Everything You Need to Know About Polynucleotide Skin Treatments

By Dr. Raja, Derma Aesthetics London

As a medical professional specialising in aesthetics, I’ve seen the industry evolve significantly over the years. While many treatments are innovative, few have generated as much intrigue as polynucleotide skin treatments, often dubbed the “salmon sperm skin treatment.” Despite its unusual nickname, this revolutionary treatment is far from gimmicky—it’s backed by science and offers remarkable skin-rejuvenating benefits.

Even high-profile individuals like Kim Kardashian have turned to polynucleotides for their ability to enhance skin texture, hydration, and overall radiance. In this article, I’ll guide you through the facts behind polynucleotide injectables, discuss their applications, explore how they work, and address common questions about results, sessions, and side effects.

Everything You Need to Know About Polynucleotide Skin Treatments

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are injectable treatments derived from the DNA of fish, typically salmon or trout. This DNA is extracted from the nucleus of sperm cells and bioengineered to stimulate and repair the skin.

When injected, polynucleotides work by promoting cellular regeneration, hydrating the skin, and boosting collagen production. These treatments don’t just temporarily improve skin appearance; they actively enhance the skin’s health over time, making them a popular choice for patients seeking long-term results.

Polynucleotide Brands: A Comparison

As a practitioner, I work with various brands of polynucleotide injectables, each tailored to specific patient needs. Here’s a comparison of some of the top brands on the market:

1. Rejuran (also known as “Baby Skin Injection”)

• Source: Salmon DNA

• Key Benefits: This injectable is renowned for its ability to deeply hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, and repair damaged tissues.

• Ideal For: Younger patients or those in the early stages of ageing who want to prevent fine lines and achieve a “glass skin” effect.

2. NucleoFILL

• Source: Salmon DNA

• Key Benefits: Known for its collagen-stimulating and lifting properties, NucleoFILL also has anti-inflammatory effects, making it suitable for those with irritated or sensitive skin.

• Ideal For: Patients seeking a more noticeable lifting effect, particularly those with mature or sagging skin.

3. Plenhyage XL

• Source: Salmon DNA

• Key Benefits: This brand specialises in repairing damaged skin, improving elasticity, and fading scars.

• Ideal For: Individuals with acne scars, pigmentation issues, or other skin damage who need advanced skin repair.

4. Philart

• Source: Salmon DNA

• Key Benefits: Philart polynucleotides are highly effective at enhancing skin regeneration, improving hydration, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This brand is known for its remarkable ability to smooth and brighten skin while improving overall skin texture.

• Ideal For: Those experiencing early signs of ageing who want to improve overall skin tone, texture, and radiance. It’s also a great option for patients looking for a preventive treatment to avoid wrinkles and sagging.

5. Plinest

• Source: Salmon DNA

• Key Benefits: Plinest provides excellent hydration, revitalisation, and lifting effects. It’s also used to treat scars, pigmentation, and skin laxity. Plinest is known for offering subtle yet noticeable improvements in skin texture and firmness over time.

• Ideal For: Individuals with skin sagging or noticeable laxity, as well as those wanting to refresh their complexion and restore lost volume or elasticity.

Which is the Better Brand?

When choosing the best polynucleotide injectable, it all depends on your specific skin goals. Each brand offers unique advantages, but based on my experience and patient results, Philart, Plinest, and NucleoFILL stand out. Here’s a breakdown, not in any preferential order:

1. Philart

• Ideal For: Preventative care and rejuvenation, particularly for younger patients or those in the early stages of ageing. It smooths fine lines and enhances skin texture.

• Why It’s Great: Philart works beautifully to promote a youthful, radiant complexion by encouraging collagen production and improving overall skin hydration. It’s especially effective for smoothing fine lines and revitalising dull, tired skin.

2. Plinest

• Ideal For: Patients seeking a more noticeable lifting effect, particularly for areas of sagging skin such as the neck, face, and hands.

• Why It’s Great: Plinest excels at treating skin laxity and providing visible tightening. It’s a fantastic option for individuals with mature skin looking for a firmer, more sculpted appearance. The effects of Plinest are noticeable relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for those who want a quicker transformation.

3. NucleoFILL

• Ideal For: Those with sagging skin, visible fine lines, or deep wrinkles, as well as individuals who are looking for an injectable that provides both lifting and hydrating benefits.

• Why It’s Great: NucleoFILL not only offers impressive anti-ageing benefits but also provides long-lasting skin hydration. It has excellent collagen-stimulating properties, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to restore lost volume and elasticity. It’s especially effective at treating more mature skin and areas with pronounced wrinkles or sagging.

How Do Polynucleotides Work?

Backed by science, these treatments harness the power of DNA to address both cosmetic concerns and structural skin issues. From a medical perspective, here’s why polynucleotides are gaining popularity in the aesthetics field.

Cellular Regeneration: The Core Mechanism

Polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, two vital components of healthy skin. By activating these cells, polynucleotides encourage tissue repair at a cellular level. As a result, patients experience improved skin texture, firmness, and elasticity – outcomes that are particularly significant in ageing or damaged skin.

Hydration from Within

One of the most impressive features of polynucleotides is their ability to attract and retain water in the skin. This creates a hydrating effect that goes beyond the superficial layer, improving skin barrier function and elasticity. For doctors, this is a key factor in treating patients with dry or dehydrated skin.

Stimulating Collagen Production for Longevity

Collagen stimulation is a cornerstone of anti-ageing treatments, and polynucleotides are no exception. By increasing collagen production, they deliver gradual but long-lasting improvements. Over a course of treatments, patients can expect to see reduced fine lines, improved skin resilience, and a healthy, radiant glow.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Sensitivity

From a clinical standpoint, the anti-inflammatory properties of polynucleotides are particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive or reactive skin. They help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation, making the treatment suitable for conditions such as acne scars or post-inflammatory erythema. This versatility makes polynucleotides an excellent choice for a wide range of skin types.

Tissue Remodelling for Complex Concerns

Polynucleotides also excel in promoting tissue remodelling by improving microcirculation and enhancing skin health. This makes them an effective treatment for scars, stretch marks, and even pigmentation concerns. For practitioners, this means a single treatment modality can address multiple patient concerns.

When Can You Expect to See Results?

The timeline for visible results can vary from patient to patient, but many begin to notice improvements within 2–4 weeks after their first session. This is when the polynucleotides start to stimulate cellular repair and hydration.

Over time, as collagen production increases and tissue remodeling occurs, the skin continues to improve, with optimal results often seen at around 6–8 weeks post-treatment.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

For the best results, I typically recommend a course of 3–4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. This allows the polynucleotides to work in layers, addressing hydration, regeneration, and collagen stimulation progressively.

Why Are Multiple Sessions Necessary?

Cumulative Effect: Polynucleotides provide a gradual, cumulative effect. Each session builds on the last, enhancing the skin’s overall health and appearance.

Collagen Boost: Collagen production is a slow process. Multiple treatments give the skin time to produce and utilise new collagen effectively.

Long-Lasting Results: A full course of treatments ensures longer-lasting results, with effects typically lasting 6–12 months.

After completing the initial course, I recommend maintenance treatments every 6–12 months to sustain the results.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Ah, the question everyone wants to ask but sometimes hesitates to. While polynucleotides may sound a little “fishy” at first, the treatment itself is safe and well-tolerated for the vast majority of patients. That said, here’s what you might experience:

1. Mild Redness or Swelling

It’s perfectly normal to leave the clinic looking slightly flushed or puffy at the injection sites. Think of it as your skin saying, “Hey, something’s happening here!” These effects typically fade within a day or two.

2. Bruising

Occasionally, a little bruise might appear at the injection site, but this is no different from what you might experience with other injectable treatments like dermal fillers or skin boosters. A dab of concealer and you’re good to go.

3. Slight Tenderness

The treated areas might feel a bit sensitive for a day or so, but nothing that will stop you from scrolling Instagram or sipping your morning coffee.

4. Fish Allergy Risk

This one’s important—if you’re allergic to fish, this treatment is not for you. While the DNA used is highly purified, we’re still working with fish-based products, and safety always comes first.

The Good News?

Serious side effects are extremely rare. The DNA is biocompatible and works harmoniously with your body, so most patients walk out feeling more like a glowing goddess than a science experiment gone wrong. If anything unexpected does occur, rest assured that these effects are usually temporary and manageable.

Final Thoughts

At Derma Aesthetics London, we’re here to guide you through safe, effective treatments tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Polynucleotide treatments aren’t just a trend—they’re a scientifically backed solution for those seeking healthier, glowing skin.

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