If you’ve been keeping up with skincare trends, you’ve probably heard whispers about polynucleotides – the regenerative injectable that’s quietly revolutionising how we approach skin rejuvenation.
Unlike traditional treatments that add volume or freeze muscles, polynucleotides work entirely differently. They essentially teach your skin to repair itself from within, creating improvements that look completely natural because they genuinely are.
At Little Foray in Thames Ditton, we offer VITARAN polynucleotide treatments to our Surrey clients who want results that enhance rather than alter. But what exactly are polynucleotides and could they be the regenerative solution your skin has been waiting for?
What Are Polynucleotides?
Let’s start with the science but keep it straightforward. Polynucleotides (often abbreviated to PN) are long chains of nucleotides – the molecules that form the building blocks of DNA and RNA. When these are highly purified and formulated as injectables, they don’t simply sit under your skin adding temporary volume like traditional fillers.
Most aesthetic polynucleotide formulations use purified salmon DNA because it’s remarkably biocompatible with human tissue. Before you worry about having fish DNA in your face, remember that DNA structure is remarkably similar across species – it’s this similarity that makes polynucleotides so safe and effective for human use.
How Polynucleotides Differ from Hyaluronic Acid
Traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) skin boosters are brilliant for delivering immediate hydration and a temporary plumping effect. They work by attracting and holding moisture in the skin, creating that coveted dewy glow.
Polynucleotides take a fundamentally different approach. Rather than adding hydration or volume, they act as biological messengers that encourage your skin cells to function better.
Think of HA as giving your skin a drink of water, while polynucleotides teach your skin to better hydrate itself. Both have their place in aesthetic treatments but polynucleotides offer something unique – genuine regeneration rather than temporary improvement.
How Polynucleotides Work at the Cellular Level
The magic of polynucleotide treatment happens deep within your skin’s architecture. Once injected into the dermal layer, these clever molecules get to work on multiple fronts:
- Fibroblast activation: Polynucleotides stimulate your fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Rather than forcing production through injury (like some treatments do), polynucleotides gently encourage these cells to resume their youthful activity levels. Clinical studies have shown increases of up to 50% in collagen synthesis.
- Enhanced microcirculation: Improved blood flow in the treated area ensures better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This is particularly beneficial for areas like under the eyes, where poor circulation contributes to dark circles and hollow appearance.
- Anti-inflammatory action: These molecules have natural anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm reactive skin and reduce redness. This makes them excellent for sensitive skin types who might not tolerate other treatments well.
- Tissue repair: Polynucleotides support the skin’s natural wound-healing processes, making them effective for addressing scarring, sun damage and other forms of tissue degradation.
The result is skin that functions better, looks healthier and maintains its improvements for significantly longer than surface-level treatments.
Polynucleotides vs Traditional Fillers: Regeneration vs Volume
Understanding the distinction between polynucleotides and traditional dermal fillers is crucial for making informed treatment decisions.
- Traditional fillers (typically hyaluronic acid-based) work by adding volume beneath the skin. They’re excellent for plumping lips, filling nasolabial folds (smile lines) or restoring lost facial volume. Results are immediate and dramatic but temporary – lasting anywhere from 6-18 months before the filler breaks down.
- Polynucleotides on the other hand don’t add volume at all. Instead, they work at a cellular level to improve skin quality, texture and function. Improvements develop gradually as your skin rebuilds its own collagen and elastin. Results take weeks to fully manifest but can last 6-12 months or longer because you’ve improved your actual skin structure.
Ffillers are like adding cushions to a worn sofa to make it look plumper. Polynucleotides are like reupholstering the sofa with new, high-quality fabric. One adds temporary volume; the other restores the material itself.
Who Benefits Most from Polynucleotide Treatment?
While polynucleotides can benefit most people looking to improve skin quality, certain concerns respond particularly well:
- Under-eye concerns: The delicate under-eye area often shows the first signs of ageing with crepey texture, fine lines and dark circles. Polynucleotides excel here because they improve skin quality without the risk of lumps or migration that can occur with traditional fillers.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: The anti-inflammatory properties make them effective for addressing pigmentation issues caused by inflammation, including acne scarring and sun damage.
- Crepey skin texture: Whether on the face, neck, décolletage or hands, crepey texture responds beautifully to the collagen-boosting effects. The treatment helps thicken and strengthen thin, papery skin.
- Fine lines and early ageing signs: If you’re noticing the first signs of ageing but aren’t ready for more invasive treatments, polynucleotides offer preventative care that actually improves your skin’s foundation.
- Sensitive or Reactive Skin: The anti-inflammatory action makes polynucleotides suitable for skin types that might not tolerate other aesthetic treatments well.
The Treatment Journey: What to Expect
Most clients achieve optimal results with 2-3 initial sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Each session takes approximately 20-30 minutes using ultra-fine needles. Most clients find the procedure surprisingly comfortable, though we can apply numbing cream if needed.
You might notice small bumps at injection sites immediately after treatment, but these typically resolve within 24-48 hours. There may be mild redness or slight swelling but nothing that significantly disrupts your routine.
Timeline of visible change:
- Weeks 1-2: Improved hydration and subtle radiance.
- Weeks 4-6: Texture improvements become noticeable.
- Weeks 8-12: Maximum results develop.
- Months 3-6: Results continue to improve and stabilise.
- Months 6-12: Maintained improvements.
After your initial course, many clients choose annual top-up treatments to maintain results.
Pairing Polynucleotides with Microneedling and Jalupro
One of the advantages of polynucleotide treatment is how beautifully it works alongside other regenerative therapies.
Polynucleotides with Microneedling
Combining polynucleotides with microneedling creates powerful synergy. The microneedling creates thousands of micro-channels that trigger wound-healing response while creating pathways for deeper treatment penetration.
When performed shortly before or after polynucleotide injections, we’re essentially amplifying both treatments. Many of our Surrey clients find this combination particularly effective for addressing acne scarring, significant texture issues or advanced signs of ageing.
Polynucleotides with Jalupro
Jalupro is another bio-revitalising treatment containing amino acids and hyaluronic acid. While polynucleotides focus on long-term regeneration, Jalupro provides immediate hydration and skin conditioning. Combining these offers both immediate improvements and long-term regeneration – excellent for clients who want quick results while building toward lasting improvements.
At Little Foray, we carefully plan treatment protocols based on your individual skin concerns and goals, ensuring optimal timing and sequencing for maximum benefit.
Results Longevity: Why Polynucleotides Last 6-12+ Months
The longevity of polynucleotide results comes down to what’s actually being changed.
Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate results by adding volume or hydration but they’re gradually broken down by the body. Once metabolised, the improvement disappears.
Polynucleotides trigger your skin to create the result rather than providing it themselves. The collagen and elastin produced becomes part of your actual skin structure. This new tissue doesn’t disappear when the polynucleotides are metabolised.
Even after the initial polynucleotide molecules have broken down (which happens gradually over several months), the cellular improvements they triggered continue. Your fibroblasts remain more active, your microcirculation stays improved and your skin continues functioning at a higher level.
Results longevity varies based on your age and baseline skin condition, lifestyle factors (sun exposure, smoking, stress), skincare routine, number of initial treatments and individual metabolic rate. Most clients at Little Foray experience maintained improvements for 6-12 months, with some enjoying results that extend even longer.
Safety, Aftercare & Contraindications
Polynucleotide treatments have an excellent safety profile. The most common side effects are mild and temporary: slight redness at injection sites, minor swelling or bruising, temporary sensitivity and small bumps that resolve within 24-48 hours. Serious complications are extremely rare with proper technique and quality products.
Essential aftercare:
- First 24-48 hours: Avoid touching treated areas, skip intense exercise and excessive heat, stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol and use only gentle skincare.
- First week: Continue gentle skincare, no active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C), daily sun protection essential, avoid additional facial treatments.
- Ongoing: Resume normal skincare after one week, maintain sun protection, stay hydrated.
Polynucleotide treatment may not be suitable if you have a known allergy to fish or seafood products, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, certain autoimmune conditions, are taking blood-thinning medications or have had recent facial surgery.
At Little Foray, we conduct thorough consultations to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for your circumstances.
What to Expect at Little Foray: Our Philosophy of “Feed, Don’t Force”
At Little Foray in Thames Ditton, our approach reflects our broader philosophy of aesthetic care. We believe in feeding your skin what it needs rather than forcing dramatic changes.
Your journey begins with honest consultation about your skin concerns and goals. We won’t push treatments you don’t need or promise unrealistic results. If polynucleotides aren’t the right approach, we’ll tell you and suggest alternatives.
Every client receives a bespoke treatment plan based on their unique skin condition, concerns, and lifestyle. We’re not interested in creating obvious “work” or changing your natural features. Our goal is to help you look like the healthiest, most refreshed version of yourself.
And because we understand that optimal results often come from combining different approaches, our team has expertise in various regenerative treatments including microneedling, Profhilo, and other skin boosters. We can create comprehensive treatment protocols that address all aspects of your skin health.
Ready to Experience Regenerative Skincare?
Polynucleotides represent a shift in how we approach aesthetic treatments – focusing on genuine skin health and regeneration rather than quick fixes that require constant maintenance. Results develop gradually, look completely natural and last significantly longer than many traditional treatments.
At Little Foray, we’re here to guide you through every aspect of your treatment journey. Book your personalised regeneration consultation today and discover whether polynucleotides could be the natural, science-backed solution your skin has been waiting for.
Located in Thames Ditton, Little Foray serves clients from across Surrey including Richmond, Esher, Walton-on-Thames, Claygate and surrounding areas. Our clinic specialises in regenerative aesthetic treatments that enhance natural beauty through evidence-based approaches.