Polynucleotide Therapy — PDRN and Skin Regeneration

Last updated: 5 March 2026

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotide (PN) therapy represents one of the most exciting developments in regenerative aesthetics. Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA — typically derived from salmon or trout DNA (PDRN: polydeoxyribonucleotide). When injected into the skin, they stimulate fibroblast activity, promote tissue repair, and enhance skin quality at a cellular level. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers which primarily add volume and hydration, polynucleotides work by triggering the skins own regenerative processes.

At Axiom Aesthetics, we have incorporated polynucleotide therapy into our skin rejuvenation programmes following the growing body of clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety.

The Science Behind Polynucleotide Therapy

Polynucleotides exert their effects through several biological mechanisms:

• Fibroblast stimulation — PNs activate fibroblasts through the A2A purinergic receptor pathway, increasing collagen and elastin production
• Anti-inflammatory action — they reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and promote anti-inflammatory mediators
• Antioxidant effects — PNs scavenge free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress damage
• Tissue hydration — polynucleotides attract and retain water molecules, improving tissue hydration without the volumising effect of HA fillers
• Angiogenesis — they promote the formation of new blood vessels, improving tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery
• Melanogenesis regulation — emerging evidence suggests PNs may help regulate melanin production, with potential benefits for pigmentation disorders

PDRN vs PN: Understanding the Difference

While often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction:

• PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) — a specific fraction of DNA with a molecular weight of 50-1,500 kDa, extracted through a purification process. Acts primarily through the A2A receptor pathway
• PN (Polynucleotide) — a broader term encompassing longer DNA chains with molecular weights of 1,500+ kDa. May have additional biophysical properties due to their larger molecular size

What Can Polynucleotide Therapy Treat?

The versatility of polynucleotide therapy makes it suitable for a wide range of concerns:

• Skin ageing — improving elasticity, firmness, and overall skin quality in the face, neck, and decolletage
• Under-eye dark circles and hollowing — the periorbital area responds particularly well to PN therapy due to its regenerative rather than volumising mechanism
• Crepey skin — thin, textured skin on the face, neck, and hands
• Acne scarring — promoting tissue remodelling and improving scar quality
• Post-procedural healing — accelerating recovery after laser treatments, chemical peels, or microneedling
• Hair loss — scalp injections of PDRN have shown promise in promoting hair follicle health and growth
• Stretch marks — improving the quality and appearance of striae

The Treatment Procedure

1. Consultation — thorough skin assessment and discussion of concerns, expectations, and treatment plan
2. Skin preparation — cleansing and optional application of topical anaesthetic cream (15-20 minutes before treatment)
3. Injection technique — polynucleotides are injected using a series of small injections (nappage technique) or using a cannula, depending on the area and practitioner preference
4. Treatment areas — face, under-eyes, neck, decolletage, hands, and scalp are common treatment zones
5. Post-treatment — mild redness and small papules at injection points are normal and typically resolve within 24-48 hours

Treatment Protocol

A typical polynucleotide treatment protocol involves:

• Initial course: 3-4 sessions spaced 2-3 weeks apart
• Maintenance: single sessions every 3-6 months to maintain results
• Combination protocols: PNs can be alternated with skin boosters (e.g., Profhilo) for comprehensive skin rejuvenation

Polynucleotides vs Other Skin Boosters

Understanding how polynucleotides compare to other injectable skin treatments helps in treatment planning:

• Profhilo (HA skin booster) — primarily hydrates and provides mild lifting through high and low molecular weight HA. Complementary to PNs rather than a substitute
• Skinvive/Volite (HA micro-droplets) — improves skin smoothness and hydration through micro-deposits of HA in the dermis
• Polynucleotides — unique mechanism working through DNA-derived regeneration, stimulating the skins own repair processes. Particularly effective for the under-eye area where HA products carry higher risks
• Exosomes — newer technology using cell-derived vesicles. Less clinical evidence currently available compared to PNs

Available Products in the UK

Several polynucleotide products are available in the UK market:

• Ameela — a range of PN-based products for different treatment areas including face, eyes, and body
• Nucleofill — concentrated polynucleotide gel available in different formulations
• Plinest — PDRN-based product with a focus on skin regeneration
• Vitaran — polynucleotide product for mesotherapy protocols

Safety and Side Effects

Polynucleotide therapy has an excellent safety profile:

• Biocompatible — PNs are highly purified and the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low
• No risk of vascular occlusion — unlike HA fillers, PNs do not carry the risk of vascular compromise as they do not create volumetric pressure
• Common side effects — mild redness, swelling, and small papules at injection sites (resolving within 24-48 hours), bruising
• Contraindications — known allergy to fish (salmon/trout-derived products), active infection in the treatment area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, autoimmune conditions

“Polynucleotide therapy bridges the gap between skin boosters and biostimulators, offering a unique regenerative mechanism that complements existing treatments in the aesthetic practitioners toolkit.” — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Polynucleotide therapy represents a genuine advance in regenerative aesthetics, offering a biologically distinct approach to skin rejuvenation that complements existing treatments. By stimulating the skins own repair mechanisms, PNs deliver natural-looking improvements in skin quality, firmness, and radiance. At Axiom Aesthetics, we are excited to offer this evidence-based treatment as part of our commitment to bringing the latest advances in aesthetic medicine to our patients.