What Are Polynucleotides? Definition, Uses & Benefits

Summary

Polynucleotides are natural molecules made from the same building blocks as DNA and RNA. In aesthetic medicine, they are used as injectable treatments that help your skin repair itself, boost collagen production, improve hydration, and restore a healthier, fresher appearance without adding volume or changing your facial shape.

 

Introduction

Across the UK, many people are looking for a treatment that improves the skin in a natural and long term way. Some are moving away from treatments that dramatically change how they look. This is exactly where polynucleotides come in.

This treatment works under the surface, and supports your skin’s natural ability to repair, hydrate, and rebuild itself.

 

Understanding Polynucleotides

Let us keep it simple. Polynucleotides are long chains of tiny molecules called nucleotides. These are the same building blocks that make up your DNA.

So in a way, polynucleotides are something your body already understands very well.

Related read: Polynucleotide London

 

Polynucleotide structure

To help you understand why polynucleotides are effective, it helps to know what they are made of. Each nucleotide has three parts:

• A sugar
• A phosphate group
• A base (this carry genetic information)

These units join together to form long chains, this is what we call polynucleotide.

 

What Are Polynucleotides Made Of?

In aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides are derived from natural sources, most commonly:

• Salmon DNA
• Trout DNA

This may surprise you at first, but there is a good reason for it.

These sources are:

• Highly compatible with human skin
• Well tolerated
• Easy to purify to medical grade standards

Before being used in treatments, the material goes through strict processes:

• Purification
• Filtration
• Sterilisation

So what is injected into your skin is clean, safe, and made especially for medical use.

 

How Do Polynucleotides Work?

What happens inside your skin

Once polynucleotides are injected into the skin, they begin working at a deeper level. They help to:

• Activate fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen)
• Encourages collagen and elastin production
• Support tissue repair
• Improve the overall environment of your skin

They are also often described as regenerative treatments.

 

Hydration, repair and anti-inflammatory effects

Polynucleotides do more than just collagen boosting.

They also:

• Improve skin hydration by attracting water
• Help calm inflammation
• Support better blood flow (microcirculation)
• Protect against environmental damage

Over time, this leads to skin that feels:

• Smoother
• More hydrated
• Stronger
• Healthier overall

 

Polynucleotides in Medicine

Polynucleotides have actually been used in medicine long before aesthetics.

They are commonly used in:

• Wound healing
• Tissue repair
• Regenerative treatments

One well-known form is PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), which has been studied for its ability to speed up healing and reduce inflammation.

 

What Are Polynucleotide Injections?

In aesthetics, polynucleotides are delivered through a series of small injections into the skin.

 

What to expect:

• The treatment is quick (usually 20 to 30 minutes)
• A numbing cream may be used
• Small injections are placed across the treatment areas

 

Typical treatment plan

• 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart
• Maintenance session every 4 to 6 months

Results rebuild gradually, which is why they look so natural.

 

Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Treatments

What are polynucleotides in aesthetics?

In simple terms, polynucleotides are used to improve skin quality, not shape.

They are ideal if you want:

• Fresher skin
• Better texture
• A natural glow
• Subtle rejuvenation

 

Common treatment areas

Polynucleotides can be used in several areas, including:

• Face
• Under eye area
• Neck
• Décolletage
• Hands

These areas often show early signs of ageing, making them ideal for regenerative treatments.

 

Polynucleotides vs fillers vs Botox

Feature	Polynucleotides	Dermal Fillers	Botox
What it does	Improves skin health and quality	Adds volume and shape	Reduces wrinkles from movement
How it works	Helps skin repair, hydrate and boost collagen	Fills areas under the skin	Relaxes facial muscles
Best for	Dull skin, fine lines, under eyes, ageing skin	Lips, cheeks, jawline, deep lines	Forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet
Results	Natural and gradual improvement	Instant, more noticeable	Smooth, softens wrinkles

In simple terms:

• Polynucleotides repair and improve your skin
• Fillers add volume and shape
• Botox relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles

They are sometimes combined in a treatment plan to target different concerns.

Related read: Polynucleotides vs Profhilo: What is Right for Me?

 

What Are the Benefits of Polynucleotides?

The main benefits are all about improving how your skin looks and feels.

You may notice:

• Better hydration
• Smoother texture
• Fewer fine lines
• Improved firmness
• A more radiant appearance

 

Additional benefits

Polynucleotides also help with:

• Skin elasticity
• Uneven skin tone
• Redness and sensitivity
• Acne scars and healing

Because they support skin repair, they are a very effective treatment for a wide range of concerns.

 

When Will You See Results?

This is not a quick fix treatment and it is actually a good thing because results continue to improve over time.

Timeline	What to Expect
2 to 3 weeks	Skin feels more hydrated
4 to 6 weeks	Skin texture improves
8 to 12 weeks	Visible skin rejuvenation

 

How Long Do Results Last?

WIth a full course of treatment:

• Results can last several months
• Maintenance treatments help prolong the effects

Your practitioner will guide you based on your skin.

 

Safety and Suitability

Polynucleotides are considered safe and well tolerated, especially when performed by a qualified practitioner.

 

Why they are safe

• They are biocompatible
• They are highly purified
• They are non-permanent

 

Common side effects

• MIld swelling
• Redness
• Small bruises

These side effects settle within a few days.

 

Who may not be suitable

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• People with active skin infections
• Patients with certain medical conditions

That is why a proper consultation is always important.

Related read: Understanding Polynucleotides Cost: What You Need to Know Before Treatment

 

Evidence and Scientific Research

There is growing scientific interest in polynucleotides

Research suggest they can:

• Support wound healing
• Stimulate collagen production
• Improve skin hydration

Studies on PDRN (a type of polynucleotide) show that it can support tissue repair and reduce inflammation, both are important for healthier skin.

However, like many aesthetic treatments, research is still evolving.

 

The Future of Polynucleotides

Future uses of polynucleotides may include:

• Hair restoration
• Advanced scar treatments
• Combination therapies with microneedling or lasers
• New regenerative skincare products

This is an exciting area of aesthetic medicine that continues to grow.

 

Conclusion

Polynucleotides could be a very good option if you want a more natural, fresher appearance. It can offer a different approach to skin treatment.

Instead of changing how your face looks, they focus on:

• Improving your skin’s health
• Supporting natural repair
• Delivering gradual, subtle results

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The best way to know if polynucleotides are right for you is through a professional consultation.

A qualified practitioner will:

• Assess you skin
• Understand your goals
• Create treatment plan just for you

This is also the time you can ask all the questions you want before scheduling your initial treatment.

Book your consultation today at Harley Street Skin Clinic.

 

FAQs

• What are polynucleotides made of?

They are made of purified DNA fragments, usually sourced from salmon or trout.

• Is the polynucleotide injections painful?

The pain is tolerable according to most people. Numbing cream is used to keep you comfortable.

• How long do results last?

Results can last several months, especially with maintenance treatments.

• Are polynucleotides safe for all skin types?

Yes. They are suitable for most skin types, but a consultation is still recommended.

• How do they differ from PDRN?

PDRN is a type of polynucleotide used in medicine, with in aesthetic treatments, broader formulation may be used.