Polynucleotides vs Profhilo: Which Skin Treatment Is Right for You?
If you're researching skin quality treatments in London, two names come up again and again: Profhilo and polynucleotides. Both are injectable treatments aimed at improving the quality of your skin rather than adding volume, so it's easy to assume they are the same thing. They aren't. Here is how they differ and how to think about which might suit you.
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid treatment designed to hydrate the skin and gently remodel it. Rather than creating shape or projection, it spreads beneath the skin and is used to improve hydration, firmness and glow. It is commonly used on the face, neck and hands, and a typical course is two sessions about four weeks apart.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, often sourced from salmon, used to support the skin's own repair and renewal processes. They are usually chosen to improve skin quality, texture and fine lines, and because of how they behave in the tissue they can be used in delicate areas such as under the eyes. A course is commonly two to three sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart.
The key difference
In simple terms, Profhilo is mainly about hydration and remodelling, while polynucleotides are mainly about regeneration and repair. Neither is designed to add volume or change the shape of your face.
Which might suit you?
Profhilo may suit skin that looks dry, dull or a little slack, and areas such as the cheeks, neck and hands.
Polynucleotides may suit thinner, crepey or tired-looking skin, fine lines, and delicate areas such as the under-eyes.
The two can be combined in a treatment plan for suitable clients, because they work in different ways.
Neither replaces dermal filler if your main goal is restoring volume or reshaping.
What results can I expect?
Many people notice improved hydration and glow within a few weeks, while the benefits of regenerative treatments tend to build gradually over several weeks. Results vary from person to person, no outcome can be guaranteed, and how often you need maintenance depends on your skin and your goals.
Side effects and who should avoid them
Temporary swelling, tenderness, redness, bruising and small bumps at the injection sites are common and usually settle within a few days. Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and where there is an active infection or skin condition in the area being treated. Your suitability is always assessed at a consultation.
What does the research say?
Research on both treatments is still developing. Systematic reviews of polynucleotides describe promising improvements in skin quality with few side effects, but they also note that the studies are small, treatment protocols vary and there is no firm agreement yet on the best way to use them [1, 2]. Published safety reports for Profhilo draw on post-marketing data collected by its manufacturer. A 2020 analysis covering more than 40,000 treated patients described a favourable safety profile [4], and an update followed in 2025 [3]. Because that data comes from the manufacturer, it is worth reading with that in mind.
So which should you choose?
The honest answer is that it depends on your skin, your goals and your medical history, which is why a consultation matters. At Glow Face Aesthetic in King's Cross, London, we offer both polynucleotide treatments and Profhilo. Get in touch through our website to talk through what would suit you.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.
References
Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The effectiveness of polynucleotides in esthetic medicine: a systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(2):e16721. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16721
Alhussain AM, et al. Polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides for skin rejuvenation, postoperative scar prevention, and wound healing: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Cureus. 2026;18(7):e112403. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.112403
Salti G, Tateo A, Cassuto D, et al. Hyaluronic acid hybrid cooperative complexes nearing 10 years of use: update on safety assessment based on post-marketing surveillance data. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70197
Cassuto D, Delledonne M, Zaccaria G, et al. Safety assessment of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronans (Profhilo) as derived from worldwide postmarketing data. BioMed Research International. 2020;2020:8159047. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8159047
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