Polynucleotides Treatment: What It Is and What It Does for Your Skin

Polynucleotides treatment is a regenerative skin injectable that uses purified DNA fragments to repair and improve your skin from the inside. Rather than adding volume like a filler, it wakes up the cells that build collagen and elastin, so skin looks firmer, more hydrated and healthier over a few weeks. The DNA is highly purified and usually derived from salmon. It is most popular for the delicate under-eye area, but it is also used on the face, neck and hands. Most people have around 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, and results typically last 6 to 9 months. It suits people who want better skin quality rather than a dramatic change.

On this page

• What is polynucleotides treatment?
• How do polynucleotides work?
• Polynucleotides for under-eye areas
• Polynucleotides vs filler vs collagen stimulators
• What happens during treatment?
• How long do results last?
• Frequently asked questions

What is polynucleotides treatment?

Polynucleotides are short chains of purified DNA, usually sourced from salmon, that are injected just under the skin in tiny amounts. They are often described as a skin booster or a bio-stimulator. The key thing to understand is that they do not fill or plump in the way a hyaluronic acid filler does. Instead, they act as a signal that encourages your skin to repair and renew itself.

The treatment has become one of the most searched-for aesthetic options in the UK, largely because it offers a natural-looking improvement in skin quality with very little downtime. It is a private treatment, so it is not available on the NHS. You can see the details on our polynucleotides treatment page.

How do polynucleotides work?

Once injected, polynucleotides work mainly by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells in your skin that produce collagen and elastin. By prompting these cells to become more active, the treatment supports firmer, better-hydrated skin and a smoother texture over time. The fragments also help create a better environment for skin repair and can support hydration from within.

Because the change is gradual and biological, you will not see the full effect on the day. Most people notice their skin looking fresher a few weeks after a session, with further improvement as the course continues. You can read a clinical overview of how purified polynucleotides are used in aesthetic medicine in this consensus report on PubMed Central.

Polynucleotides for under-eye areas

The under-eye area is the most popular use for polynucleotides, and it is easy to see why. The skin here is very thin and delicate, which makes it tricky to treat with traditional filler without risking puffiness. Polynucleotides take a different approach by improving the quality and resilience of the skin itself, which can help with dark, crepey or tired-looking under-eyes. It is worth being realistic though. Polynucleotides improve skin quality, so they are not a fix for under-eye hollows caused by lost volume or for puffiness caused by fat pads. A proper assessment will tell you whether your concern is a skin-quality issue or a structural one.

Polynucleotides vs filler vs collagen stimulators

People often confuse these three, but they do different jobs. The table below makes it clear.

Feature	Polynucleotides	Dermal filler	Collagen stimulator
Main job	Improves skin quality and repair	Adds volume and shape	Rebuilds collagen for volume
Best for	Tired, crepey or dull skin, under-eyes	Lips, cheeks, defined lines	Overall facial volume loss
Results show	Over a few weeks	Straight away	Gradually over months
Typical course	Around 3 sessions	Often 1	2 to 3 sessions

Many people combine treatments, for example using polynucleotides to improve skin quality and a collagen stimulator like Sculptra to restore lost volume. You can read more in our guide to Sculptra treatment. You can see the regenerative and collagen-building options on the SIX1 treatments page.

What happens during treatment?

A session is quick and well tolerated. Here is the usual sequence:

• A consultation to assess your skin and check the treatment is right for your concern.
• The skin is cleaned and a numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
• Polynucleotides are delivered through a series of small, superficial injections.
• You are given simple aftercare advice for the next day or two.

The session itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may look slightly pink or have small bumps for a short while, and most people return to normal activities the same day.

How long do results last?

You will usually start to see a difference in skin texture and freshness a few weeks after your first session, with results building over the course. Once your course is complete, the improvement typically lasts 6 to 9 months. Many people choose a maintenance session once or twice a year to keep the effect going. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person, and we never promise a specific outcome.

Frequently asked questions

Does polynucleotides treatment hurt?

Most people find it very manageable. The injections are small and superficial, and a numbing cream can be used to keep you comfortable. Any tenderness usually settles quickly.

How many sessions will I need?

Most people have around 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, though the exact plan depends on your skin and your goals. This is agreed at your consultation.

Is there any downtime?

Very little. You may be slightly pink or have small raised bumps that settle within a day or two. Most people go back to their normal day straight away.

Are polynucleotides the same as filler?

No. Filler adds volume and shape. Polynucleotides improve the quality and repair of the skin itself. They are sometimes used together, but they solve different problems.

Can I get polynucleotides on the NHS?

No. Polynucleotides are a private aesthetic treatment and are not offered as a routine NHS service.