Polynucleotides: what they are, what they are used for and when they may be recommended

Polynucleotides are one of the regenerative treatments offered within an aesthetic clinic setting that are attracting increasing interest in recent years. Their aim is not to “fill” the skin or change facial features, but to progressively improve skin quality through a biostimulating, hydrating and reparative effect.

In consultation, many patients ask about facial polynucleotides because they have heard about their use for dull skin, fine lines, irregular texture, under-eye concerns, scars or loss of radiance. However, as with any medical-aesthetic treatment, not all skin types need the same approach and not every patient is a candidate.

The key is to carry out a medical assessment first, in order to determine whether the main concern is dehydration, laxity, volume loss, dynamic wrinkles, pigmentation, inflammation, scarring or alteration of the skin barrier.

Polynucleotides are not intended to change the face, but to improve the skin. Their role in aesthetic medicine is to support skin repair processes, improve hydration, texture and radiance, and help the skin look healthier and more even.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are chains made up of nucleotides, which are basic units found in molecules such as DNA and RNA. In aesthetic medicine, purified and biocompatible formulations are used, designed for medical application through injectable techniques in the skin.

Their clinical interest lies in their ability to favour a more hydrated skin environment, stimulate fibroblast activity and support repair and remodelling processes in the extracellular matrix. In simple terms: they help the skin improve from within, progressively and without adding artificial volume.

In practice, polynucleotides are usually included within skin biostimulation or regenerative aesthetic medicine treatments. They do not act as an immediate cosmetic cover-up or as a volumising filler, but as a tool to improve tissue quality.

How polynucleotides work in the skin

Polynucleotides are administered through microinjections into superficial or medium skin layers, depending on the area and the aim of treatment. Their action is progressive and based on several complementary mechanisms.

Deep hydration and texture improvement

Polynucleotides have hydrophilic properties, meaning they can attract and retain water in the skin environment. This can help the skin feel more hydrated, flexible and comfortable.

In patients with dull, dehydrated or irregular-textured skin, this improvement in hydration may translate into a fresher and more luminous appearance.

Fibroblast stimulation

Fibroblasts are key cells involved in the production of collagen, elastin and other components of the extracellular matrix. Polynucleotides may help create a biological environment that supports fibroblast activity and contributes to better dermal quality.

This process should not be interpreted as an immediate lifting effect. The improvement is usually gradual and depends on each patient’s individual response.

Support for skin repair

Polynucleotides are also used because of their potential role in tissue repair processes. For this reason, they may be considered in sun-damaged skin, thin skin, delicate areas, scars or texture irregularities.

Antioxidant action and improvement of the skin environment

Skin ageing is related to multiple factors: sun exposure, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen loss, hormonal changes and lifestyle habits. Polynucleotides may form part of a medical strategy to improve the skin environment, although they do not replace photoprotection, home skincare or other treatments when these are indicated.

What polynucleotides are used for in aesthetic medicine

Polynucleotides treatment is mainly used to improve skin quality. Within facial aesthetic medicine, it may be considered in patients with thin, dull, dehydrated skin, fine lines or early loss of elasticity.

Polynucleotides for facial rejuvenation

On the face, polynucleotides may help improve texture, hydration, radiance and elasticity. They are especially interesting when the patient is looking for a natural-looking result, without increasing facial volume or changing expression.

In some cases, they may be combined with other aesthetic medicine procedures, such as hyaluronic acid, neuromodulators, laser treatments or other skin quality treatments, provided there is an appropriate medical indication.

Polynucleotides under eyes

The periocular area is one of the areas that generates the most interest. Polynucleotides under eyes may be considered when there is thin skin, a tired appearance, superficial wrinkles, crepey texture or loss of skin quality around the eyes.

However, not all under-eye concerns are treated in the same way. Pigmented dark circles, vascular dark circles, hollowness due to volume loss or under-eye bags require different approaches. This is why a medical diagnosis is essential before indicating polynucleotides in this area.

Polynucleotides for the neck and décolletage

The neck and décolletage often show signs of ageing earlier than other areas, especially due to sun exposure, thin skin and progressive loss of elasticity. In these cases, polynucleotides may form part of a plan to improve hydration, texture and skin firmness.

Polynucleotides for scars and acne marks

Because of their role in tissue repair and skin remodelling, polynucleotides may be considered as a complementary option in some cases of scars, post-acne marks or irregular skin texture.

In deep or very marked scars, they are rarely the only treatment. They may need to be combined with laser treatment, medical microneedling, peels, subcision or other techniques, depending on the type of scar.

Polynucleotides for dull or dehydrated skin

In patients with tired-looking skin, lack of glow or a sensation of dehydration, polynucleotides may help the skin look more luminous and even. Even so, factors such as sleep, sun protection, home skincare, smoking, nutrition and stress should also be reviewed.

Polynucleotides before and after: what results can be expected?

Searches for polynucleotides before and after usually come from a reasonable question: what real change can be achieved? The answer should be measured: this is not an immediate transformation or a filler effect, but a progressive improvement in the skin.

Patients usually look for skin that appears more hydrated, luminous, elastic and even. In some cases, improvement may also be seen in fine lines, texture and tired appearance, especially when the recommended protocol is completed.

The results depend on age, skin condition, treated area, product used, number of sessions, lifestyle habits and whether the treatment is combined with other procedures.

How polynucleotides differ from hyaluronic acid

Although both can be applied through injections, polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid are not the same.

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid is commonly used to add volume, project specific areas, define contours or correct folds. There are also non-cross-linked forms aimed at skin hydration, such as some skinboosters.

Polynucleotides, on the other hand, are more focused on biostimulation, repair and tissue hydration. Their main objective is not to fill, but to improve skin quality.

Treatment	Main objective	Expected result
Polynucleotides	Improve skin quality, hydration and repair	More luminous, even skin with improved texture
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid	Add volume or correct folds	Greater projection, definition or volume restoration
Skinbooster	Deep hydration with specific hyaluronic acid	Improved hydration, elasticity and radiance
Growth factors	Stimulation using factors from the patient’s own biology	Gradual improvement in skin quality in selected cases

Polynucleotides vs skinbooster: which option should you choose?

Polynucleotides and skinboosters can share some objectives, such as improving hydration, radiance and skin quality, but they are not identical treatments.

Skinbooster is usually more focused on intradermal hydration with specific hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotides are more associated with biostimulation and skin repair. In some patients one may be indicated; in others, they may form part of a combined protocol.

The choice depends on the patient’s skin, the area to be treated, age, degree of dehydration, presence of fine lines, dermal quality and tolerance to specific products.

What does a polynucleotides treatment involve?

A polynucleotides treatment is performed in a medical consultation using microinjections in the indicated area. Before starting, the doctor assesses the skin, medical history, previous treatments and the patient’s expectations.

1. Medical assessment

The doctor analyses the skin type, degree of ageing, area to be treated, presence of inflammation, scars, under-eye concerns, fine lines or texture irregularities.

2. Skin preparation

The area is cleaned and disinfected. In some cases, topical anaesthetic may be applied to improve comfort during the procedure.

3. Microinjections

The product is administered through small, strategically distributed injections. The technique may vary depending on the area, product, skin thickness and treatment objective.

4. Aftercare

After the treatment, small puncture marks, mild swelling or occasional bruising may appear. The patient receives personalised instructions to reduce discomfort and support recovery.

How many polynucleotides sessions are needed?

The number of sessions depends on skin condition, treated area, age, product used and treatment objective. In many protocols, several initial sessions are scheduled a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions.

There is no single protocol that is valid for every patient. Young skin with mild loss of radiance may require a different approach from mature, thin, dehydrated skin or skin with accumulated sun damage.

When are the results of polynucleotides visible?

The results of polynucleotides are usually progressive. Some patients may notice an initial improvement in hydration or radiance, but the most relevant effect appears as the tissue evolves and the skin responds biologically.

Normally, the result is best assessed after completing the indicated protocol. Patients should not expect an immediate volume change or a dramatic correction of deep wrinkles.

Who may be a candidate for polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides may be considered in men and women who want to improve skin quality in a progressive and natural-looking way. They may be particularly interesting for patients with:

• Dull or lacklustre skin.
• Thin skin or irregular texture.
• Superficial fine lines.
• Under-eye skin that appears thin or tired.
• Skin dehydration.
• Mild loss of elasticity.
• Superficial marks or scars in selected cases.
• Interest in regenerative treatments without an obvious filler effect.

Contraindications and precautions

As with any injectable treatment, polynucleotides are not indicated for every patient. Before treatment, the doctor must review medical history, medication, allergies, skin condition and expectations.

They are not usually recommended in cases such as:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Active infection in the area to be treated.
• Active inflammatory skin flare-ups.
• Known allergy to any component of the product.
• Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or clinical situations requiring individual caution.
• Anticoagulant treatment or coagulation disorders, unless specifically assessed by a doctor.
• Unrealistic expectations about the result.

It is also important that the treatment is carried out with appropriate products, by qualified professionals and in a safe medical environment. Cosmetic products or substances not authorised for injectable use must not be injected.

Possible side effects of polynucleotides

The most common side effects are usually mild and temporary, similar to those seen with other superficial injectable treatments.

• Temporary redness.
• Mild swelling.
• Small bruises.
• Tenderness in the treated area.
• Puncture marks for a few days.
• Small temporary papules depending on the technique used.

Significant complications are uncommon when appropriate products are used and the technique is performed correctly, but no medical procedure is completely risk-free. This is why medical assessment and follow-up are essential.

Aftercare following polynucleotides treatment

After a polynucleotides treatment, most patients can return to their usual routine, although it is advisable to follow some recommendations during the first hours.

• Do not manipulate or massage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
• Avoid intense exercise for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid direct sun exposure, sauna or intense heat during the first hours.
• Use high sun protection.
• Avoid immediate makeup if the skin is irritated.
• Do not undergo aggressive treatments without medical indication.
• Consult the clinic if intense pain, persistent swelling or any unexpected reaction appears.

Polynucleotides price: what does it depend on?

The price of polynucleotides treatment depends on several factors: treated area, product used, amount required, number of sessions, complexity of the case and whether it is combined with other treatments.

Treating a localised area such as the under-eye area is not the same as planning a complete protocol for the face, neck or décolletage. It is also not the same to treat younger skin preventively as mature skin with sun damage, fine lines and loss of skin quality.

At Face Clinic, the estimate is provided after a personalised medical assessment, explaining which treatment is recommended, how many sessions may be needed and what alternatives exist.

Polynucleotides at Face Clinic

At Face Clinic, aesthetic medicine treatments are planned after an individual medical assessment. As a medical, aesthetic and plastic surgery clinic, we assess skin quality, skin thickness, treatment areas, the patient’s medical background and the real objectives of treatment before indicating polynucleotides or any other procedure.

The aim is to achieve a progressive, natural-looking improvement that is coherent with the face, avoiding artificial results or unnecessary treatments.