Polynucleotides
Encourage the skin to repair itself with DNA-derived technology.
- Treatment time
- About 30 minutes
- Results
- Glowing in 1–2 weeks; firmer over 2–3 months
- Longevity
- 6–9 months after a full course
- Downtime
- Very little; bumps go down within hours
- Price
- £200
About Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of salmon DNA that are very similar to our own. Once injected into the skin they act as a repair signal: they prompt fibroblast cells to make collagen and elastin, settle inflammation and improve hydration. Your skin becomes stronger, thicker and more even, which makes them especially helpful for skin that's thin, crepey or sun-damaged.
Because they work by regenerating the skin rather than filling it, polynucleotides can be used all over the face and neck, and they're a popular choice for delicate areas where filler wouldn't be right.
Key Benefits
- 01Encourages your own collagen and elastin, so skin is firmer and thicker
- 02Smooths texture, evens tone and softens fine lines
- 03Settles redness and helps the skin repair itself
- 04Helps with sun damage, scarring and large pores
- 05Can be used on delicate areas, including around the eyes
- 06A natural, regenerative treatment that adds no volume
Is this treatment right for me?
Polynucleotides are a good fit if your skin looks thin, tired, crepey or uneven, or if you want healthier skin rather than a different shape. They're often advised for the face and neck together, and there's a separate under-eye treatment for that area.
You may be suitable if…
- Your skin has become thinner, less bouncy or less even
- You have fine lines, crepey skin or the start of laxity
- You have scars, sun damage or large pores
- You aren't pregnant or breastfeeding and you're not allergic to fish
Your consultation will consider…
- How thick your skin is, its texture, and any sun damage or scars
- Whether the face, neck or under-eyes matter most to you
- Any fish allergy, as this means polynucleotides aren't suitable
- How many sessions you need, usually a course of three
What to expect
Before treatment
At your consultation John looks at the condition of your skin (how hydrated it is, any fine lines, laxity and texture), talks through what you're hoping for and goes over your medical history. Skin boosters work as a course, not a single appointment, so you'll go home knowing how many sessions you need and how far apart. Where it's safe for you, stop alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements like fish oil for a few days beforehand, because they make bruising more likely.
During treatment
Once the numbing cream is working, John gives a series of small, shallow injections over the treatment area. Each leaves a little bump that goes down within hours. Treating the face and neck takes about 30 minutes.
After treatment
You'll have small bumps and some mild redness where the needle went in for a few hours. The regenerating effect develops slowly over the next few weeks.
Watch
See this treatment in the clinic, in short videos on John’s aesthetics site, Trusted Touch Aesthetics.
Watch 12 videos →Results & longevity
You may see better hydration and glow within a week or two. The deeper changes (firmer, thicker, more even skin) take two to three months, as new collagen and elastin form. For the best result, have a course of three sessions two to four weeks apart. The effect usually lasts six to nine months before you'd need a maintenance session.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
When the face and neck are treated there's very little downtime: small bumps and some redness for a few hours, and now and then a bruise. Your skin might feel a little tight for a day.
Side effects
Expect little raised bumps where the needle went in; they normally flatten within a few hours, though now and then they take a day or two. Redness, tenderness and small bruises often happen and don't last long. Less common effects include a lump that lingers, a mild infection or an allergy-type reaction. These products are hyaluronic acid or come from natural sources, so serious reactions are uncommon.
Aftercare
For the rest of the day, leave the injection points alone: no make-up, and no touching or massaging unless John has told you to. Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and alcohol for 24 hours, and keep out of strong sunshine. Keep your skin well moisturised and wear SPF every day, as this protects your result.
Get in touch with the clinic if redness starts to spread, pain gets worse, a lump grows instead of settling, or the colour of your skin changes.
- Downtime
- Very little: small bumps lasting a few hours, a day at most
- Redness
- Slight, and gone within hours
- Swelling
- Little raised bumps where the needle went in, normally gone within 24 hours
- Bruising
- You may get small bruises, which clear within a week
- Normal activities
- The same day; avoid hard exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between polynucleotides and a booster like Profhilo?
Profhilo uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and boost collagen. Polynucleotides work by signalling to your skin's own repair cells, which makes them especially good for skin that's thin, damaged or inflamed. You can have both.
How many sessions do I need?
Normally three, two to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance every six to nine months.
Can I have it if I'm allergic to fish?
Polynucleotides come from salmon, so if you have a fish allergy we'll suggest something else instead. Please tell John about it at your consultation.
Can polynucleotides be used under the eyes?
Yes. We offer a separate under-eye polynucleotide treatment, which often works better than filler when the skin under the eyes is thin or crepey.
Is it painful?
We apply numbing cream beforehand. Each injection stings for a moment, and most people find the whole treatment easy to tolerate.
How soon can I wear make-up?
From the following day. For the rest of your treatment day, keep the injection points clean and leave them uncovered.
What happens at my consultation?
John looks at your skin, talks about what you want to change, goes through your medical history and suggests the right product and course for you, with the price made clear before you book anything.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Banana Beauty Lab and runs his aesthetics practice, Trusted Touch Aesthetics, here. He specialises in facial balancing and harmonisation, alongside wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. His training is CPD-certified, he is fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.