Polynucleotides: the treatment everyone is talking about

If you have spent any time on beauty TikTok or Instagram this year, you have probably seen polynucleotides mentioned. Practitioners love them, celebrities hint at them, and clinics have added them to menus across the UK. So what are they, really?

What they are, in plain English

Polynucleotides are injectable treatments made from purified DNA fragments, most commonly derived from salmon. That sounds strange at first, but the idea is simple: rather than filling or freezing, they aim to support the skin's own renewal processes. Think of them less as an instant change and more as an investment in how your skin behaves over time.

This is why you will often hear them described as “regenerative” treatments and grouped with skin boosters rather than with dermal fillers. The goal is not to change your features. It is to improve skin quality: hydration, elasticity, texture, and overall bounce.

Why they have become so popular

The rise of polynucleotides fits a bigger shift in aesthetics. After a decade defined by volume and dramatic change, many people now want something subtler: skin that looks healthy and rested rather than visibly “done”. Polynucleotides sit perfectly in that space. The most requested areas are under the eyes, where skin is thin and often looks tired, along with the face, neck, and hands.

What to expect

This is not a one and done treatment. Most practitioners recommend a course, commonly two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with maintenance sessions afterwards. Results build gradually over weeks rather than appearing overnight. Downtime is usually minimal, with possible small bumps, redness, or bruising at injection points for a day or two.

Indicative UK pricing varies widely by area and practitioner, but expect somewhere in the region of £150 to £400 per session, with courses priced accordingly.

The considerations nobody puts in the caption

A few honest points to weigh up. First, results are gradual and subtle, so if you are looking for a dramatic, immediate change, this may not be the treatment for you, and a good practitioner will say so. Second, because polynucleotides are typically derived from fish, they are not suitable for people with fish allergies, and anyone following a vegan lifestyle may want to ask about alternatives. Third, as with any injectable, the skill and standards of the person holding the needle matter more than the product itself.

Questions worth asking a practitioner

What results would be realistic for my skin? How many sessions would I need, and what is the total cost of a course? What product do you use, and why? What is your training and experience with this treatment? What happens if I simply do nothing?

That last question is a good test. A practitioner who answers it honestly, and treats “doing nothing” as a valid option, is the kind of practitioner worth trusting.