What are polynucleotides? Effects, origin and process

In short: Polynucleotides are highly purified fragments of DNA – long chains of the building blocks that also make up our own genetic material. When introduced into the skin, they stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin. The result is a gradual improvement in moisture, elasticity, and skin texture. They are obtained from a natural source – usually fish, which is why they are often referred to as "salmon DNA.".

Polynucleotides are one of the biggest trends in aesthetic medicine, yet few people know how they actually work. Let's walk through the basics from scratch — as if you heard the term for the first time today.

The name sounds complicated – the idea is simple

"Poly" means many, and "nucleotides" are the basic building blocks of DNA. A polynucleotide is therefore a long chain of these building blocks – essentially a piece of purified genetic material.

This may sound strange at first. But your body is made up of exactly these molecules. They are not synthetic foreign substances, but body-like building blocks that provide the skin with two things: material and a signal. The material serves as a building material, the signal awakens the skin's own repair cells.

Where does "salmon DNA" come from – and what is the deal with "salmon sperm"?

It's worth taking an honest look here, because terms like "salmon DNA treatment" or even "salmon sperm" are circulating online. Both sound spectacular – and both have a kernel of truth.

The DNA for polynucleotides is obtained from fish milt. This is particularly rich in highly usable DNA, hence the popular term "salmon sperm." Depending on the preparation, the DNA comes from salmon or from European freshwater fish such as trout. The crucial next step is purification: in a complex process, proteins that could trigger allergic reactions are removed. What remains is a pure, well-tolerated DNA fraction – a far cry from the raw starting material.

In short: The terms "salmon DNA" and "salmon sperm" describe the origin, not the finished product. What goes into the skin is a sterile, highly purified active ingredient.

How polynucleotides work in the skin

The real effect occurs on three levels:

1. You awaken the fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the construction cells of your skin. They produce collagen, elastin and your body's own hyaluronic acid. Over the years, they become fewer and work more slowly. Polynuctides form a water-rich scaffold in the tissue, which stimulates these cells and creates a favourable environment for them. The result: more activity, firmer and denser skin.

2. They retain moisture. Due to their structure, polynucleotides attract water. This makes the skin appear plumper and look filled from within – without any volume being added from the outside.

3. You calm and protect. Polynucleotides have antioxidant properties and dampen inflammatory responses. For sensitive or irritated skin, this offers a dual benefit.

Because a real transformation process is being initiated here, the result won't be apparent overnight, but will build up over weeks – and will therefore last longer.

In brief: Polynucleotides and PDRN

When reading, you may sometimes come across the abbreviation PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide). PDRN and polynucleotides are often used synonymously. Strictly speaking, they differ in the length and fraction of the DNA chains. PDRN was already approved in Italy in 1994 for wound healing – this led to its current use in skin rejuvenation. For you as a patient, the origin and purity are most important, rather than the exact abbreviation.

The uses of polynucleotides

The range of application is broad, as it concerns skin quality and not a single wrinkle.

• Dehydrated, sallow skin that has lost its freshness
• Fine lines and early signs of loss of elasticity
• uneven skin texture and Enlarged pores
• the delicate skin of the Eye area and dark circles
• the improvement of Scar tissue

Important for context: Polynukleotides are not a filler. They do not create artificial volume but rather improve the skin from within. If you want to know how this compares to hyaluronic acid, read our comparison. Polynucleotides or hyaluron.

How the treatment proceeds

We inject polynucleotides into the skin with a very fine needle — as tiny deposits or fine lines, depending on the area. Because your skin does the rebuilding itself, we usually recommend a short course of three sessions spaced about two weeks apart, followed by occasional touch-ups.

The session itself is brief. Afterwards, the skin may be temporarily red or show small welts, which recede quickly. As with any injection, short-term reactions such as mild swelling or tenderness are possible. In studies, the tolerability was good; serious side effects were rarely reported.

In the alestetics® At our clinic in Zurich, we work with PolyPhil™. Whether polynucleotides are right for you or the moisture complex NCTF®, we will clarify in the free AURA 3D skin analysis.

Read on

• Polynucleotides or hyaluronic acid: which is better for skin quality?
• Plinest, PolyPhil, Rejuran, Nucleofill: the brands compared
• Polynucleotides: Approval in Europe, Korea, USA and Russia