Polynucleotides Is The Skin Treatment That Top Celebrities Are Whispering About
If you haven’t heard of polynucleotides yet, prepare to have your girlfriend group chat pinging galore. Already the word on every beauty insider’s lips, this buzzy injectable is quietly becoming the treatment to know – and trust us, it’s about to go fully mainstream. We spoke to a leading aesthetic doctor and top facialist to find out more.
What are polynucleotides (and why is everyone suddenly obsessed)?
Polynucleotides are naturally derived molecules (often from salmon DNA – yes, it’s a thing) that work deep within the skin to repair, regenerate, and boost collagen production. Think of them as tiny messengers telling your cells to wake up, repair damage, and give you that bouncy, juicy glow. Unlike filler, which plumps, or Botox, which freezes, polynucleotides focus on quality over quantity – improving texture, hydration, and overall skin health from the inside out.
Why are they having a moment?
We’re all striving for naturally radiant-looking skin, and polynucleotides are the poster child for that glowy, not-done aesthetic. With everyone craving that glassy Hailey Bieber complexion, skin health is officially in. Polynucleotides are already a staple in South Korea and Italy – two countries that basically wrote the rulebook on looking effortlessly chic – and now the UK is catching on.
The best beauty tweaks are the ones that make people say, ‘You look amazing’, not ‘What have you had done?’ – and that’s exactly where polynucleotides shine.
Dr. Sophie Shotter
Who are polynucleotides for?
If you’re 30+ and starting to clock those first whispers of fine lines and dullness, polynucleotides have your name all over them. They’re especially brilliant if you’re not quite ready for filler or Botox but want to future-proof your face. But don’t be fooled – they’re not just a pre-emptive treatment. They work wonders on tired, stressed-out skin that needs a full refresh without making you look like you’ve had ‘work’ done.
What does the treatment involve?
It’s a series of small, superficial injections across the face (or neck, or even under-eyes). The whole thing takes around 30 minutes, with minimal downtime – think tiny pinpricks and maybe a bit of puffiness for 24 hours. Pain-wise?
It’s more uncomfortable than excruciating – like someone flicking you lightly with a rubber band. Three sessions spaced a few weeks apart are usually recommended, with results getting better over time. The glow peaks around three months in and lasts for up to nine months.
Polynucleotides are biostimulators… more like food or medicine for the cells, making them produce collagen and elastin in a more meaningful way.
Dr. Sophie Shotter
Polynucleotides vs. Botox
If you’re weighing up which one you should have, don’t think of them as rivals but more beauty besties. You can have both if you’re really game.
While Botox freezes muscle movement to prevent wrinkles, polynucleotides work on the skin itself, making it plumper, firmer, and more hydrated. The two actually pair perfectly if you’re after a smoother forehead with dewy, glowy skin to match.
Who does the treatment suit best?
Everyone, and at any age. Whether you want skin brightening or need to manage skin issues such as inflammation, pigmentation, and dehydrated skin.
It’s also worth noting polynucleotides is particularly effective on Asian and Indian skin tones that often suffer from uneven skin tone.
A-list facialist Vaishaly Patel
How to find the right practitioner
Look for an aesthetics practitioner who specialises in skin boosters or regenerative treatments – preferably someone who talks more about skin health than snatched faces! Instagram is your friend here – stalk their work, check reviews, and always book a consultation first. If they promise instant results, they’re lying!
Here are some practitioners we recommend:
1. Dr Maryam Zamani
110 Kings Road, London, United Kingdom SW3 4TX
www.drmaryamzamani.com
2. Dr Alexis Granite
259 Pavilion Rd, Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP
www.dralexisgranite.com
3. Dr Yannis Alexandrides
111 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom W1G 6AW
www.111harleystreet.com
4. Dr. Ash Soni
1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, GB W1B 1JA
www.thesoniclinic.com
5. Facialist Vaishaly Patel
51 Paddington Street, Marylebone, Westminster, United Kingdom W1U 4HR
www.vaishaly.com
6. Dr Sophie Shotter
10 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom W1G 9PF
www.drsophieshotter.com
