Polynucleotides

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. What Are Polynucleotides (PN)?

Polynucleotides are naturally occurring molecules composed of long chains of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. In the context of skincare, polynucleotides are used as a therapeutic injectable treatment to promote tissue regeneration, improve skin quality, and stimulate collagen production.

Polynucleotides are generally derived from salmon DNA (salmon DNA is similar to human DNA, making it highly biocompatible) and are used in aesthetic medicine for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

2. How Do Polynucleotides Work?

Polynucleotides work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When injected into the skin, they:

Promote collagen synthesis: They stimulate fibroblast activity, which leads to the production of new collagen and elastin, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Enhance skin hydration: Polynucleotides attract and retain water, deeply hydrating the skin from within and improving its overall appearance and texture.
Stimulate cell regeneration: By promoting tissue regeneration, polynucleotides can help to repair damaged skin, improve skin tone, and reduce signs of aging.
Improve skin thickness: Over time, they help to thicken the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Cosmetic Uses of Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are primarily used for aesthetic and anti-aging treatments, including:

Skin Rejuvenation: PN can revitalize dull, tired, and aging skin, providing a fresh and youthful glow.
Fine Line and Wrinkle Reduction: Polynucleotides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in areas with delicate skin such as the face, neck, and hands.
Skin Hydration: By improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture, polynucleotides create a plump, hydrated look.
Improving Skin Texture and Tone: Regular PN treatments can result in smoother, more even skin tone, reducing issues like pigmentation, scarring, and rough texture.
Neck and Décolletage Area: Polynucleotides are also commonly used to treat the delicate skin on the neck and chest, which often shows early signs of aging.

4. Medical Uses of Polynucleotides

While they are primarily used in cosmetic treatments, polynucleotides can also have medical applications, such as:

Wound Healing: Polynucleotides can be used in medical treatments to accelerate the healing of wounds, burns, and surgical scars.
Hair Regrowth: Some practitioners use PN to stimulate hair regrowth in patients experiencing thinning or hair loss, particularly in the scalp.

5. Procedure and Treatment Process

Consultation: Before starting treatment, clients should have a consultation with a licensed professional to discuss their skin concerns, goals, and suitability for polynucleotide treatments.
Injection: The procedure typically involves injecting polynucleotides into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) using a fine needle or micro-needle. It may be administered to areas like the face, neck, décolletage, or hands.
Discomfort: Most clients report minimal discomfort, though there may be slight stinging or a mild sensation of pressure during the procedure. Topical numbing cream can be used if needed.
Duration: The entire procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.
Downtime: There is minimal downtime, although clients may experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.

6. Results

Onset: Clients can typically begin to see improvements in skin texture and hydration within 2-3 weeks of the first treatment.
Duration: Full results, including enhanced collagen production and improved skin elasticity, may take 4-6 weeks to appear. The effects continue to improve over time.
Long-Lasting Effects: Results from polynucleotide treatments can last from 6 months to a year, depending on factors like the client’s skin type, the area treated, and the number of sessions.
Maintenance: To maintain results, clients may require follow-up treatments every 6-12 months, or more frequently for advanced or ongoing skin concerns.

7. Safety and Side Effects

Polynucleotide treatments are generally safe, especially when administered by an experienced practitioner. However, as with any injectable procedure, there can be some potential side effects, including:

Bruising and swelling: These are the most common side effects and usually resolve within a few days.
Redness: Mild redness around the injection sites may occur, which usually dissipates quickly.
Lumps or nodules: Rarely, small bumps may form under the skin, but these typically smooth out after a few days.
Infection: While rare, there is always a small risk of infection at the injection site if proper aftercare instructions are not followed.

It is crucial to choose a licensed, experienced provider to minimize these risks and ensure safe treatment.

8. Who Should Not Use Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotide treatments may not be suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with active skin infections or conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the area to be treated
Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in polynucleotides
Those with autoimmune diseases or other conditions that may interfere with the body’s response to the treatment
People with keloid scarring or a history of abnormal scarring may need to consult with their provider for a customized treatment plan.

9. Aftercare Instructions

Post-treatment care is important to maximize the results and reduce the risk of complications:

Avoid touching the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent infection.
Minimize exposure to heat or excessive sun for a few days following treatment.
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy sweating for 24-48 hours after the treatment.
Use gentle skincare products: Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or strong acids for a few days after treatment.
Cold compress: Apply a cold compress if there is swelling or redness.

10. Cost

The cost of polynucleotide treatments can vary depending on the location, provider, and areas being treated. On average:

Treatments may cost between £350 to £800 per session, depending on the complexity and size of the treatment area.
A typical treatment plan may require multiple sessions (usually 3-4 sessions) spaced 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results.

11. Polynucleotide Myths and Facts

Myth: Polynucleotide treatments provide immediate, dramatic results like fillers. Fact: While polynucleotide treatments do provide noticeable improvements in skin texture and hydration, the results are more gradual and build over time, making them ideal for natural rejuvenation.

Myth: Polynucleotides are only for older individuals. Fact: Polynucleotides can be beneficial for people of various ages, especially for those looking to improve skin hydration, tone, and overall quality at any stage of life.

Myth: Polynucleotide treatments are permanent. Fact: The effects of polynucleotides are not permanent. While the results can last 6-12 months, maintenance treatments are needed to sustain optimal results.

12. Alternatives to Polynucleotide Treatments

For clients seeking alternative skin rejuvenation options, several other treatments are available:

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers for volume restoration and wrinkle reduction.
Botox for muscle relaxation and wrinkle prevention.
Microneedling for collagen stimulation and skin texture improvement.
Laser skin resurfacing for improving skin texture, tone, and pigmentation.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, also known as the "vampire facial," which uses the patient’s own blood to promote collagen growth and skin rejuvenation.

Conclusion

Polynucleotides offer a unique, natural approach to skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen production, improving hydration, and restoring skin vitality. With minimal downtime and long-lasting results, they are an excellent option for clients looking to revitalize their skin without undergoing invasive procedures. As always, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional to ensure the best results and safety when considering polynucleotide treatments.