What are Polynucleotides?

What are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are an injectable skin treatment used in aesthetic medicine to support skin health and rejuvenation at a cellular level. They consist of highly purified DNA and/or RNA fragments that act as biostimulators — substances that encourage your body’s own cells to repair and regenerate tissue rather than simply filling or covering concerns.

This treatment is often described as a next‑generation skin booster aimed at improving skin quality rather than changing facial shape.

Who are Polynucleotides suitable for?

Polynucleotide treatment may be suitable for people who:

– Want to support the skin’s natural repair processes and encourage healthier skin function.
– Have early or moderate signs of ageing such as fine lines, loss of elasticity or drier, less resilient skin.
– Would like to improve skin hydration and texture.
– Are seeking a more gradual improvement in skin quality rather than dramatic volume changes.
– Wish to address delicate areas, such as under‑eye thinning or crepey skin, where traditional fillers may be less appropriate.

Suitability will depend on individual skin concerns, anatomy and clinical assessment.

Who may not be suitable for Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotide treatment may not be appropriate for people who:

– Have active infections, severe inflammation or open wounds in the area to be treated.
– Are pregnant or breastfeeding without clinical guidance.
– Have certain medical conditions such as circulatory disorders or autoimmune issues that could affect healing.
– Are allergic to any component of the polynucleotide formulation, although allergic reactions are thought to be uncommon.

A qualified clinician should review your medical history and expectations before any treatment.

How do Polynucleotides work?

Polynucleotide treatment works by injecting small quantities of DNA/RNA fragments into the skin using fine needles.

Once in the skin, these molecules are believed to act as biological signals that support fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. By encouraging this activity, polynucleotides may help strengthen the skin’s structural framework, improve hydration and enhance the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

The overall effect is gradual and relies on the body’s own processes to rebuild and refresh skin quality over time.

Do Polynucleotides hurt?

Polynucleotide injections involve multiple tiny injections into the skin, so some sensation is typical. Most people describe this as mild or manageable rather than painful.

Clinicians may apply a topical anaesthetic before treatment to help reduce discomfort. After the session, mild tenderness at injection sites is common and usually settles quickly.

How long does the treatment take?

A typical polynucleotide session generally takes around 20–60 minutes, covering preparation, numbing (if used) and administration of the injections.

Many clinics recommend a series of treatments — often 3–4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart — to build and sustain improvements.

How long do results last?

Polynucleotide effects are not immediate and build gradually over weeks to months as the skin’s biological responses develop.
Reported durations of visible improvement vary, with some practitioners citing effects lasting several months to around 6–12 months before maintenance may be considered.

Because skin continues to age naturally, periodic follow‑up treatments may be part of a longer‑term skin health plan.

What is the recovery or healing process like?

After treatment, it is common to experience mild and temporary reactions such as:

– Redness or swelling at the injection sites
– Small bumps under the skin that settle within hours
– Slight tenderness or very mild bruising

These effects typically resolve within a day or two. Most people can resume normal activities soon after treatment, though clinicians may recommend avoiding vigorous exercise, excessive sun exposure or alcohol for the rest of the day to support comfort and healing.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Polynucleotide injections are generally considered to have a low risk profile when performed by a trained professional.

Common and expected side effects include:
– Temporary redness or swelling at injection sites
– Mild tenderness or discomfort
– Mild bruising that resolves in a few days

Rarely, more prolonged swelling or transient lumps can occur, particularly in sensitive areas like the under‑eye, though these usually settle with time or follow‑up care.
As with all injectables, there is a small risk of infection or unexpected tissue response, underscoring the importance of sterile technique and clinical oversight.

How do Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides differ from other common aesthetic injectables:

– Dermal fillers: Traditional fillers add volume beneath the skin to change shape or support contours. Polynucleotides do not primarily add volume but focus on improving tissue quality and stimulation.
– PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma): Both aim to support skin regeneration, but PRP uses your own blood components, whereas polynucleotides use purified DNA/RNA fragments as biostimulators. Each has a slightly different biological effect and may be chosen based on goals.
– Skin boosters (hyaluronic acid): These primarily improve hydration; polynucleotides aim to go further by encouraging structural repair and collagen/elastin synthesis.

Your clinician can help compare these options and decide which approach, or combination, best suits your concerns.

When should I speak to a professional?

If you are considering polynucleotide treatment for concerns such as fine lines, dehydration, texture changes or age‑related changes in your skin, speak to a qualified clinician. A professional assessment allows discussion of your medical history, current skincare routine and realistic expectations for outcomes.

Consultation is important to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you, particularly if you have underlying skin conditions, are on medications that affect healing, or have specific areas of concern. Professional guidance supports safe and informed decisions about whether polynucleotide therapy is a suitable option for your skin.

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