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Polynucleotides vs Skin Boosters
Cellular repair and regeneration vs hyaluronic acid bio-remodelling — which approach suits your skin?
Book ConsultationPolynucleotides and skin boosters such as Profhilo are both injectable skin-quality treatments, but they work through fundamentally different biological pathways. Polynucleotides are DNA-derived bio-revitalising agents that stimulate cellular repair and tissue regeneration at a deep level. Skin boosters like Profhilo use stabilised hyaluronic acid to bio-remodel skin through intense hydration and stimulation of collagen and elastin. Understanding these differences is essential to choosing the right treatment for your skin’s needs.
DNA-derived bio-revitalising injectables that stimulate cellular repair and regeneration
Best For
- • Deep tissue repair and regeneration
- • Under-eye rejuvenation and dark circles
- • Cellular-level skin regeneration
- • Damaged or depleted skin
- • Smokers’ skin and environmentally stressed skin
- • Areas requiring tissue healing
Not Suitable For
- • Instant hydration or glow
- • Volume restoration
- • Patients wanting quick visible change
- • Those seeking immediate plumping effects
Results Timeline
Gradual over 2–3 months
Sessions
2–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart
Starting Price
From £350
Downtime
Minimal
Stabilised hyaluronic acid for bio-remodelling and deep hydration
Best For
- • Skin hydration and elasticity
- • Fine lines and crepey skin
- • Skin glow and radiance
- • Face, neck, décolletage and hands
- • Patients wanting visible improvement quickly
- • General skin quality enhancement
Not Suitable For
- • Deep tissue damage or scarring
- • Significant cellular depletion
- • Significant volume loss
- • Patients seeking long-term tissue repair
Results Timeline
2–4 weeks after second session
Sessions
2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
Starting Price
From £350
Downtime
Minimal
When We Recommend Each Treatment
Choose polynucleotides if
- Your skin is damaged, depleted or showing signs of chronic stress
- You want deep cellular repair rather than surface-level hydration
- Under-eye rejuvenation is your primary concern
- You are comfortable with gradual results that build over months
Choose skin boosters if
- Your skin is dehydrated, dull or lacking elasticity
- You want visible improvement in skin quality within weeks
- Glow, hydration and smoothness are your primary goals
- You prefer a shorter treatment protocol (two sessions)
Consider combining both when
- You want both deep tissue repair and surface hydration
- Your skin needs regeneration at a cellular level alongside bio-remodelling
- Dr Langdon recommends a layered approach for comprehensive skin rejuvenation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between polynucleotides and skin boosters?
Polynucleotides are DNA-derived molecules that work at a cellular level to stimulate tissue repair, fibroblast activity and regeneration. Skin boosters like Profhilo use stabilised hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production through bio-remodelling. In simple terms, polynucleotides repair and regenerate while skin boosters hydrate and remodel.
Can you combine polynucleotides and skin boosters?
Yes, and this is an increasingly popular approach. Polynucleotides can be used to repair and regenerate the skin at a cellular level, while skin boosters provide hydration and bio-remodelling. Your clinician will advise on the optimal sequence and spacing between treatments during your consultation.
Which is better for under the eyes?
Polynucleotides are often preferred for the under-eye area. The delicate periorbital skin responds well to the regenerative properties of polynucleotides, which can improve dark circles, crepiness and skin quality without adding volume. Profhilo is not typically injected directly under the eyes, although its effects on overall facial skin quality can be beneficial.
Which treatment works faster?
Skin boosters like Profhilo typically produce visible results more quickly — many patients notice improved hydration and glow within two to four weeks of their second session. Polynucleotide results are more gradual, developing over two to three months as cellular repair and regeneration take effect. The slower onset of polynucleotides reflects deeper biological changes.
Are polynucleotides better than Profhilo?
Neither is inherently better — they serve different purposes. Polynucleotides are superior for deep tissue repair, cellular regeneration and treating damaged skin. Profhilo excels at hydration, elasticity and creating an immediate glow. The best choice depends entirely on your skin’s current condition and your treatment goals, which is assessed during consultation.
Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right?
Book a consultation to discuss your skin concerns. We will assess your skin condition and recommend the most effective injectable treatment for your goals.
Book Your ConsultationWhich is right for you?
The best treatment depends on your skin’s current condition and your goals. Here are some general considerations:
- Choose polynucleotides if your skin is damaged, depleted or needs deep cellular repair
- Choose skin boosters if hydration, glow and elasticity are your primary goals
- Polynucleotides are particularly effective for the under-eye area, while Profhilo excels on face, neck and hands
- Many patients benefit from combining both treatments for comprehensive skin rejuvenation — discuss this during your consultation
This is general guidance only — treatment suitability is always confirmed during a clinical consultation.
Doctor-led approach
- Treatment suitability is assessed by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners during a clinical consultation, depending on the treatment
- Prescribing responsibility sits with Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- No same-day injectable treatments for new patients
- Read our full Consultation & Safety Standards
- CQC registered clinic — regulated and inspected
- Doctor-led clinical oversight by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026
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