Polynucleotides are powerful biopolymers (proteins) composed of long chains of nucleotides, the essential building blocks of DNA and RNA.
When injected into the skin, they activate key cellular mechanisms and stimulate fibroblasts - the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin; proteins essential in maintaining your skin’s structure and elasticity. This leads to a natural boost in collagen, helping reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture and restore firmness for an overall healthier looking complexion.
In addition, Polynucleotides are fantastic free radical scavengers (like you’d find in blueberries or a decent Vitamin C serum) and contain anti-inflammatory properties to reprogram the skin cells, reduce inflammation, eradicate redness and minimise swelling. These properties make them particularly effective in treating conditions such as rosacea or generalised flushing, acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH.) Furthermore, their unique ability to bind water molecules significantly enhances skin hydration; resulting in a plumper, smoother and more youthful complexion.
Polynucleotide treatments offer a wide range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation, harnessing the power of your body’s own cells.
These benefits include:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help slow the ageing process by combatting "inflammaging" - a condition where inflammation accelerates ageing. By preventing healthy cells from dying prematurely and ensuring harmful, redundant "zombie" cells, the body is better protected. When these damaged cells linger, they can contribute to chronic diseases and further speed up signs of ageing.
- Enhanced skin elasticity: By stimulating collagen production, polynucleotides help to improve your skin’s elasticity; leaving it firmer and more resilient.
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles: The regenerative properties of polynucleotides help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
- Improved skin texture: Polynucleotides help refine the skin’s surface, making it smoother and more even. This makes them a particularly beneficial treatment for those dealing with acne scars or rough skin.
- Long-lasting hydration: Polynucleotides’ ability to retain moisture keeps the skin hydrated for extended periods, maintaining a healthy glow.
- Non-invasive with minimal downtime: Polynucleotide treatments are non-invasive and typically involve minimal downtime (~24 hours) allowing you to resume your normal activities almost immediately.
Polynucleotide treatments are versatile and can be administered anywhere on the face or body… basically, wherever your skin requires rejuvenation.
Common treatment zones include:
- Face: Cheeks, forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), neck, décolletage and any areas affected by crepiness, uneven skin tone, discolouration, fine lines, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation. At Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics, we love polynucleotides for their effectiveness in treating the eye and under eye areas; including dark circles. The eyes / under eyes have always been a tricky place to treat, due to the delicate skin in this area - and polynucleotides are a definite game changer!
- Body: Specific areas where skin texture, firmness or levels of hydration need improvement; such as the knees, décolletage, arms, receding hairlines or bald patches. Polynucleotides are fantastic in encouraging hair regrowth and overall health
This is one of the most commonly asked questions we receive from patients. Which is better: polynucleotides or Profhilo? The answer is: neither. One treatment isn’t better than the other - as they serve different purposes and boast different properties.
Though both injectable skin boosters offering skin rejuvenating benefits, polynucleotides excel in enhancing skin elasticity, youthfulness and firmness thanks to their regenerative properties; making them an ideal choice for targeting signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Profhilo on the other hand, focuses on improving overall skin hydration and firmness; boasting a unique hyaluronic acid formulation. This treatment promotes deep tissue hydration and remodelling, making it a preferred choice for those seeking intense hydration and restored plumpness.
The choice between these treatments depends on your individual skin goals and preferences - for either collagen stimulation or deep hydration. Or both!
Expected results: It can take a few weeks to notice the benefits of polynucleotide treatments (although sometimes sooner, depending on your skin’s response to the treatment) and in many cases, best results are visible at around the three month mark. This is because polynucleotides work at a cellular level, activating your skin’s natural processes - and it takes time for your body’s fibroblasts to activate and start producing collagen and elastin. Improvements are gradual, but noticeable.
Side effects: Polynucleotides come with the same side effects you’d expect with any injectable treatment. You may experience minor redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sites - but these are temporary and will quickly subside; ensuring a smooth recovery process.
Polynucleotides are derived from natural sources (typically salmon DNA, which is why you may have heard them referred to as ‘Salmon Sperm Facials) known for its high compatibility with human skin. Once injected, polynucleotides initiate a process known as "biorevitalisation" which activates your skin’s natural repair mechanisms… leading to the regeneration of damaged tissues and enhanced overall skin health.
Polynucleotides’ ability to promote DNA synthesis, increase cell regeneration and boost collagen / elastin production - while reducing inflammation, makes them a revolutionary option for those seeking advanced skin rejuvenation.
Polynucleotides are best suited to those who:
- Have Ageing Skin: If you’re noticing signs of ageing (such as fine lines, wrinkles or sagging) polynucleotides can help rejuvenate your skin and restore its youthful appearance.
- Suffer with Acne Scars or Skin Imperfections: Polynucleotides can significantly improve skin texture, making them an excellent option for those dealing with acne scars or other textural irregularities.
- Are Looking for Preventative Treatments: Even if your skin isn’t currently showing signs of ageing or damage, polynucleotides can be used as a preventative measure to maintain skin health and prevent future issues. Prejuvenation is very much a thing!
- Have Sensitive or Compromised Skin: Due to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, polynucleotides are also suitable for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin.
Your treatment journey at Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics begins with a thorough consultation, where we’ll discuss your skin concerns and your aesthetic goals to assess whether polynucleotides are a suitable choice. Emma will then be able to devise a bespoke treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
On the day of treatment, we will guide you through the consent process, answer any additional questions you may have and apply a strong numbing cream to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. The polynucleotide solution is injected into the superficial layer of your skin, using fine needles or a cannula. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most patients describing a stinging sensation lasting for a few seconds.
After the treatment, your skin may appear pink and slightly swollen; resembling a mild bee sting reaction. These effects are temporary however, usually subsiding within a day. In most cases, your skin returns to normal by the next day.
Polynucleotide treatments represent a cutting-edge approach to non-invasive skin rejuvenation. By working on a cellular level, they offer a scientifically proven method to improve your skin’s health, elasticity and overall appearance. Whether you’re looking to address specific skin concerns or maintain a youthful glow, polynucleotides provide a comprehensive solution that is both effective and long-lasting.
If you’re considering polynucleotides, we're here to help you achieve radiant, healthier skin. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your skin.