If you follow aesthetic trends online, you’ll know polynucleotides are being hailed as the next miracle treatment. Promising to regenerate skin and reverse signs of ageing, they’ve quickly become the buzzword of the aesthetics world. But as a medical aesthetics practitioner in Swansea, I think it’s time for an honest conversation — because the clinical results don’t always match the marketing claims.
What Are Polynucleotides Supposed to Do?
Polynucleotides are strands of purified DNA, usually derived from salmon, that are said to stimulate fibroblasts — the skin cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. The idea is that they help the skin repair and renew itself from within, improving tone and texture over time.
The concept sounds appealing: a natural “regeneration” rather than cosmetic enhancement. However, in practice, results tend to be much more subtle than what social media suggests.
The Problem with the Hype
Many clients come in expecting immediate luminosity or visible tightening after one session. The reality is typically less dramatic.
- The body of clinical evidence is still small, with limited long-term studies.
- Results vary widely depending on the brand, concentration, and injection technique.
- Improvements are usually mild — a touch more hydration or smoother skin texture — rather than a visible “lift.”
Polynucleotides aren’t ineffective, but the current level of marketing exaggerates what they deliver. For many people, especially when comparing cost versus outcome, the results can feel underwhelming.
Why I Prefer Sunekos and Profhilo
I see far more consistent and satisfying results from tried‑and‑tested skin boosters like Sunekos and Profhilo. These treatments use hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that hydrates the skin deeply and supports collagen synthesis.
Both have strong clinical backing and a long history of safe use. Most patients notice visible improvements in glow, elasticity, and firmness within one or two sessions — something I rarely see with polynucleotides.
| Feature | Sunekos & Profhilo | Polynucleotides |
| Main Ingredient | Hyaluronic acid | DNA polymers |
| Scientific Evidence | Well‑established and peer‑reviewed | Early‑stage and brand‑specific |
| Results | Noticeable hydration and plumpness | Subtle smoothing over time |
| Patient Satisfaction | Consistently high | Mixed |
| Longevity | 4–6 months (usually after a course) | Claimed up to 12 months, variable |
For anyone looking to improve skin health and radiance, I find that hyaluronic‑based boosters deliver more visible and predictable results.
What Patients Really Want
Most of my patients — particularly women in their 30s and 40s — aren’t chasing extreme results. They want fresh, hydrated skin that looks good without makeup. Skin boosters like Profhilo and Sunekos achieve this, improving tone and firmness in a natural, believable way.
The Bottom Line
Polynucleotides are an interesting step forward in regenerative aesthetics, but the science hasn’t yet caught up with the marketing. While they may slightly enhance hydration and texture for some, they’re not a magic fix.
If your goal is healthy, glowing skin with visible improvement, skin boosters such as Profhilo or Sunekos remain the more reliable and evidence‑backed options. Aesthetic medicine should be driven by proven outcomes — not online trends.
Kelly Harris, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, KHA, Swansea
Registered practitioner specialising in facial rejuvenation and evidence‑based aesthetic treatments.