What Are Polynucleotides? Everything You Need to Know 

Polynucleotides have been trending for some time, with A-listers such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston embracing these treatments. 

But what are polynucleotides, and how do they work? 

Polynucleotides are molecules made up of nucleotides – the building blocks of DNA and RNA. When it comes to aesthetic treatments, they can support your skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes, improving hydration, elasticity, texture, and overall skin quality.

Let’s explore this further. Read on for everything you need to know about polynucleotides and how they work, including the skin concerns they can help treat, who they’re suitable for, and what to expect from a typical polynucleotide treatment. 

 

What Is a Polynucleotide? The Science Explained

Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides – the building blocks of DNA and RNA within the body. 

In aesthetic medicine, purified polynucleotides are used as regenerative biostimulators that work with the body’s natural healing mechanisms to support tissue repair, collagen production, and healthier-looking skin.

Polynucleotides are derived from highly purified salmon trout DNA, selected for their biocompatibility and ability to support the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes.

Unlike dermal fillers, polynucleotides do not restore volume or reshape facial features. Instead, they act as regenerative biostimulators, encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve skin quality, support collagen production, and promote healthier, more resilient skin.

 

Polynucleotides vs Fillers

Polynucleotides	Dermal Fillers
Stimulate skin regeneration	Add immediate volume
Improve skin quality gradually	Create structural enhancement
Focus on collagen and elastin production	Focus on contouring and lifting
Natural, progressive results	Instant visible change
Ideal for skin rejuvenation	Ideal for volume loss

 

How Do Polynucleotides Work on the Skin?

When injected into the skin, polynucleotides stimulate fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin), helping to improve skin quality, elasticity, and overall skin health over time.

This stimulation helps improve:

• Skin firmness
• Elasticity
• Hydration
• Texture
• Overall skin resilience

Polynucleotides can also help to improve your skin’s water-binding capacity – which means your skin can retain hydration better from within. This can lead to a healthier and more radiant appearance over time.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm the skin environment while stimulating regeneration, which is one reason they’re often used for delicate or sensitive areas such as under the eyes.

Please note that unlike filler treatments, results are not immediate – improvements are gradual as your skin responds biologically to the treatment over several weeks.

 

What Skin Concerns Can Polynucleotides Treat?

Polynucleotides are commonly used to improve a wide range of skin concerns. They may help improve:

• Fine lines and superficial wrinkles
• Crepey or thinning skin
• Skin laxity and reduced firmness
• Dull or tired-looking skin
• Dehydrated skin
• Under-eye hollowness and dark circles
• Acne scarring
• Uneven skin texture
• Sun-damaged skin
• Thinning skin on the neck, décolletage, and hands

 

Who Is Polynucleotide Treatment Best For?

Polynucleotides are suitable for a range of different skin types and age groups – but at BU Aesthetics, we find it’s especially popular among patients in their 30s and above who are noticing early signs of ageing.

They might be a good option if you:

• Want gradual, natural-looking improvement
• Have sensitive or delicate skin
• Are concerned about skin quality rather than volume loss
• Want to improve under-eye skin texture and hydration

A consultation will help you determine whether it’s an appropriate treatment for you. During a consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical background and determine whether polynucleotides are a good fit or not.

Note – Polynucleotides are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This treatment may not be suitable if you have a fish or seafood allergy or an autoimmune condition.

 

What to Expect From Polynucleotide Treatment 

Your polynucleotide appointment begins with a consultation to assess your skin concerns and treatment suitability. Here are the key steps of the treatment process:

1. The skin is cleansed thoroughly
2. A topical numbing cream may be applied
3. Polynucleotides are injected using a fine needle or cannula
4. Treatment usually takes around 30–45 minutes

 

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

It depends on your treatment goals, but we usually recommend a course of three sessions, spaced approximately two to four weeks apart, for optimal results.

 

What About After Treatment?

Mild side effects are normal, and usually settle within a few days. You may experience: 

• Mild redness
• Swelling
• Small injection marks
• Minor bruising

 

When Will I See Results? 

You may notice improvements develop gradually over four to six weeks as your collagen production and tissue regeneration increase.

Many patients notice improvements in hydration and skin texture first, followed by firmer and healthier-looking skin over time.

Learn more about polynucleotides results. 

 

Polynucleotides vs Other Skin Treatments

Polynucleotides often get compared to skin boosters such as Profhilo. However, the polynucleotides are not skin boosters. 

The two work slightly differently – skin boosters focus on hydrating the skin using hyaluronic acid, whereas polynucleotides focus on regeneration and cellular repair. 

Polynucleotides and skin boosters often work well together. Many patients combine polynucleotides with anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, or skin boosters as part of a broader treatment plan tailored to their skin concerns.

Learn more about the differences between polynucleotides and Profhilo. 

 

Are Polynucleotides Safe?

Yes, polynucleotides are considered safe for use. They have been used in medical applications for years, and have a well-established safety profile. 

The products used in aesthetics are highly purified, biocompatible, and biodegradable, meaning they are naturally broken down by the body over time.

However, the key is opting for a qualified practitioner. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner can make or break your treatment.

To improve outcomes, make sure you follow any aftercare advice provided by your practitioner. 

 

Why Choose BU Aesthetics for Polynucleotide Treatment?

At BU Aesthetics, all of our treatments are carried out by qualified and experienced practitioners using clinically proven polynucleotide products tailored to your individual skin concerns.

You can expect:

• Thorough consultations and personalised treatment plans
• A focus on natural-looking results
• High-quality regenerative aesthetic treatments
• Professional aftercare and ongoing support

Learn more about Polynucleotides treatment at BU Aesthetics and book a consultation today.

 

Polynucleotides FAQs