By Dr Sabika Karim 30th November 2024
I love polynucleotides, they have truly earned their place in the aesthetic treatment toolkit, however there has been a lot of talk and press around their skin improvement benefits. Whilst we agree, the immediate results are excellent are Polynucleotides the best choose of treatment when looking at long-lasting skin improvement? Read on to hear my thoughts.
Polynucleotides injectable treatments, also known as the ‘salmon sperm facial’, are an exciting new option for patients looking for skin rejuvenation. Polynucleotides treatments are designed to rejuvenate and repair the skin from within. Derived from natural DNA fragments (What the ‘Salmon Sperm’ headlines are referring too), these injections work to hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, and stimulate cell regeneration.
The treatment has become popular option compared to other skin boosters but especially within one area of concern – the under eye area. Due to the consistency of the product, Dr Sabika can apply relatively small amounts of polynucleotide gel to rehydrate, and lift the appearance of the skin reducing the appearance of dark circles or hollow under eyes.
Polynucleotides offer impressive hydration and skin-quality improvements but it is also important to note that they have been proven to improve the skin through repair and maintenance, targeting free radicals and generally improving the quality of the skin. Whilst we’ve seen these results in clinic at Skin Medical. It is important to consider the longer term effects, and what you as the patient are looking for when it comes to skin rejuvenation. For those seeking deeper, longer-term improvements in volume and collagen production, biostimulating fillers may offer a more comprehensive solution. Let’s dive into the various options.
Honestly, this is just a headline created to generate buzz around the treatment category. The quirky nickname stems from the use of salmon-derived DNA in polynucleotide treatments. Wild Salmon DNA is prized for its biocompatibility and regenerative properties. While it might sound unusual, it’s a safe and scientifically proven approach that has been gaining popularity in aesthetic clinics worldwide. No salmon was harmed in the making of these products either, they are a bi-product of the food industry.
While polynucleotides are an incredible option for improving skin texture, tone, and hydration with limited downtime and an immediate effects. They might not be the best choice if you’re looking for more long lasting skin improvement and collagen stimulation.
If you are really looking to wind back the clock, replace lost volume and generate great skin quality you should consider bio-stimulating or collagen stimulation treatments. Three options we love at Skin Medical are Ellansé, Lanluma and Juliane all three have their own unique benefits. Ellanse gives you an immediate lift and volumisation, whilst also generating type-1 collagen (the best kind) over a period of 3-6 months. The overall results can last more then 18 months and this come with a great improvement in skin quality. Lanluma can be used for the face and body, and provides a natural collagen stimulation over 3 months using PLLA which you may of heard of before (Sculptra). Julaine stimulates collagen production, delivering gradual, natural-looking results over time. Julaine effectively targets areas like the face, neck, arms, and décolleté to promote long-term improvements in skin appearance and elasticity.
It is important to remember everyone has their individual treatment needs/wants and you have lots of options! Whilst Polynucleotides offer brilliant immediate results for sort after concerns like in the under eye area. The results have been compared to other skin booster treatments, especially Profhilo. Now whilst the effects can be similar in terms of skin quality improvement, hydration, they work in areas where Profhilo wouldn’t be effective, such as the lips and in that tricky dark circle / under eye area.
There are also other alternatives, collagen stimulating treatments as discussed, but also; traditional HA fillers, PRF, Microneedling with Secret RF (especially if you have some acne scarring or depression of the skin). There are also more non-invasive treatment options such as chemical peels and other laser treatments which can achieve that glowing, healthy skin.
Often this means combining different options to achieve optimal, natural-looking results. A tailored approach is essential, and that starts with a consultation to assess your unique concerns and determine the best combination of treatments for you. If you are looking to learn more about Polynucleotides, or the other treatments discussed in this and other latest articles on Lanluma and Ellanse, contact the team at Skin Medical to discuss your next steps for a consultation.
We have patients come from far and wide for our Polynucleotide treatments. We are easy to reach from London and the surrounding areas; Middlesex, Herefordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.