Just when it seemed the aesthetics industry could not possibly introduce another unexpected skincare trend, along came polynucleotides — and suddenly everyone is discussing the benefits of injecting "salmon sperm" into the face and neck.
Admittedly, it sounds slightly alarming at first.
But before anybody starts imagining awkward encounters with seafood, let us clarify something important: polynucleotide treatments do not involve direct contact with a salmon in any way, shape, or form.
The polynucleotides used in aesthetic medicine are highly purified DNA fragments derived from salmon DNA, which are then carefully filtered, sterilised, and refined for medical use.
Once injected, these DNA fragments closely resemble human DNA structures, allowing them to support cellular repair, regeneration, and overall skin health.
And this is where things start to get very interesting.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are regenerative injectable treatments designed to improve skin quality from within.
Rather than simply adding volume or temporarily hydrating the skin, polynucleotides work by encouraging the skin to repair itself more effectively.
They help stimulate:
- Cellular regeneration
- Tissue repair
- Collagen production
- Elastin production
- Hydration
- Overall skin quality
In short, they focus less on "filling" and more on creating healthier, stronger skin over time. Think of them as skin rehabilitation rather than quick cosmetic camouflage.
How do polynucleotides improve the skin?
One of the main reasons polynucleotides have become so popular is their ability to improve multiple aspects of skin health at once.
1. Skin rejuvenation
As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, hydration, and elasticity. This contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, dullness, and crepey texture.
Polynucleotides help stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. By encouraging these cells to work more efficiently, the skin gradually becomes firmer, smoother, more hydrated, more elastic, and more radiant.
The result is healthier-looking skin that appears fresher and more resilient over time. Not frozen. Not overfilled. Just better quality skin.
2. Deep hydration support
Polynucleotides also help improve hydration within the skin. Healthy, hydrated skin tends to appear plumper, smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
By supporting the skin barrier and helping reduce water loss, polynucleotides can improve that tired, dehydrated appearance many people struggle with — particularly around the eyes and neck. Because sometimes your skin is not ageing dramatically. It is simply exhausted.
Radiant Medical Aesthetics & Wellbeing — Heathfield & SussexInterested in polynucleotide treatment? Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Karen.
Book Free Consultation →Can polynucleotides help with scars?
Yes — and this is one of the areas where they can be particularly impressive.
Polynucleotides support tissue regeneration and wound healing, helping the skin repair itself more effectively. This makes them useful for concerns such as:
- Acne scarring
- Surgical scars
- Stretch marks
- General skin damage
By encouraging healthier tissue formation and improving skin repair processes, they can help create smoother and more even-looking skin over time. Results are gradual rather than instant — but often very natural-looking.
The anti-ageing benefits of polynucleotides
The benefits of polynucleotides go beyond surface-level rejuvenation. One of the key drivers of skin ageing is damage at a cellular level, including oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by UV exposure, pollution, inflammation, lifestyle factors, and natural ageing.
Polynucleotides help support cellular repair mechanisms and may also have antioxidant properties, helping to neutralise free radicals that contribute to premature ageing.
In simple terms: they help the skin function more like healthier, younger skin. Which is considerably more useful than simply trying to blur everything with good lighting.
Are polynucleotides the same as skin boosters?
Not quite. Skin boosters such as Profhilo are primarily designed to deeply hydrate and plump the skin using hyaluronic acid. They are excellent for improving hydration, glow, skin texture, and mild laxity.
Polynucleotides work differently. While they also improve hydration, their primary focus is tissue repair, cellular regeneration, collagen stimulation, skin healing, and long-term skin quality improvement.
Another advantage is that polynucleotides can often be used in delicate areas such as the tear trough region, where some other treatments may not be suitable.
The results can take slightly longer to develop compared to skin boosters — but the regenerative benefits are often longer lasting. And importantly, the two treatments can work beautifully together.
What areas can be treated?
Polynucleotides are commonly used on:
- The face
- Under-eye area
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Hands
They are particularly popular for patients wanting subtle rejuvenation and improved skin quality without adding volume.
How many treatments are needed?
For best results, a course of treatment is usually recommended. At Radiant, the recommended protocol is typically 3–4 treatments, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Results continue to improve gradually as collagen stimulation and tissue repair develop over time.
Good skin regeneration is a slow burn — not an overnight miracle.
How much do polynucleotides cost?
At Radiant, we use Plinest, sourced from reputable approved pharmacies. Treatment pricing is as follows:
| First treatment | £280 |
| Second treatment | £250 |
| Third treatment | £220 |
| Consultation | Free |
Polynucleotides may sound like one of the more unusual developments in aesthetics — but the science behind them is genuinely exciting. Rather than simply masking signs of ageing, they work by supporting healthier skin function, regeneration, and repair from within. For patients wanting improved skin quality, subtle rejuvenation, better hydration, and long-term regenerative benefits, they are rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about treatments in modern aesthetics. Which means that, somewhat unexpectedly, salmon may now officially have a role in skincare beyond omega-3 supplements.