Polynucleotides vs Profhilo: what's the difference?

Two skin-quality treatments, two different approaches

Polynucleotides and Profhilo are often mentioned together because both are injectable treatments that aim to improve the quality of your skin rather than change the shape of your face. Neither adds volume in the way a dermal filler does. But they are made from different things, work in different ways, and tend to suit slightly different concerns.

What is Profhilo?

Profhilo is a skin booster made from a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, a substance your skin already contains. Once injected, it spreads through the skin to improve hydration, glow and firmness.

• On the face, it is usually placed through five small injection points on each side.
• A typical course is two sessions about four weeks apart, sometimes three.
• It can also be used on the neck and some areas of the body.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are made from highly purified DNA fragments, usually derived from salmon or trout. They are used to support the skin’s own repair processes, with the aim of improving texture, elasticity and fine lines over time.

• They are placed with small injections across the treatment area.
• A typical course is three to four sessions, three to four weeks apart.
• They are often used for the delicate skin under the eyes, as well as the face more widely.

At a glance

	Profhilo	Polynucleotides
Made from	High-concentration hyaluronic acid	Purified DNA fragments (usually from fish)
Main aim	Hydration, glow and firmness	Skin repair, texture and elasticity
Common areas	Face, neck, some body areas	Face and under-eye area
Typical course	2 sessions, about 4 weeks apart	3 to 4 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart
Usual downtime	Small bumps for 24 to 48 hours	Small bumps for a day or two
Not suitable if	Pregnant, breastfeeding, or reactive to hyaluronic acid	Pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to fish

Both work gradually. Improvements build over the weeks after treatment rather than appearing straight away, and both usually involve maintenance sessions if you want to keep your results.

Which might suit you?

Every face is different, so this is only a rough guide:

• Profhilo is often considered where the main concerns are dehydrated, dull skin or mild loss of firmness on the face or neck.
• Polynucleotides are often considered for crepey or thin skin, uneven texture, and the under-eye area, where adding volume is not wanted.
• Redensity 1, another hyaluronic acid skin booster, may be an option for radiance and fine lines on the face and neck.

Sometimes treatments are combined as part of a longer plan. Sometimes the right advice is skincare and sun protection rather than injections. A consultation is the only way to know which, if any, is right for your skin.

Questions worth asking at your consultation

• What do you think is causing my skin concern?
• Which treatment would you suggest, and why?
• How many sessions are likely, and what will it cost overall?
• What are the risks and side effects for me specifically?
• What are my alternatives, including not having treatment?

Next steps

You can compare guide prices on our pricing page, or book a consultation in Boroughbridge or the Billingham area to talk through your options.