Skin quality is shaped by hydration levels, collagen production, lifestyle and the natural ageing process. Over time, the skin’s natural repair systems become slower. This can lead to dryness, fine lines, uneven skin tone, acne scars and changes in skin firmness. Modern regenerative aesthetics offers effective ways to support these changes, with two of today’s most popular options being Polynucleotides and Profhilo.
Both treatments improve skin hydration and encourage healthy collagen stimulation, yet they work through different biological pathways. Understanding these differences helps you choose the treatment suited to your goals and long term skin health.
What Are Skin Boosters?
Skin boosters are injectable treatments focused on improving the condition of the skin rather than adding volume. They work within the skin tissue to support:
- Increased skin hydration
- Enhanced collagen production
- Better elasticity and skin firmness
- Reduction in fine lines
- Smoother texture
- More even skin tone
- Enhanced luminosity
Skin boosters complement natural cell renewal and skin regeneration, making them helpful for acne scarring, pore size concerns, early skin laxity and lack of radiance.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are advanced skin regeneration treatments designed to improve tissue repair at a cellular level. They are made from purified DNA fragments that encourage:
- Activation of fibroblasts
- Collagen stimulation
- Cell regeneration
- Reduction of inflammation within skin tissue
- Increased skin firmness
- Long term dermal repair
They are particularly beneficial in delicate areas such as the under-eye region, where skin is thinner and more prone to early fine lines, pigmentation and crepiness. Polynucleotides are also used to support acne scars, uneven texture, pore size concerns and weakened skin structure.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is one of the most widely used skin boosters in aesthetic medicine and contains a very high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid. Unlike dermal fillers, its hyaluronic acid is engineered to spread across the skin tissue rather than create volume.
Profhilo helps to:
- Improve deep skin hydration
- Enhance overall glow
- Support collagen production and elastin
- Smooth fine lines caused by dehydration
- Improve skin tone
- Address mild skin laxity
Most people describe the results as fresher, dewier and more radiant looking skin.
Key Differences Between Polynucleotides and Profhilo
Although both treatments aim to improve overall skin health, they work in very different ways. Polynucleotides regenerate skin tissue by supporting cellular renewal and strengthening long term skin structure, while Profhilo infuses the skin with hyaluronic acid to improve hydration and encourage collagen and elastin. This difference in mechanism is why each treatment is suited to different concerns.
Polynucleotides are often chosen for issues affecting the under-eye region, including crepiness, textural changes, pore size concerns and acne scarring, as well as general tissue repair throughout the face. Profhilo, on the other hand, is most effective for individuals who want an overall glow, deeper hydration and improvement in mild skin laxity.
The type of results also varies between the two treatments. Polynucleotides work gradually, strengthening the skin through cell regeneration and dermal repair over time. Profhilo delivers visible radiance more quickly, particularly in skin that feels dehydrated or dull.
Placement differs as well. Polynucleotides are suitable for delicate areas such as the under-eye region where the skin is thinner and more sensitive to volume-based treatments. Profhilo is typically used across the mid-face, neck and hands to support hydration and overall skin quality.
In terms of treatment sessions, both polynucleotides and Profhilo are usually delivered as part of a planned series depending on your goals and the long term rejuvenation required.
Benefits of Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are valued for their ability to restore healthy function within the skin. Many individuals notice improvements in elasticity and firmness as the skin becomes more resilient. Texture gradually appears smoother, fine lines soften and the skin shows signs of strengthened tissue repair. Polynucleotides are particularly beneficial for acne scars, enlarged pores or uneven skin tone, as well as for those wanting long term support for cell renewal.
These regenerative properties make polynucleotides a compelling choice for individuals seeking gradual, restorative improvements that develop over time.
Benefits of Profhilo
Profhilo is known for its ability to deliver deep hydration and revitalise overall skin quality. With improvement in moisture levels, many people experience smoother skin and a reduction in lines associated with dehydration. Skin tone often appears more radiant and even, and collagen stimulation helps support early signs of laxity. The treatment is also appreciated for its ability to refine surface texture, creating a fresher, healthier appearance without adding volume or altering facial contours.
Profhilo is frequently chosen by those who want brighter, more luminous skin and a refreshed look that still feels natural.
Which Treatment Is Best for Your Skin Type?
Polynucleotides may be ideal for you if:
- You have crepey or fragile skin
- Your under-eye region is a key concern
- You experience acne scarring or textural changes
- You want long term regenerative improvement
- You prefer treatments focused on skin tissue repair
Profhilo may be better if:
- Your skin feels dry or looks dull
- You want fast improvement in skin hydration
- You would like a more luminous complexion
- You are concerned about mild skin laxity
- You want an all round skin rejuvenation boost
Some patients benefit from a combined approach, supporting both hydration and deeper structural repair.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Results from polynucleotide treatments tend to develop gradually, with improvements becoming more noticeable over a period of three to six months as the skin undergoes cell regeneration and tissue repair. Many individuals experience results that last between nine and twelve months, particularly when treatment is carried out as part of a planned series. With repeated sessions, the benefits can build progressively as the skin continues to strengthen and repair itself over time.
Profhilo behaves differently because of its hydration-first mechanism. Most people begin to notice a visible glow within a few weeks, followed by improvements in tone, softness and overall radiance. These results typically last around six to nine months, and the treatment is most effective when delivered as two sessions spaced according to clinical guidance.
Side Effects and Risks of Polynucleotides vs Profhilo
Both treatments are considered low risk when administered by trained medical practitioners. It is normal to experience temporary redness, mild swelling, pinpoint marks or slight tenderness at the injection sites, and these effects usually settle quickly. A consultation is important to assess your suitability, understand your skin tissue and establish a treatment plan that aligns with your skin’s needs and your desired outcome.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Your best option depends on your skin’s needs, your goals and the areas you want to treat.
At HAVA Aesthetics in Esher, Surrey, Dr Hadeel Nimaa creates personalised treatment plans that combine regenerative aesthetics with evidence based skin regeneration treatments. Her approach focuses on long term skin health by improving hydration, collagen production, cellular renewal and tissue repair across multiple layers of the skin.
If you are considering Polynucleotides, Profhilo or a combined plan, a consultation will help determine what will give you the healthiest, most natural looking improvements.
Back to blog
