session. Most people start with two to three sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, allowing the skin to gradually repair itself, improve hydration, and boost collagen and elastin production. After completing the initial course, maintenance sessions every six to twelve months help sustain results and prevent new signs of ageing.

7. How soon will I see results?
Results develop gradually, which is one of the benefits of polynucleotide treatments. Within two to three weeks, you may notice subtle improvements in hydration, skin texture, and overall radiance. By six to eight weeks, elasticity and firmness usually improve, and the skin begins to feel healthier and smoother. Continued sessions enhance these benefits, providing long-lasting rejuvenation that looks natural rather than artificial.

8. Are there side effects?
Polynucleotide treatments are generally safe and well tolerated. Mild side effects may include temporary redness, swelling, slight bruising, or tenderness at the injection sites. These usually resolve within a few days, and serious reactions are extremely rare, particularly when the treatment is performed by a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic professional.

9. How do polynucleotides compare to other treatments?
Unlike fillers, which add immediate volume, polynucleotides improve skin quality gradually. Botox relaxes muscles to reduce wrinkles, whereas polynucleotides focus on repair, hydration, and tissue regeneration. Treatments like PRP stimulate healing using your own blood plasma, but polynucleotides offer more predictable and consistent rejuvenation. While Profhilo mainly provides hydration, polynucleotides combine hydration with cellular repair and anti-ageing benefits.

10. How should I choose a clinic for polynucleotide treatments?
It is important to select a clinic with experienced dermatologists or aesthetic doctors who have a proven track record with injectable treatments. Look for clear aftercare guidance and a transparent discussion about realistic results. Booking a consultation allows the professional to assess your skin type, determine whether polynucleotides are suitable for your needs, and design a personalised treatment plan for the best results.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are an innovative way to support your skin’s natural repair, boost hydration, and improve elasticity. By working at a cellular level, they help reduce fine lines, promote healing, and give your skin a healthier, more radiant appearance over time. Unlike treatments that provide only temporary results, polynucleotides focus on long-term rejuvenation and overall skin quality.

If you’re thinking about polynucleotide treatment in London, get in touch with us at the London Dermatology Centre to book a consultation with one of our specialists. Our dermatologists will provide a personalised assessment and guide you toward the most effective treatments for your skin concerns, helping you achieve a smoother, brighter, and naturally youthful complexion.

References:

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2. Giudici, S., et al. (2022). Topical natural-origin polynucleotides in radiation-induced skin toxicity: A clinical study. Folia Medica, 64(2), 269–275. Available at: https://foliamedica.bg/article/66980/

3. Lavitola, G., et al. (2025). Biostimulation with polynucleotide cream during adjuvant therapy for breast cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 43(4), 123–130. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301211525010309

4. Chehelgerdi, M., et al. (2023). The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Molecular Cancer, 22(1), 1–15. Available at: https://molecular-cancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w

5. Winter, D. (2025). The Science and Applications of Polynucleotides. Deborah Winter Blog. Available at: https://www.deborahwinter.com/blog/2025/1/11/the-science-and-applications-of-polynucleotides