Polynucleotides: The Regenerative Treatment Everyone Is Talking About....
If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably heard people talking about polynucleotides. They have become one of the fastest-growing treatments in aesthetics, but with all the hype comes a lot of confusion.
So, what exactly are they, and more importantly, are they right for you?
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are tiny DNA fragments that are highly purified and designed to encourage your skin to repair and regenerate itself.
Rather than adding volume or freezing muscles, polynucleotides work by stimulating your skin’s own healing processes. They help improve skin quality from within, making them an excellent choice for patients looking for subtle, natural rejuvenation.
You may also hear them described as “salmon DNA” or “salmon sperm.” While technically derived from purified salmon DNA, the final product is highly refined, sterile, and completely safe for medical use. There are no living cells or reproductive material involved—just purified DNA fragments with regenerative properties.
How do they work?
As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin. This contributes to fine lines, thinner skin, reduced elasticity, and a duller appearance.
Polynucleotides work by encouraging your body’s own repair mechanisms. They can:
Stimulate collagen production
Improve skin elasticity
Increase hydration
Reduce inflammation
Support tissue repair
Improve overall skin quality and texture
Think of them as encouraging your skin to behave a little more like younger skin.
What areas can be treated?
Polynucleotides are extremely versatile and can be used on several areas including:
Face
Under-eye area
Neck
Décolletage
Hands
They are particularly popular for the delicate eye area, where traditional fillers may not always be appropriate.
What concerns can they help with?
Polynucleotides may improve:
Fine lines
Crepey skin
Skin laxity
Dull or tired-looking skin
Sun-damaged skin
Acne scarring
General loss of skin quality
They are ideal for patients who want healthier-looking skin rather than simply adding volume.
Are polynucleotides the same as dermal fillers?
No.
Dermal fillers replace lost volume and enhance facial contours.
Botulinum toxin reduces muscle movement to soften expression lines.
Polynucleotides do neither. Instead, they focus on improving the health and quality of your skin by supporting natural regeneration.
Many patients choose to combine treatments depending on their individual concerns and goals.
Are they the same as skin boosters?
Not quite.
Skin boosters primarily provide deep hydration by attracting and retaining water within the skin.
Polynucleotides go one step further by encouraging tissue repair and collagen production.
The treatments are different but often complement each other beautifully. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option—or combination—is most suitable for your skin.
How many treatments will I need?
This is not usually a one-and-done treatment.
For the best results, I generally recommend:
A course of three treatments
Around 2–4 weeks apart
Maintenance treatments every 6–9 months, depending on your skin and treatment goals
Results develop gradually as your skin regenerates and continues producing new collagen.
Is there any downtime?
Most patients experience very little downtime.
Immediately after treatment you may notice:
Small injection bumps
Mild redness
Slight swelling
Occasionally some bruising
These effects are temporary and usually settle within a few days.
Who is suitable?
Polynucleotides are suitable for both women and men who are looking to improve skin quality naturally.
They are particularly popular with patients who:
Want subtle, undetectable results
Prefer prevention rather than correction
Feel their skin has become dull or tired
Want healthier skin without looking “done”
My approach
As a nurse prescriber with over 30 years of nursing experience and more than 16 years in medical aesthetics, my approach has always been the same—honest advice and natural results.
Not every patient needs every treatment, and polynucleotides are no exception. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, examine your skin, and decide whether this treatment is genuinely the best option for you.
Sometimes it will be.
Sometimes another treatment—or even no treatment at all—is the better choice.
Interested in learning more?
If you’d like to find out whether polynucleotides are suitable for your skin, book a consultation and we’ll create a personalised treatment plan based on your skin, your concerns, and your goals.
Because great skin isn’t about looking different—it’s about looking like the best version of you.
