“Should I have polynucleotides or Profhilo?” is one of the questions I’m asked most at the moment. Both are injectable “skin boosters”. Neither adds volume or changes your features, and both are designed to make skin look and behave healthier. But they work in quite different ways, and the right choice depends on what you want to improve.
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable made from a very high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid. Each treatment contains 64 mg of hyaluronic acid in 2 ml, which combines two sizes of molecule held together by a heat-stabilising process instead of the chemical cross-linking used in fillers.
That matters because Profhilo doesn’t sit in one place and add volume the way a filler does. It spreads through the skin from a small number of injection points, usually five on each side of the face, and does two things:
- Deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid holds water, so skin looks plumper, smoother and more radiant.
- Remodelling. It’s designed to support the skin’s own collagen and elastin production over the following weeks, which may improve laxity and firmness.
Typical course: two sessions, four weeks apart, then maintenance roughly every six months.
Best for: dehydrated, dull or crepey skin, early laxity across the face, neck and jawline, and anyone who wants an overall “better skin” result without looking done.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are highly purified fragments of DNA, usually derived from salmon or trout. The purification process removes the proteins, so what’s left are the building blocks the skin uses in repair.
Rather than hydrating directly, polynucleotides act as a signal to your skin cells. They encourage fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, to work harder, and they have an anti-inflammatory, tissue-repairing effect. They’ve been used in wound healing for many years, and in aesthetics they’re used to improve skin quality where it’s thin, damaged or tired.
Typical course: usually three sessions, two to three weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months depending on the area.
Best for: the under-eye area (fine lines and crepey skin), the neck and décolletage, acne scarring and textural damage, and skin that looks thin or fragile.
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo at a glance
| Profhilo | Polynucleotides | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | High-concentration hyaluronic acid | Purified DNA fragments |
| How it works | Hydrates and supports collagen and elastin | Signals repair and regeneration, reduces inflammation |
| Feels like | Plumper, dewier skin within weeks | Gradual improvement in thickness, texture and tone |
| Standard course | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | Usually 3 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart |
| Where it shines | Face, neck, jawline laxity, dehydration | Under-eyes, neck, scarring, thin or damaged skin |
| After treatment | Small bumps that settle within about a day | Small bumps and mild swelling for a day or two |
How I decide between them
In consultation, I look at the quality of the skin as much as the concern itself.
- If the skin is dehydrated, dull and starting to lose bounce, particularly across the lower face and neck, Profhilo is usually my first choice.
- If the main concern is under-eye crepiness, fine lines, scarring or thin skin, polynucleotides tend to do more.
- For many people, the best result comes from combining them. A common plan is polynucleotides for the under-eyes with Profhilo for the rest of the face and neck, spaced so the skin has time to respond.
Both work best alongside good daily skincare and, for texture and scarring, can be combined with microneedling.
What about PDRN skincare?
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a type of polynucleotide, and you’ll now see it in serums marketed as a “needle-free” alternative. Topical PDRN can be a useful supporting step, particularly for calming skin and supporting barrier repair, and Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ is one I stock.
It’s important to be realistic, though. A serum can’t deliver the same concentration into the same layer of skin as an injection. Think of topical PDRN as maintenance and support between treatments, not a replacement for them.
Is it safe? Who shouldn’t have it?
Both treatments have a good safety record when performed by a trained medical professional. Expect some small bumps, mild redness and occasional bruising at the injection sites.
You shouldn’t have these treatments if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection in the area, or have certain autoimmune conditions. Polynucleotides are derived from fish DNA, so tell us about any fish or seafood allergy; they may not be suitable for you. Profhilo isn’t suitable for anyone with a known sensitivity to hyaluronic acid. We cover all of this in your consultation before anything is booked.
Frequently asked questions
When will I see results?
With Profhilo, many people notice improved hydration within a couple of weeks, with the full effect about four weeks after the second session. Polynucleotides work more gradually; the best results are usually seen a few weeks after completing the course.
Do they hurt?
Both use fine needles and a small number of injections. Most patients describe it as a brief sting. We can use numbing cream for comfort.
Will I look different?
Not in the sense of changing your features. Neither treatment adds volume. The aim is healthier, better-quality skin, which fits our philosophy that natural-looking results are the only standard.
Can I have them before an event?
Leave at least two weeks after your last session for any small bumps or bruising to settle.
Book a consultation in Manchester
Every treatment at MedSkin Studios starts with a consultation with a doctor. We’ll look at your skin, talk through what you’d like to change, and recommend the option, or combination, most likely to get you there. Book your free consultation.
Dr. Ommid
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice.
