Polynucleotides Explained: The Next Evolution in Regenerative Aesthetics

The aesthetic industry is entering a new era—one defined not just by adding volume or relaxing movement, but by regenerating the skin itself. At the center of this shift are polynucleotides, a treatment quickly gaining global recognition for its ability to restore, repair, and rejuvenate tissue at a cellular level.

Unlike dermal fillers or botulinum toxin, polynucleotides don’t reshape features or alter expression. Instead, they activate the skin’s natural healing processes, improving texture, elasticity, hydration, and overall quality from within. It’s one of the most exciting innovations in regenerative aesthetics—and it’s changing how aesthetic healthcare practitioners approach anti-aging treatments.

This blog breaks down what polynucleotides are, how they work, key treatment benefits, and why aesthetic healthcare practitioners worldwide are adding them to their aesthetic toolbox.

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides (PNs) are long chains of nucleotides—natural molecules that form the building blocks of DNA and RNA. In aesthetic treatments, they are extracted from purified, sterilized fish DNA (commonly salmon or trout), chosen for its remarkable compatibility with human tissue.

Once injected, polynucleotides act as biostimulators, meaning they don’t create volume themselves but instead signal the skin to regenerate and repair.

What Makes Them Unique?

• They boost fibroblast activity, leading to increased collagen and elastin production.
• They improve hydration by attracting and retaining water molecules.
• They reduce inflammation, encouraging faster healing.
• They create a healthier extracellular matrix, strengthening the skin’s structural integrity.

The result is long-lasting improvement in skin quality—smoother, firmer, brighter, and more resilient.

How Polynucleotides Work in the Skin

Polynucleotides influence the skin through three key mechanisms:

Regeneration at a Cellular Level
Polynucleotides stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. With age, fibroblast activity slows dramatically; polynucleotides help reawaken these cells.

Deep Hydration
Polynucleotides possess a strong ability to bind water, improving extracellular hydration. This creates a plump, healthy environment where new tissue can form.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Their molecular structure helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation—ideal for sensitive, compromised, or aging skin.

This combination makes polynucleotides one of the most powerful tools for comprehensive skin restoration, not just surface-level improvement.

What Skin Concerns Do Polynucleotides Treat?

Polynucleotides are incredibly versatile and can be used across many facial and body areas. Common indications include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Crepey or lax skin
• Under-eye hollowness or dark circles
• Acne scarring
• General skin dullness
• Sun damage
• Textural irregularities
• Neck and décolleté aging
• Stretch marks

Aesthetic healthcare practitioners often describe polynucleotides as “skin quality insurance”—they strengthen the skin before dermal filler treatments, complement existing protocols, and improve outcomes holistically.

Polynucleotides vs. Other Regenerative Injectables

Polynucleotides vs. Platelet-Rich Plasma

• Platelet-rich plasma uses the patient’s own blood; polynucleotides use purified DNA.
• Polynucleotides provide more consistent results due to standardized formulations.
• Platelet-rich plasma outcomes vary based on patient health and platelet concentration.

Polynucleotides vs. Skin Boosters (HA-Based)

• Skin boosters focus on hydration and superficial plumping.
• Polynucleotides go deeper, targeting cellular repair and collagen stimulation.
• Hyaluronic acid improves texture; polynucleotides improve structure.

Polynucleotides vs. Traditional Dermal Fillers

• Dermal fillers add volume.
• Polynucleotides restore tissue quality.
• Many aesthetic healthcare practitioners now combine both for optimal results: volume plus skin quality.

Polynucleotides are not a replacement for dermal fillers or botulinum toxin. They are a complementary therapy that improves the foundation on which all other aesthetic treatments rely.

The Treatment Process: What Aesthetic Healthcare Practitioners Should Know

A typical polynucleotide protocol includes:

• 2–4 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart
• Microdroplet or linear threading techniques
• Treatment depth based on the area (superficial dermis vs. deeper layers)
• Minimal downtime
• Gradual, cumulative results over 4–12 weeks

Most patients notice improved hydration after the first treatment, increased elasticity and smoothness by the second, and visible tightening and rejuvenation over time. Because of their regenerative nature, results continue to improve for months.

Why Aesthetic Healthcare Practitioners Are Adding Polynucleotides to Their Practice

Aesthetic healthcare practitioners worldwide are integrating polynucleotides because they offer a natural, regenerative approach with a strong safety profile and growing patient demand for skin-quality-focused treatments. Results are long-lasting, versatile, and enhance the outcomes of every other injectable modality.

For aesthetic healthcare practitioners, polynucleotides represent the future of subtle, regenerative aesthetics.

Conclusion

As aesthetic medicine moves toward natural, regenerative solutions, polynucleotides stand out as one of the most transformative innovations available. They stimulate collagen, improve hydration, repair tissue, and elevate skin quality from within—delivering results that look and feel authentic.

Whether you’re expanding your injectable offerings or transitioning into regenerative aesthetics, polynucleotides are a powerful addition to modern aesthetic practice.

To learn how to integrate regenerative injectables safely and effectively, explore IIAM’s hands-on training programs, including:

• Introduction to Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler
• Online Course: Biostimulators & Bioregenerative Injectables
• Advanced Aesthetic Injectable Techniques
  

Subscribe to our Email List