THE DR KD GUIDE TO: POLYNUCLEOTIDES
Polynucleotides are groundbreaking compounds that are revolutionising the way we approach skin rejuvenation, offering an impactful solution for achieving youthful, radiant skin and they’re fast becoming one of the most popular treatments in clinic at DR KD.
What are polynucleotides, and the benefits of these injectable treatments?
Polynucleotides are biologically active molecules derived from nucleic acids. These compounds play a crucial role in cellular repair and regeneration, making them invaluable in skincare. Polynucleotides are extracted from sources such as; salmon DNA, where they are naturally abundant - you may have heard people talking about them on IG and TikTok as the ‘Salmon Sperm’ treatment.
The benefits are extensive and really quite transformative. Polynucleotides stimulate collagen production, improve skin hydration, and enhance overall skin texture, they significantly boost skin hydration levels and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Additionally, they can aid in repairing damaged skin and promoting new tissue growth, which can help to mitigate some of the damage caused by UV rays and sun damage. They’re a real all-rounder treatment for anyone looking to optimise and maintain their overall skin health.
How do Polynucleotides differ to other injectable skin boosters, such as Profhilo?
While both polynucleotides and Profhilo are used for skin rejuvenation, they differ in composition and function. Polynucleotides focus on cellular regeneration and hydration from a nucleotide-based approach, whereas Profhilo uses hyaluronic acid to enhance skin quality and structural integrity. Polynucleotides are large molecules made up of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA - they promote tissue repair and enhance blood flow, which leads to healthier-looking skin.
Where, typically, are polynucleotides injected and why?
Polynucleotides can be injected into any skin surface in the body - the main site that most people will opt for Polynucleotides is under the eyes as this is the first area in the face where you’ll notice ageing and potential skin laxity. It’s a fantastic alternative to tear-trough filler that simply adds volume, Polynucleotides stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which will help to improve the thickness and health of the skin, reducing the appearance of under-eye hollows and dark circles over time.
It can be used in the décolletage, stomach, backs of the arms - and recently we’ve been having patients treating their knees with it. Anywhere in the body that is seeing a form of skin laxity, Polynucleotides are a great option for rejuvenating that area and tightening the skin.
Who is the best candidate for Polynucleotides?
It’s hard to say that there is one best candidate, as the treatment is for overall skin rejuvenation. That being said, anyone looking to treat ageing, sun-damaged or dehydrated skin are going to see really impactful results, due to its ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin hydration, and enhance overall skin texture. Also anyone with sensitive skin, who may not be able to undergo more aggressive treatments like deep chemical peels or laser therapy, Polynucleotides can be a suitable option for them too.
How many sessions are normally required and why? What’s the spacing between each session?
We recommended having two sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart, this is to to optimise the biological processes involved in skin regeneration and to allow the skin sufficient time to respond to the injections. Skin cells need time to undergo turnover and regeneration, Polynucleotides help to stimulate this process, but it won’t happen overnight. Spacing the treatments 2-4 weeks apart allows the skin cells to react to the treatment, start the healing and regeneration processes, and prepare for another stimulation. Some patients may opt for a course of three sessions depending on their skin laxity and overall skin health, but this is something that we would determine during a consultation.