Consult & assess
Vaiva reviews the concern, medical history, anatomy and whether polynucleotides are the right mechanism.
POLYNUCLEOTIDES · BURFORD, OXFORDSHIRE
Polynucleotides
Regenerative-style injectable treatment for selected skin-quality concerns.
Polynucleotides are DNA-derived injectable treatments considered for selected skin-quality concerns across the face, neck, delicate areas and, where clinically appropriate, scalp plans. At Face for Soul they are chosen after assessment rather than treated as a universal answer for ageing skin or under-eye concerns.
01 · THE TREATMENT
Polynucleotides are not filler with a regenerative label.
The aim is to support skin quality gradually, not create immediate structural volume.
Polynucleotide injectables contain purified nucleotide chains derived from DNA sources, with source, concentration and formulation varying by product. They are injected into selected tissue planes according to the specific product, treatment area and clinical objective.
Laboratory and clinical literature describes potential effects on hydration, elasticity, texture and tissue repair. The aesthetic evidence base is still developing, however, and results should not be generalised across every formulation or indication.
01Assess
Skin quality, anatomy, swelling, pigmentation, volume change, barrier status and previous treatment are considered together.
02Select
The product, area and injection approach are chosen only when a polynucleotide mechanism fits the concern.
03Treat
Small amounts are placed strategically rather than using one standard pattern for every face.
04Review
The response is judged after swelling settles and the skin has had time to change gradually.
POLYNUCLEOTIDES MAY BE DISCUSSED WHEN YOU NOTICE
02 · SUITABILITY
The concern matters more than the trend.
Polynucleotides may be useful in selected cases, but under-eye darkness, hollowness, swelling, pigmentation and crepey texture can have different causes. The same applies elsewhere on the face, neck or scalp.
01 MAY BE CONSIDERED
- Fine, crepey or dehydrated-looking skin where skin quality is the main concern
- Selected periorbital concerns after anatomy, swelling and pigmentation are assessed
- Some textural or recovery-focused treatment plans where a regenerative approach is appropriate
- Selected scalp plans where the diagnosis and wider causes of hair loss have been considered
02 ANOTHER ROUTE MAY FIT BETTER
- Structural volume loss or contour change that needs a different mechanism
- Active inflammatory, infectious or unstable skin conditions
- Under-eye concerns driven mainly by anatomy, pigmentation or fluid retention
- Hair loss that needs medical diagnosis or another treatment pathway first
VAIVA'S ASSESSMENT
First understand what is changing. Then choose the mechanism.
Assessment determines whether a polynucleotide product is sensible, whether another treatment fits better, or whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate option.
CLINICAL ASSESSMENTPolynucleotides
Burford · West Oxfordshire · Cotswolds
01
Skin quality
Texture, hydration, elasticity, crepiness and barrier stability are assessed rather than treating age alone.
02
Under-eye anatomy
Hollowness, pigmentation, swelling, skin thickness and support are separated before deciding what may help.
03
Whole-face context
The treatment area is considered in relation to facial structure, movement and other ageing changes.
04
Medical history
Health, medicines, previous injectables, allergies and relevant risks are reviewed before treatment planning.
05
Product fit
The exact formulation matters. Evidence for one product cannot automatically be transferred to every polynucleotide injectable.
06
Alternative mechanisms
Skin boosters, Profhilo, microneedling, skincare, structural treatment or no treatment may fit better.
CLINICAL DECISION PATHWAY
Skincare / polynucleotide / skin booster / Profhilo / microneedling / structural treatment / wait / no treatment
CLINICAL RESTRAINT
Regenerative does not mean risk-free or universally suitable.
product-specific evidenceunder-eye anatomyswelling tendencymedical historyactive skin diseaserealistic expectations
03 · APPOINTMENT
A measured treatment, not a standard injection map.
Your appointment plan depends on the product, area and agreed objective.
Select the product
The formulation and treatment area are confirmed rather than treating polynucleotides as one interchangeable category.
Prepare & inject
Skin is prepared and the product is placed using a technique appropriate to the anatomy and product instructions.
Immediate aftercare
Small raised bumps, redness, swelling or bruising can occur and are discussed before treatment.
Review the response
Further treatment is based on how the tissue responds, not simply on completing a preset course.
04 · RESULTS & RECOVERY
Judge the result after the injection effects have settled.
0Immediately
Small bumps or visible injection points can be present. Swelling can be more noticeable around the eyes.
1–2Days
Redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising usually begin to settle, although individual recovery varies.
WeeksGradual change
Any change in skin quality develops gradually rather than appearing as instant structural correction.
ReviewReassess
The next step depends on response, goal, product and whether another mechanism is needed.
What we are looking for
Depending on the indication and product, the aim may be improvement in hydration, texture, elasticity or the appearance of fine, crepey skin. Outcomes vary and the current evidence base is still relatively small.
How many treatments?
Some protocols use an initial course, but there is no universal number of sessions across every polynucleotide product. Your plan is based on the formulation, treatment area, response and clinical objective.
Common short-term effects
Raised injection-site bumps, redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising can occur. Any unexpected, severe or worsening symptoms should be assessed promptly by the clinic.
PATIENT RESULT
One treatment plan. One individual response.
This Face for Soul case documents dull skin treated with a course of three polynucleotide sessions and no combined treatment. It illustrates one patient's response rather than a result that can be predicted for someone else.
- Concern
- Dull skin
- Treatment
- Polynucleotides
- Course
- 3 treatments
- Combined treatment
- None documented
Photography, lighting, timing and individual biology can affect how results appear. Images are not a guarantee of outcome.
05 · BEFORE & AFTERCARE
Protect the skin. Keep recovery simple.
Aftercare depends on the area and product. Follow the instructions given for your treatment rather than copying a generic injectable routine.
01
Prepare
Tell the clinic about medicines, supplements, allergies, recent procedures and changes in your health before treatment.
02
Settle
Avoid rubbing or repeatedly pressing injection sites. Use the clinic's instructions for cleansing, makeup, exercise and other treatments.
03
Support
Keep skincare simple while the area settles and use appropriate daily sun protection.
SKIN APOTHECARY
Support the skin without over-treating it.
Products below are only shown when available online. Active or irritating skincare may need to be paused around treatment.
Explore medical skincare →
iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex | Peptide & Antioxidant Eye Treatment
Eye-area skincare to discuss when the periorbital skin needs a supportive home routine.
View product →
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Serum | Depuffing and Firming Eye Serum
A lighter eye-serum option for selected periorbital skincare plans.
View product →
Obagi Sun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | 100% Mineral Sunscreen
Daily mineral SPF support when protecting treatment results and skin quality.
View product →NOT SURE WHAT YOU NEED?
Bring the concern, not a treatment request.
Polynucleotides are one possible mechanism. Consultation is where we decide whether they make sense for your skin.
06 · CHOOSING THE MECHANISM
Polynucleotides sit alongside other skin-quality treatments.
The name of the treatment matters less than matching the mechanism to the concern.
TreatmentMechanismWhen it may be considered
PolynucleotidesDNA-derived injectable polynucleotide formulationSelected skin-quality, crepey or delicate-area concerns after assessment
Skin Boosters ↗Product-specific injectable skin-quality formulationsSelected hydration, texture and superficial skin-quality goals
Profhilo ↗Specific HCC-HA injectable formulationSelected diffuse skin-quality concerns where that product fits the plan
Microneedling ↗Controlled mechanical micro-injurySelected texture, acne scarring, visible pores and photoageing-related fine lines
07 · CLINICAL EVIDENCE
Promising, but still a developing evidence base.
A 2025 systematic review identified nine aesthetic studies involving 219 patients and rated the included evidence as low to moderate quality, with substantial variation in products, techniques and treatment areas. A randomised double-blind split-face trial in 27 participants found broadly similar global periorbital improvement with polynucleotide and non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid injections, while some measures of hydration, elasticity, roughness and pore volume favoured polynucleotides. A 2026 real-world observational study of 66 adults reported favourable clinician- and patient-rated outcomes for one specific PN-HPT product across face, neck and décolleté. These findings are encouraging but remain product- and protocol-specific and should not be generalised to every polynucleotide injectable.
01The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic ReviewSystematic review · 2025
02Comparison of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenationRandomised split-face trial · 27 participants
03Long-chain polynucleotide filler for skin rejuvenationSmall case series · 5 participants
04A Real-Life Assessment of Injectable Polynucleotides High Purification Technology in Aesthetic Medicine for Skin RejuvenationObservational study · 66 adults · 2026
08 · LONGER-TERM SKIN PLANNING
The course is not the goal. The skin plan is.
Some patients may have a short course followed by review; others may need another mechanism entirely. Longer-term planning should follow the response, not a fixed maintenance promise.
09 · FAQs
Questions about polynucleotides.
What are polynucleotides?
They are injectable products containing purified chains of nucleotides derived from DNA. Different products and concentrations exist, so treatment should be product-specific rather than discussed as one identical injectable.
Are polynucleotides filler?
Not in the usual structural-filler sense. They are generally used for skin-quality and regenerative-style goals rather than immediate contour or volume replacement.
Are polynucleotides good for under-eyes?
They may suit selected periorbital concerns, particularly where skin quality is part of the problem. Hollowness, pigmentation, swelling and anatomy can need different approaches, so assessment matters.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no universal number across every product. Some protocols use an initial course, but your plan is based on the formulation, treatment area, response and clinical objective rather than a fixed package.
What is the downtime?
Small bumps, redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising can occur. The eye area can swell more noticeably. Recovery varies by person, area and technique.
Polynucleotides or skin boosters?
They are different injectable categories. Skin boosters include a range of skin-quality formulations, while polynucleotides use nucleotide-based products. The better option depends on the concern, treatment area and evidence for the specific product.
Can polynucleotides be used on the scalp?
Some polynucleotide products are used within hair and scalp treatment plans. Hair loss has many causes, so diagnosis and suitability should come before choosing an injectable.
Where are polynucleotides available at Face for Soul?
Face for Soul is based in Burford, Oxfordshire, welcoming patients from West Oxfordshire and across the Cotswolds. Treatment follows consultation and suitability assessment.