Polynucleotides Treatment: What It Is And Who Is It For?

If you have spent any time in skincare circles recently, you have probably heard the word “polynucleotides” cropping up more and more. It has gone from a niche clinical term to one of the most buzzed-about treatments in aesthetic medicine. Unlike many trends that come and go, the science behind polynucleotides is well-researched, with over 90 clinical trials supporting its use in both regenerative medicine and aesthetic practice.

So what exactly are they, and could they be right for your skin? Whether you are dealing with persistent dullness or skin that just does not feel as resilient as it once did, this is everything you need to know.

So, what are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides, sometimes shortened to PN, are purified DNA molecules derived from natural sources¹, most commonly salmon or trout. Before that raises any eyebrows, it is good to know that these DNA fragments are carefully extracted, filtered, and sterilised to medical-grade standards before being used in any treatment. The DNA is broken down into small fragments, making the final product biocompatible and highly purified.

In skin treatments, polynucleotides work by stimulating your skin’s natural regeneration process from within. Once injected into the skin, they encourage fibroblast activity – fibroblasts being the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep skin firm, plump, and elastic. In doing so, they improve skin repair, accelerate cell turnover, and boost both elasticity and hydration over time.

An important distinction to make: polynucleotides are not dermal fillers. They do not physically alter your facial structure or add volume. Instead, they restore and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level, producing improvements that are subtle and long-lasting.

Why does skin need this kind of support?

From around the age of 25, the body begins to lose approximately 1% of its collagen every year. By 40, that equates to a roughly 15% reduction, and in women going through menopause, the loss can accelerate significantly, with up to 30% of dermal collagen lost in the first five years after oestrogen levels drop². The visible result is skin that becomes more prone to fine lines, less firm, thinner, and slower to recover from damage.

Environmental factors compound this further. Singapore’s year-round UV exposure, humidity, and urban pollution all contribute to what dermatologists call extrinsic ageing, the kind that goes on top of the natural ageing process. This is precisely the context in which polynucleotides, as an anti-ageing treatment option, offer something different from hydrating serums or even traditional skin boosters.

What skin concerns can polynucleotides address?

Polynucleotide treatments are versatile, and the range of concerns they can help with is broader than many people expect:

Fine lines and wrinkles: By boosting collagen and elastin production, polynucleotides help smooth out fine lines and reduce the depth of wrinkles over time.
Skin laxity: Patients with skin that has begun to lose its firmness often notice improved elasticity and a lifted appearance following a course of treatment.
Dullness and uneven texture: Improved cell turnover and hydration produce a noticeably more radiant, even complexion.
Acne scarring: Polynucleotides have demonstrated particular effectiveness for skin affected by fibrous scar tissue, including old acne scars, by encouraging healthy tissue regeneration.
Under-eye concerns: The periorbital region responds well to polynucleotide treatment, with improvements in dark circles, crepiness, and fine lines reported in clinical observations.
Dehydration: Thanks to their moisture-binding properties, polynucleotides enhance the skin’s extracellular matrix, improving long-term hydration from within.

Polynucleotides can also be combined with other treatments, such as laser therapy, dermal fillers, or radiofrequency treatments, to enhance overall outcomes. Many practitioners recommend polynucleotides as a first step to strengthen and hydrate the skin before introducing fillers, as this creates a healthier foundation and can help other treatments perform more effectively.

Who is a good candidate?

Polynucleotides are broadly suitable, which is one of the reasons they have gained such traction. They work for most adult skin types and are appropriate for a wide age range, from those in their late 20s noticing the first signs of skin fatigue to those in their 50s seeking genuine skin quality improvement.

You may be a particularly good candidate if you:

Notice that your skin looks dull, tired, or lacks its previous plumpness
Have fine lines that are not yet deep enough to require volume-based treatments
Are dealing with post-acne marks or textural irregularities
Want to improve overall skin health rather than target a single concern
Have already tried good skincare and are looking for something that works at a deeper level

Polynucleotides are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As with any injectable treatment, a thorough consultation with a qualified dermatologist is essential to assess your skin, discuss your goals, and determine the most appropriate approach.

What to expect from the treatment

The procedure itself is relatively comfortable. A fine needle is used to administer a series of small injections across the treatment area, whether that is the face, neck, décolletage, or hands. Alternative techniques of delivery which may be more comfortable include the use of skin booster guns or cannulas such as treatment involving the lower eyelid region. Most sessions take around 20 to 30 minutes, and there is minimal downtime. Some patients experience mild redness or swelling at injection sites, which typically settles within a day or two.

Results develop gradually as the skin regenerates from within. Most patients begin to see improvements in texture and hydration within a few weeks, with the full effects typically visible at eight to twelve weeks. Results can last anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on individual factors such as skin condition, age, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Polynucleotides represent a step forward in how we think about skin health. The results are subtle, the science is solid, and for the right candidate, the difference can be meaningful.

If you are curious about whether polynucleotide treatment could address your skin concerns, the team at Angeline Yong Dermatology would be happy to help. Led by Dr Angeline Yong, our clinic offers a comprehensive range of medical and aesthetic skin treatments, including polynucleotide injectables, tailored to your individual skin needs. Book a consultation today to find the right treatment plan for your skin.

References

Lee, K. W. A., Chan, K. W. L., Lee, A., Lee, C. H., Wan, J., Wong, S., & Yi, K. H. (2024). Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(15), 8224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158224

Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American journal of pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302

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Polynucleotides Treatment: What It Is And Who Is It For?