The Science Behind Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are often described as a new category within aesthetic medicine, but their origins are not cosmetic. Polynucleotides are biological molecules — long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA — involved in cellular repair, signalling and regeneration.

A different mechanism of action

When introduced into the skin, polynucleotides act as a form of biological stimulus. They are thought to:

• activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production
• improve hydration within the extracellular matrix
• reduce local inflammation
• support tissue repair and regeneration 

This places them in a distinct category. They do not add volume, as fillers do. They do not alter muscle activity, as botulinum toxin does.

Instead, they influence how the skin behaves over time.

Biocompatibility and integration

One of the defining characteristics of polynucleotides is their high level of biocompatibility.

Often derived from purified salmon DNA, they are structurally similar to human nucleotides, allowing them to integrate without triggering significant immune response. 

This compatibility is central to their role as a regenerative treatment rather than a corrective one.

The aim is not to override the skin, but to support it.

From stimulation to visible change

Clinical and review data suggest that polynucleotide treatments can improve:

• skin texture
• elasticity
• hydration
• fine wrinkle depth 

These changes are not immediate. They emerge gradually as collagen production increases and tissue repair processes take effect. This reflects the biological nature of the treatment — it follows the pace of the skin, rather than accelerating it artificially.