You would be forgiven for thinking we’ve hit peak skincare and even draw the line at Salmon sperm facials. Fully endorsed by Kim Kardashian, these treatments are being touted as a serious rival Botox. Despite the silly headlines polynucleotide injections are skin boosters which are increasingly popular. They’re actually more of an injectable skin booster rather than facial. They key to their popularity is that they promise to revive and repair the skin. In fact Polynucleotide treatment can supposedly treat even difficult areas such as under-eye wrinkles and circles. As always, we want to separate the facts from fiction. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind polynucleotides and what ine art they have to do with salmon sperm! We’ll review how they work, safety and what to expect from treatment.
What are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are naturally occurring chains of nucleotides, which are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA. For skincare, the main sources of polynucleotides is typically the DNA of salmon tissues (like sperm). This is due to their compatibility with human tissues. These molecules are thought to aid in skin repair and regeneration by stimulating cell activity and improving overall skin health. Broadly speaking, the main mechanism which polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblast activity. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin and other critical components of the skin’s extracellular matrix.
With age, fibroblast activity decreases. This leads to the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity. The theory is that polynucleotides activate these cells which in turn boosts collagen production and repairing damaged tissues. This cellular regeneration process the leads to firmer, more youthful looking skin. Additionally, polynucleotides have a remarkable ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This enhances hydration levels and provides a plumping effect. It is particularly beneficial for areas prone to dryness, such as the under-eye region. Although it sounda too good to be true, there is some research to suggest that polynucleotides injections may improve skin elasticity, texture and hydration. However, evidence remains limited to small lower level studies and is not conclusive
In aesthetic medicine, polynucleotide injections aim to deliver a concentrated dose of these molecules directly into the skin’s dermal layers. Once injected, polynucleotides may activate fibroblasts. This process promotes tissue repair and improve skin structure over time. The main benefits of polynucleotide injections include:
- Improve skin hydration and plump up the skin
- Enhance elasticity and firmness
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Even out skin tone ans brighten the skin
- Target specific areas of the face, such as the under-eye region
These treatments are non-surgical and generally involve minimal downtime, making them accessible to individuals looking for gradual improvements without the need for invasive procedures.
Polynucleotide Injections as Skin Boosters & Under Eye Treatments
Polynucleotide skin boosters are used to target broader areas of the face, neck, or décolletage. Unlike traditional fillers, which focus on adding volume to specific areas, skin boosters aim to improve overall skin quality by enhancing hydration, elasticity and firmness. Polynucleotide injections are also getting more popular for treating the delicate skin under the eyes to regenerate skin tissue and treat thin skin, dark circles and fine lines. As a general rule, polynucleotide skin treatments are thought to offer several potential benefits for the skin includin the under eyes:
- Biocompatibility: Polynucleotides are derived from natural sources and are considered to be well-tolerated by the body.
- Gradual, Long-Lasting Results: Since polynucleotides aim to improve the skin’s natural function, the results may be longer-lasting compared to other treatments that provide only temporary volume.
- Minimal Downtime: Polynucleotide injections are a minimally invasive procedure, with most patients experiencing only mild swelling or redness after the treatment.
- Natural-Looking Improvements: Because polynucleotides work to enhance the skin’s regenerative processes, the improvements in skin quality are subtle and natural-looking.
Because polynucleotides are biocompatible and biodegradable, the body gradually absorbs them, with results improving over time as the skin heals and regenerates. Most people begin to see noticeable improvements within a few weeks of their treatment, with optimal results visible after a series of sessions.
What to Expect During Polynucleotide Treatment
You should only have polynucleotide treatments ina clinical setting by a trained healthcare professional. After a thorough consultation to assess the patient’s skin concerns, the practitioner will inject the polynucleotides into the target areas using a fine needle.
The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, but a topical anaesthetic can help minimise any pain. There may be some temporary swelling or redness at the injection sites, but these side effects typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
How Many Sessions do I Need & When Will I see results?
For optimal results, you will need multiple sessions. Many practitioners suggest three to four treatments spaced a few weeks apart, depending on the individual’s skin condition and treatment goals. Results are typically gradual, with improvements in skin texture, hydration, and elasticity becoming more noticeable after several weeks or months.The longevity of the results may vary depending on the individual’s skin type, lifestyle factors, and the specific treatment protocol. Some patients may require maintenance treatments to sustain the benefits over time.
Risks, Side Effects & Contraindications
While polynucleotide skin booster treatments are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These include:
- Common side effects such as temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically subside within a few hours to a few days.
- Some individuals may experience mild discomfort during or after the procedure, though this is usually minimal.
- In rare cases, allergic reactions to the polynucleotide solution may occur, particularly in individuals with sensitivities to the ingredients used.
Polynucleotide skin boosters are not suitable in a few cases including pregnancy, breast feeding and active skin infections or inflammation in any treatment area (especially the under eyes). Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those prone to keloid scarring should also consult their healthcare provider before getting polynucleotide injections. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner to ensure the treatment is suitable for your specific needs and to discuss any potential risks based on your medical history.
Alternative Treatments
There are several other effective treatments that can address similar concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture. These range from in-office procedures to topical skincare treatments and can be tailored to meet individual skin needs. Some of the most popular alternative treatments to polynucleotide skin booster injections include:
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Dermal fillers are ideal for adding volume and hydration. In the right hands, these treatments can help plump the skin and smooth fine lines, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
- Skin Booster Injections: Hyaluronic acd boosters such as Profhilo and Volite stimulate fibroblast cells to make more collagen which then helps with hydration and skin ageing.
- Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. Both traditional and RF microneedling stimulate collagen production and improving texture, reducing scars, and fine lines.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): This treatment utilises the patient’s own blood to promote healing and regeneration. This then brightena skin tone and reduce wrinkles.
- Chemical Peels: These treatments exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells. This promotes the growth of new skin and improving texture, pigmentation, and fine lines.
- Laser Resurfacing: A laser treatment that stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of wrinkles, scars and uneven skin tone by resurfacing the skin.
- Botox: This is effective for reducing dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements. Botox works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles.
- Retinoids: Topical over the counter and prescription-strength retinoids like Tretinoin stimulates cell turnover and collagen production. This helps to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and treat hyperpigmentation over time.
Polynucleotide skin boosters are emerging as a promising option in aesthetic treatments for individuals seeking non-invasive solutions to improve skin quality and treat delicate areas like the under eyes. By stimulating collagen production, boosting skin hydration and driving cell regeneration, polynucleotides may offer a range of benefits. This includes areas such as the under-eyes and other regions prone to signs of ageing. However, while polynucleotides appear to offer several advantages, there is still a paucity of evidence and there are risks. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your skin concerns and safe for you.
At City Skin Clinic, we are devotees of personalised skincare. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.