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Polynucleotides at a glance
- What they are: injectable skin-regeneration treatments made from purified DNA fragments
- Best for: skin quality, fine lines, elasticity, hydration and under-eye concerns
- How they work: they signal your skin to repair, hydrate and produce collagen
- Sessions: usually a course of three, spaced two to four weeks apart
- Downtime: minimal, as most people return to normal activities the same day
- Results last: around six to nine months, with maintenance recommended
See how we deliver polynucleotide treatment at PHI Clinic.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators made from purified salmon DNA. Once injected into the skin, they act as a biological signal, a prompt that encourages your skin tissue to repair and regenerate itself through natural cellular repair.
This is what makes them different from more familiar injectables. Dermal fillers add structure and volume, and anti-wrinkle injections relax muscle movement. Polynucleotides do neither. Instead, they focus entirely on the health and quality of your skin at a cellular level, which is why they sit within the category known as regenerative aesthetics, alongside treatments such as Profhilo and other skin boosters. The DNA fragments used are highly purified and CE-marked, meaning they have been clinically validated for aesthetic use, and because they are so closely related to the body's own building blocks, they are well tolerated by most people.
How do polynucleotides work?
Polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblast cells, the cells responsible for keeping your skin firm, supple and hydrated. As we age, fibroblast activity slows, and the skin gradually loses collagen, elasticity and its ability to hold moisture. Polynucleotides help to reawaken this natural repair process.
Once injected, they support the skin in several ways:
- Collagen and elastin stimulation: encouraging collagen synthesis for firmer, more resilient skin over time
- Deep hydration: improving skin hydration and the skin's ability to retain moisture from within
- Cellular renewal: supporting cell turnover for healthier texture and tone
- Strengthening the extracellular matrix: reinforcing the underlying structure that keeps skin supported
- Calming inflammation: helping to soothe redness and create a more even complexion
Because this is a gradual, biological process rather than an instant filling effect, the changes tend to look natural. As collagen production increases and skin elasticity improves, your skin simply looks healthier, fresher and better rested.
Read how polynucleotides are administered in practice, from consultation through to your third session.
What can polynucleotides treat?
Polynucleotides are best understood as a skin-quality treatment rather than a solution for a single concern. They suit people who feel their skin looks tired, dull or crepey, even when volume is not the issue. They can help to improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of firmness and elasticity
- Dehydrated, dull or rough skin texture
- Crepey, hollow or dark under-eye skin
- Uneven tone and redness
- Certain types of scarring, including acne scars
They are especially valued for the delicate skin around the eyes, where traditional fillers are not always suitable. Here, polynucleotides can improve hydration and skin quality gently, helping tired-looking eyes appear brighter and more refreshed.
See which concerns we treat with polynucleotides on Harley Street.
Which areas can be treated?
One of the reasons polynucleotides have become so popular is their versatility. As a skin rejuvenation treatment, they can be used across the face and body wherever skin quality could be improved, including the under-eye area, the cheeks and forehead, the neck and décolletage, the backs of the hands, and areas affected by scarring or uneven texture. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and recommend the areas most likely to benefit.
Our treatment areas and pricing are set out in full.
What to expect from polynucleotide treatment
Every treatment at PHI Clinic begins with a consultation, where your practitioner takes the time to understand your skin, your concerns and what you would like to achieve. A good consultation should never feel rushed, as it is the foundation of a safe, tailored treatment plan.
The treatment itself is quick and straightforward. Polynucleotide injections are delivered using a very fine needle, and a course of three sessions, spaced around two to four weeks apart, is typically recommended for the best results. Because they work by encouraging your skin to regenerate, results build gradually. Many people notice an initial improvement in the weeks after their first session, with more meaningful changes developing over the two to three months that follow the final treatment. Results generally last around six to nine months, after which maintenance sessions help to sustain the benefits.
Downtime and aftercare
Polynucleotides are minimally invasive, and downtime is limited. Most people return to their normal activities straight away. It is common to notice small bumps or mild swelling at the injection sites, but these usually settle within 24 to 48 hours. Your practitioner will give you tailored aftercare advice, but in general it helps to keep the area clean, avoid make-up, vigorous exercise, alcohol and excessive heat for the first day or so, and to protect your skin with SPF.
Find out what a full course of polynucleotides involves.
For the full day-by-day routine, read our complete polynucleotide aftercare guide.
Are polynucleotides safe? Who is a good candidate?
Polynucleotides have a strong safety profile and are well tolerated by most people. The products used are highly purified, CE-marked and clinically validated, and because they are biocompatible, allergic reactions are rare. As with any injectable, the most important safety factor is the person performing it.
They suit a wide range of people, from those in their late twenties looking to protect healthy skin, to those wanting to improve firmness, hydration and texture later in life. They may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, or have a known allergy to fish-derived ingredients. This is exactly what your consultation is for.
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo, fillers and skin boosters
It helps to understand where polynucleotides sit among the many cosmetic treatments available. Dermal fillers add volume and structure, and anti-wrinkle injections soften expression lines by relaxing the muscle. Both change how the face looks in a more immediate, structural way. Polynucleotides, like Profhilo and other skin boosters, belong to a different family focused on skin health rather than volume. Profhilo is primarily a bio-remodelling treatment that hydrates and firms using hyaluronic acid, while polynucleotides go a step further into regeneration, working to repair and renew the skin itself. Many people find the two complement one another, and they are often combined within a longer-term plan. Our guide comparing polynucleotides and Profhilo breaks down the differences in more detail.
Considering polynucleotides in London?
Polynucleotides are a considered, science-led way to support healthier, more resilient skin, ideal if you want to look refreshed and like yourself, only better rested. With a full course, many people enjoy natural, long-lasting results that continue to develop over the following months. If you are considering polynucleotide treatment at our London clinic and would like to find out whether it is right for you, our practitioners at PHI Clinic will be glad to guide you through your options. You can book a consultation through our website to discuss your skin, your concerns and a plan tailored to you.
Book a polynucleotide consultation on Harley Street.
Frequently asked questions about polynucleotides
Do polynucleotides really work?
Yes. Polynucleotides are supported by clinical evidence and work by stimulating your skin's natural repair processes. Because results build gradually, they tend to look natural, improving skin quality, hydration and firmness rather than changing the shape of your face.
Are polynucleotide injections painful?
Most people find the treatment very comfortable. A very fine needle is used, and a numbing cream can be applied beforehand to keep any discomfort to a minimum. You may feel a small scratch or mild pressure, but the treatment is quick.
How long do polynucleotide results last?
Results typically last around six to nine months following a full course. Because this is a regenerative treatment, many people choose to have maintenance sessions to sustain the improvements in their skin over time.
How many sessions will I need?
A course of three sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, is usually recommended to achieve the best results. Your practitioner will confirm the right plan for you during your consultation, based on your skin and your goals.
At what age should you start polynucleotides?
There is no single right age. Some people begin in their late twenties or thirties as a preventative, skin-health measure, while others start later to address changes in firmness, hydration and texture. The treatment is tailored to your skin rather than your age.
Are polynucleotides suitable for under-eye concerns?
They are often an excellent option for the under-eye area, where skin is thin and delicate and traditional fillers are not always appropriate. Polynucleotides can improve hydration and skin quality here, helping tired-looking eyes appear fresher and brighter.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime is minimal. You can usually return to your day straight away, though you may notice small bumps or mild swelling at the injection points, which typically settle within a day or two.
