Regenerative Aesthetics & Skin Quality
Polynucleotides have become one of the most talked-about regenerative-style treatments in aesthetics. The science is promising, but the evidence is still developing and results vary.
Polynucleotides have moved from a relatively niche treatment to one of the most talked-about words in aesthetics.
Clients ask about “salmon DNA”, under-eye rejuvenation, skin repair, collagen and regeneration.
Some marketing makes it sound as though a few tiny injections can rebuild the skin from the inside and reverse ageing.
I think we need a more honest explanation.
The treatment is interesting. Early research is promising in some areas.
But the evidence base is still developing, studies are often small, products and protocols vary, and no responsible clinic should guarantee a particular biological effect or result.
Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides — the building blocks associated with DNA and RNA.
In aesthetic products, purified polynucleotides are commonly derived from fish sources, depending on the specific product.
They are injected into selected areas of skin by trained practitioners using a protocol appropriate to the product and indication.
They are different from hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
Most polynucleotide treatments are not intended primarily to create facial volume or reshape features in the way some fillers do.
Laboratory and clinical research has explored potential effects related to fibroblast activity, extracellular matrix, hydration, inflammation and tissue quality.
However, it is important to separate proposed mechanisms from guaranteed clinical outcomes.
A biological mechanism that looks interesting in laboratory research does not automatically mean every patient will see a visible result.
Depending on the product, treatment area, protocol and individual suitability, practitioners may use polynucleotides with the aim of improving aspects of skin quality such as:
Hydration.
Texture.
Fine lines.
Elasticity.
Crepey-looking skin.
Under-eye skin quality.
Some people also explore them for other areas of the face, neck or body.
The exact indication should be discussed at consultation and should match the product being used.
Recent reviews have described encouraging findings in skin quality and aesthetic outcomes, but they also highlight important limitations.
Many studies are small.
Some are observational.
Treatment protocols differ.
Products are not identical.
Follow-up periods can be short.
Outcome measures vary.
High-quality randomised controlled trials are still needed in several areas.
So my honest summary is:
Polynucleotides are promising, but “promising” is not the same as proven for every claim, every product and every person.
That is the language I prefer.
These treatments are often confused, but they are not designed to do exactly the same thing.
Usually used to add or restore
volume, shape or contour
Generally used to support
hydration and skin quality
Regenerative-style injectables
aimed at skin quality
Depends on anatomy, goals,
evidence and suitability
Dermal filler is usually used to add or restore volume, shape or contour, depending on the product, anatomy and technique.
A hyaluronic acid skin booster is typically intended to improve hydration and skin quality rather than create substantial structural volume, although products vary.
Polynucleotides are used as regenerative-style injectables aimed at aspects of skin quality rather than traditional filling.
None is automatically “best”.
The right option depends on the concern, anatomy, available evidence, risk profile, treatment history and expectations.
The exact process varies, but generally includes:
Consultation and suitability assessment.
Review of medical history, medications, allergies and previous treatments.
Discussion of expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and risks.
Cleansing and preparation of the treatment area.
Small injections using a technique suited to the treatment area and product.
Aftercare advice.
Small bumps or papules can be visible immediately after treatment depending on the technique and product used.
Temporary effects can include:
Redness.
Swelling.
Tenderness.
Bruising.
Visible injection points.
Small raised bumps.
These effects usually settle, but timing varies by person, product and treatment area.
Anyone with a major event should plan carefully and allow appropriate time rather than assuming there will be no visible downtime.
Protocols vary by product, indication and individual treatment plan.
Courses of several sessions are commonly discussed in practice, sometimes followed by maintenance, but the exact schedule should follow product guidance and practitioner assessment.
More sessions do not guarantee a better result.
Suitability depends on the exact product and the individual’s medical history.
Potential exclusions or reasons to delay treatment may include:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Active infection.
Certain allergies, including relevant product-source allergies.
Some autoimmune or medical conditions.
Medicines that may affect bleeding or immunity.
Recent procedures or other factors that may affect healing or treatment safety.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Product-specific instructions for use and a full consultation should guide all treatment decisions.
All injectable treatments have risks.
Potential effects can include:
Pain or discomfort.
Bruising.
Swelling.
Redness.
Infection.
Inflammatory reactions.
Lumps or nodules.
Asymmetry.
Unsatisfactory or limited results.
Other product-specific or injection-related risks may apply.
Because products, techniques and treatment areas differ, the consent discussion should be specific rather than generic.
This is where I want to be especially careful.
Some clients may notice improvements in hydration, texture or fine lines.
Others may see only a subtle change.
Results are not guaranteed and depend on many factors, including age, skin quality, product selection, treatment technique, lifestyle and individual response.
Polynucleotides are not a facelift.
They do not replace surgery where surgical correction is appropriate.
They do not permanently stop ageing.
They should not be sold as a cure-all for every skin concern.
At Transform Health and Beauty Clinic, we would ask:
01. What is the main concern?
02. Is skin quality genuinely the issue?
03. What has been tried already?
04. Is another treatment better supported for the goal?
05. What level of improvement would feel worthwhile?
06. Is the client comfortable with multiple sessions, downtime and cost?
07. Are there any reasons not to inject?
Sometimes polynucleotides may be a reasonable option.
Sometimes a different treatment, skincare, medical referral or no treatment may make more sense.
Polynucleotides are an interesting and evolving area of aesthetic medicine.
There is enough emerging evidence to justify genuine clinical interest, but not enough to justify every dramatic marketing claim made online.
My preference is simple:
Be curious.
Be evidence-aware.
Choose the right patient.
Choose the right product.
Set the right expectation.
Never let the excitement around a new treatment become more important than the person receiving it.
Transform Health and Beauty Clinic
Book a professional consultation in Horsham to discuss your skin concerns, treatment history, expectations and whether polynucleotides or another option may be more appropriate.
This article is provided for general education and treatment information only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Polynucleotide products, protocols, suitability, risks and results vary. A full consultation, product-specific consent process and assessment by an appropriately trained practitioner are required before treatment.
