Polynucleotides and Profhilo are often placed in the same “skin booster” category, but they are different products with different mechanisms. Neither is automatically better. The useful question is what the skin needs and which treatment has the clearest role in that plan.
What Profhilo is
Profhilo is a stabilised hyaluronic-acid injectable used with a bioremodelling and hydration aim. It spreads through the tissue rather than being placed as a conventional volumising filler and is typically chosen where overall hydration, elasticity and skin quality are the priorities.
What polynucleotides are
Polynucleotide products contain purified DNA-derived fragments and are used with a regenerative skin-quality aim. They are commonly considered for delicate areas such as the periocular region as well as wider facial or neck skin, depending on the specific product and indication.
They do not do the same job
Profhilo is more directly associated with hydration and bioremodelling through hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotides are used with a tissue-repair and regenerative rationale. Both may improve skin quality, but the evidence base, products, treatment protocols and expected changes are not identical.
When Profhilo may make more sense
- Generalised dehydration and reduced skin resilience.
- Early skin-quality change over a broader area.
- A patient who wants subtle improvement without adding conventional filler volume.
When polynucleotides may make more sense
- Thin or crepey skin where regenerative support is the priority.
- Selected periocular concerns where conventional filler is not the preferred option.
- Skin-quality plans where gradual tissue repair rather than hydration alone is the goal.
Can you have both?
Yes, but that does not mean everyone should. They can be sequenced in the same long-term plan when there is a clear reason for each treatment. Using both simply because they are popular does not make the plan better.
What neither treatment does
Neither is a substitute for surgery where significant skin excess is present. Neither should be expected to recreate structural facial volume in the way a filler can. Neither replaces medical treatment for active inflammatory skin disease.
How Face for Soul chooses
Assessment looks at skin thickness, hydration, laxity, treatment area, previous procedures and what the patient actually wants to improve. Sometimes Profhilo is the more logical option, sometimes polynucleotides, sometimes another treatment entirely.
Read about polynucleotides and Profhilo.
How strong is the evidence for polynucleotides?
Recent systematic reviews describe promising improvements in wrinkles, texture, elasticity and hydration after polynucleotide treatment, but the evidence base remains limited by small studies, varied products and inconsistent protocols. A 2024 review concluded that benefits are plausible while calling for better-quality research and clearer standardisation. This is a useful contrast with marketing that sometimes presents polynucleotides as a settled regenerative solution.
How strong is the evidence for Profhilo?
Profhilo has a growing clinical literature on hybrid cooperative complexes of hyaluronic acid, including studies reporting improvements in hydration, elasticity, density and laxity. The evidence is still not perfect and some studies are manufacturer-linked, but the product has a more defined formulation and treatment protocol than the broad category of polynucleotides.
Under-eye treatment needs particular care
Polynucleotides are often chosen around the eyes because they are not used as conventional volumising filler. That does not mean every dark circle, bag or hollow is a skin-quality problem. Pigmentation, vascular show, tear-trough anatomy, fat prolapse and skin thinness can all create a “tired eye” appearance and need different approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Which gives more hydration?
Profhilo has a strong hydration rationale because it is hyaluronic-acid based. Polynucleotides may also improve hydration measures in some studies, but their clinical positioning is more broadly regenerative.
Which is better for crepey under-eyes?
Polynucleotides are commonly considered for thin periocular skin, but suitability depends on the exact problem. They cannot remove eye bags or correct every hollow.
Can they be injected at the same appointment?
Sometimes, but combining treatments should be driven by indication and safety rather than convenience.
This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical assessment.