If you’ve been researching the latest advances in non-surgical skin rejuvenation, you’ve almost certainly come across the question: what are polynucleotides? At The Bronte Clinic, polynucleotides are one of the most requested treatments in our regenerative aesthetics portfolio, and with good reason. This innovative injectable treatment works at a cellular level to restore hydration, improve elasticity, and stimulate your skin’s own natural repair processes, delivering results that look and feel entirely your own.
In this article, our medical team explains what polynucleotides are, how they work, who they’re suitable for, and what you can expect from treatment at our London and Surrey clinics.
What Are Polynucleotides and Where Do They Come From?
To understand what polynucleotides are, it helps to return to basic biochemistry. Nucleotides are organic molecules composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base. When these molecules are linked together in long chains, they form polynucleotides – the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
In aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides are derived from purified DNA fragments, typically sourced from salmon or trout. These fragments undergo rigorous processing to ensure both safety and biocompatibility before being formulated into injectable solutions. Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume using synthetic hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides act as biostimulants, gently encouraging your skin to regenerate from within rather than relying on an external substance to create change.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
Polynucleotides work through a process known as biostimulation. Once injected into the skin, they form a hydrophilic, scaffold-like matrix that supports tissue remodelling and deep hydration. Crucially, they stimulate fibroblast cells (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin) prompting a natural increase in the structural proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirms that polynucleotides can improve skin elasticity and hydration, while also promoting cellular regeneration, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and anti-inflammatory responses. These combined mechanisms help to address multiple hallmarks of skin ageing simultaneously, from fine lines and loss of firmness to dullness and uneven texture.
At The Bronte Clinic, our philosophy has always been centred on treatments that work with your skin. Polynucleotides align perfectly with this approach, offering science-backed rejuvenation that evolves naturally over time.
What Can Polynucleotides Treat?
One of the reasons polynucleotides have become so popular is their remarkable versatility. We use polynucleotide treatments to address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles – particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead
- Skin laxity – improving firmness and elasticity without adding unnecessary volume
- Dark under-eye circles and hollowness – a concern where traditional dermal fillers may not always be appropriate
- Dull, dehydrated skin – restoring radiance and a healthy glow
- Uneven skin texture and tone – smoothing and refining the skin’s surface
- Environmental and free radical damage – protecting and repairing skin at a cellular level
Polynucleotides are particularly effective in delicate areas such as the under-eyes, neck, and décolletage, where the skin is thinner and more susceptible to visible ageing.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Polynucleotide treatment at The Bronte Clinic is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure. After a thorough consultation with one of our medical team to assess your suitability and discuss your goals, the treatment itself takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
The polynucleotide solution is injected into the targeted area using either a fine needle or a cannula, depending on the treatment site. Most patients describe a mild pinching or stinging sensation, particularly in more delicate areas, though any discomfort is brief. Topical anaesthetic is available if needed.
Immediately following treatment, you may notice slight redness, swelling, or small bumps at the injection sites. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few days. There is minimal downtime, and most patients return to their normal activities the same day.
When Will I See Results and How Long Do They Last?
Because polynucleotides work by stimulating your body’s own regenerative processes, results develop gradually rather than appearing overnight. Most patients notice visible improvements in hydration, texture, and radiance within seven to ten days, with the full benefits, including firmer, smoother skin, continuing to develop over three to six weeks as new collagen and elastin are produced.
For optimal results, we typically recommend a course of two to three treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart. Results generally last six to nine months, with many patients choosing to schedule a maintenance session every six months to sustain and build upon their improvements.
Who Is Suitable for Polynucleotide Treatment?
Polynucleotides are suitable for a wide range of patients, from those in their late twenties looking to invest in long-term skin health, to more mature patients seeking to address visible signs of ageing. They are particularly well-suited to anyone who values natural-looking results and prefers a regenerative, biostimulatory approach over traditional volumising treatments.
It is worth noting that polynucleotides are derived from fish DNA, so they are not suitable for patients with a known fish allergy. During your consultation at The Bronte Clinic, our medical team will take a full medical history to ensure this treatment is right for you.
Why Choose The Bronte Clinic for Your Polynucleotide Treatment?
At The Bronte Clinic, every treatment is delivered by experienced, medically qualified practitioners, including doctors registered with the General Medical Council and regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Our team, led by Medical Director Dr Fiona McCarthy (MBChB, MRCP, PhD), takes a considered, skin-first approach, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to the individual.
We believe that understanding what polynucleotides are, and how they fit within a broader, personalised treatment strategy, is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. Whether polynucleotides are recommended as a standalone treatment or as part of a combination approach alongside BBL therapy, JULÄINE™, or medical microneedling, our goal is always the same: natural results, trusted care, and skin that looks and feels its very best.
Ready to discover what polynucleotides can do for your skin? Book a consultation at our London or Guildford clinic today.
