Polynucleotides (PN-HPT) are highly purified DNA fragments sourced from fish. When gently injected into the skin they “wake up” fibroblast cells—the skin’s natural builders—so they can make fresh collagen and elastin. The result is firmer, smoother, healthier-looking skin that quite literally regenerates itself from within.
Face, neck, décolletage, under-eye area, hands, and even the scalp or intimate zones where skin quality needs a boost.
Expect skin that looks firmer, smoother and more radiant, with dark circles softened and dry areas noticeably more hydrated. Early changes show within three weeks, while best results appear after your course is complete and can last around six to nine months.
The procedure is classed as low-risk. You may see mild redness, pinpoint swelling or small bruises for a day or two; normal activities can usually resume straight away.
Polynucleotides are an injectable treatment made from highly purified DNA fragments, usually taken from salmon or trout. Once injected into the skin, they support the cells that produce collagen and elastin, and they help calm the low-level inflammation that breaks collagen down over time. That’s why they’re often called a regenerative treatment. They don’t add volume or change the shape of your face. Instead, they work on the quality of the skin itself, so it looks thicker, smoother and better hydrated.
Dermal fillers add volume to a specific area, such as the lips or cheeks, to restore shape or soften folds. Skin boosters like Profhilo® are based on hyaluronic acid and focus mainly on hydration and firmness. Polynucleotides work differently. Their main job is to support repair, so the improvement builds gradually over the course of treatment rather than showing straight away. They’re particularly useful in delicate areas where filler isn’t suitable, such as thin, crepey skin under the eyes. Many patients have more than one of these treatments, and Rosie will tell you at your consultation which suits your skin.
The under-eye area is the most common, for dark circles, fine lines and crepey skin. Polynucleotides also work well on the cheeks, the neck and décolletage, and the backs of the hands. They can improve uneven texture and some types of acne scarring too. Because the treatment improves skin quality rather than adding volume, it suits areas where the skin is thin and other injectables carry more risk.
Most people describe it as a series of small, sharp scratches rather than pain. The needles are very fine and each injection takes a second or two. We can apply numbing cream beforehand. For some areas, Rosie uses a cannula, which means fewer entry points. The under-eye area is the most sensitive, so let us know if you’re nervous and we’ll take it at your pace.
A standard course is three to four sessions, spaced about three weeks apart. Polynucleotides work by building up the skin’s own repair process, so a course gives far better results than a single treatment. After that, most people have one maintenance session every six to nine months. Rosie will recommend a plan based on your skin and the area being treated.
Most people notice their skin looks fresher and more hydrated within a few days. The real change, firmer and smoother skin with softer fine lines, starts to show from around three weeks and keeps improving through the course. Results usually last six to nine months after your final session. Your age, skin condition, sun exposure and lifestyle all affect how long they last. Maintenance sessions keep the improvement going.
Yes. Polynucleotides can be used on all skin tones. They don’t involve heat or light, so there’s none of the pigmentation risk that comes with some laser treatments. They can also help with dullness and under-eye shadowing. At your consultation, Rosie will check that polynucleotides are right for your skin and whether another treatment would suit you better.
Very little. You’ll see small raised bumps where the product went in. These settle within 24 to 48 hours. Some redness, mild swelling or pinpoint bruising is normal, especially under the eyes, and fades within a few days. Most people go back to work the same day. We recommend mineral makeup only for the first 12 hours, and no strenuous exercise, saunas or alcohol for 24 hours.
Polynucleotides start from £280. Most people need a course rather than a single session, so ask about course pricing when you book your consultation. You’ll get a clear quote before any treatment begins.
