TITULO polinucleotidos
🧬 Polynucleotides (PN / PDRN)
Complete guide to the regenerative treatment that uses salmon DNA to rejuvenate skin, treat dark circles, hair loss and acne scars.
🧬 Salmon DNA in your face? The truth about the treatment revolutionising Korean skin
"Are you telling me you're going to inject salmon sperm into my face? Isn't that… weird?"
Yes, technically it's true. Polynucleotides are extracted from the gonads (reproductive organs) of salmon. But no, you won't grow scales, you won't smell like fish and you won't grow a tail.
What you will be injected with is a purified, sterilised and ultrafiltered molecule that acts as a super-activator of cellular repair. In South Korea, polynucleotides are the star treatment for achieving that "glass skin" that seems impossible.
1️⃣ Regenerates, doesn't fill → They don't add volume like hyaluronic acid, but improve texture, luminosity and elasticity.
2️⃣ Progressive results → Effects are seen in weeks. Patience pays off.
3️⃣ Natural origin → Highly purified salmon DNA, biocompatible and safe.
4️⃣ Versatile and powerful → Works for skin, dark circles, alopecia, acne scars, neck and hands.
🔍 Use the table of contents to resolve all your questions: what they are, where they come from, whether they smell like fish, whether they hurt, whether they work and whether they are worth it.
📑 Table of Contents
Polynucleotides are purified fragments of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) used in aesthetic medicine to stimulate cell regeneration and improve skin quality. They are chains of nucleotides (the pieces that make up DNA and RNA) that act as biological signalling molecules.
Their function: they tell your cells "repair, regenerate, hydrate, reduce inflammation". It's like giving them an updated instruction manual.
Yes, it's true. Polynucleotides are extracted from the gonads (testicles) of salmon. Why from there? Because reproductive cells have a very high concentration of DNA (they need a lot of genetic information to create a new being). It's the purest and most concentrated source of DNA.
Technically yes, they inject fragments of salmon DNA. But that DNA does not integrate into your genome (you don't become half salmon). Your body recognises it as "building material" and uses it to repair and regenerate tissue. It's like being given bricks to fix your house: the bricks don't become part of your genetic structure.
Salmon DNA has a composition very similar to human DNA, but with an extra advantage: it's rich in adenine and thymine, the bases that most stimulate cell repair. In addition, using human DNA would have theoretical risks of diseases (prions, viruses). Salmon DNA is biocompatible but immunologically neutral.
No. Stem cells are living cells that can differentiate into other cell types. Polynucleotides are molecules (bits of DNA), not cells. They activate your own stem cells (the ones you already have in your skin, hair follicle, etc.), but they are not stem cells themselves.
| Characteristic | PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) | PN (Polynucleotide) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain length | Shorter | Longer | |
| Structure | Fragmented | Complex, three-dimensional | |
| Primary action | Cell repair | Biostimulation + structural support | |
| Duration of effect | More immediate | More prolonged | |
| Clinical focus | Repair, recovery | Rejuvenation, skin quality |
| Characteristic | Hyaluronic Acid | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A sugar | DNA fragments |
| Mechanism | Attracts water (fills) | Regenerates cells |
| Result | Immediate volume | Improved skin quality |
| Duration | 6-18 months | 3-6 months (cumulative effect) |
| Reversible | Yes (hyaluronidase) | No (but doesn't form lumps) |
| Characteristic | PRP | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Your own blood | Purified salmon DNA |
| Standardisation | Variable (depends on your blood) | High (consistent product) |
| Procedure | Extraction + centrifugation + injection | Direct injection |
| Efficacy | Variable, mild to moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Maintenance | Every 4-6 months | Every 6-12 months |
Source: Capilderm
| Characteristic | Sculptra (PLLA) | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Controlled inflammation → collagen | Direct cell regeneration |
| Result | Structural volume | Skin quality (texture, hydration, glow) |
| Lump risk | Real (mandatory massage) | Very rare |
| Duration | 18-24 months | 3-6 months (cumulative) |
Polynucleotides are injected with a fine needle (30-32G) into the superficial dermis, using the mesotherapy technique:
- Multiple punctures (deposits) 0.5-1 cm apart
- Small drops (0.02-0.05 ml per point)
- Systematic coverage of the entire area to be treated
It is not injected in a single bolus like HA filler. It is distributed so that regeneration is homogeneous.
Polynucleotides sting more than HA because:
- Most brands don't contain anaesthetic
- They are injected at multiple points (not just one)
- The superficial dermis is more innervated than the deep dermis
Anaesthetic cream can be used 30-40 minutes before. With anaesthesia, discomfort is minimal. Without anaesthesia, it feels like small pinches or ant bites.
| Objective | Initial sessions | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 sessions | 3-4 weeks | |
| 3-4 sessions | 3-4 weeks | |
| 3-4 sessions | 3-4 weeks | |
| 4-6 sessions | 4 weeks | |
| 4-6 sessions | 3-4 weeks |
Source: PamiDerm
- Days 1-3: Mild swelling, small red dots
- Week 1-2: Skin starts to look more hydrated
- Week 4 (after 1st session): Mild improvement
- Week 8-12 (after 2-3 sessions): Significant improvement (texture, pores, glow)
- 6 months: Peak cumulative effect
A single session lasts 3-4 months. A full cycle of 3-4 sessions can last 8-12 months. Duration varies according to metabolism and lifestyle. Maintenance is recommended every 6-12 months.
✔️ They are biocompatible and well tolerated by the skin.
✔️ Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
✔️ No serious side effects have been described in the medical literature.
✔️ Risk of necrosis or blindness is practically zero (unlike HA).
Side effects are mild and temporary:
- Redness at injection points (24-48 hours)
- Mild swelling (24-48 hours)
- Small bruises or red dots (petechiae) that disappear in 3-7 days
- Mild local pain during injection
- Infection risk: less than 1% if sterility is maintained
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: No safety studies
- Known allergy to salmon (with caution, not always contraindicated)
- Active infection in the area to be treated (herpes, folliculitis)
- Active autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) → consult rheumatologist
- Treatment with Roaccutane (isotretinoin): wait at least 6 months
- Active chemotherapy: consult oncologist
Necrosis due to vascular occlusion (the big fear with HA) is almost impossible with polynucleotides because:
- They are injected into the superficial dermis, where there are no large arteries
- They are injected in small drops, not in boluses
- The product is fluid, not dense like HA
The theoretical risk exists (any injection has risk), but in practice there are no documented cases of necrosis or blindness from polynucleotides.
| Brand | Active ingredient | Origin | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plinest (formerly Nucleofill) | PDRN + HA | Italy | The most famous. PDRN + non-crosslinked HA |
| Rejuran | PDRN | South Korea | The original. PDRN only |
| Healer | PDRN | South Korea | Similar to Rejuran |
| PhilArt | PN (polynucleotide) | South Korea | High molecular weight, longer lasting |
| Phenhyage XL | Polynucleotides | Italy | Pure salmon DNA |
| Treatment | Price per session |
|---|---|
| Plinest (1 syringe) | £220-350 |
| Rejuran (1 syringe) | £270-450 |
| Full eye contour session | £180-300 |
| Full face session | £350-600 |
| Full cycle (3 sessions) | £900-1800 |
A complete treatment can cost between £550 and £900 per year.
HA is produced by bacterial fermentation (a relatively cheap process). Polynucleotides require:
- Extraction from salmon gonads
- Complex chemical purification
- Strict quality control (to remove proteins and unwanted DNA)
- Standardisation of fragment length
They are more expensive to manufacture, but compared to the cost of 3 laser sessions, they are not that expensive.
| Action | Waiting time |
|---|---|
| 6-8 hours | |
| 6-8 hours | |
| 24-48 hours | :| 1 week
| 1 week | 24 hours | 1 week | |
To avoid infection, wait at least 6-8 hours. If absolutely necessary, use new (uncontaminated) makeup and apply with clean brushes or washed fingers. Better the next day.
Yes. Unlike HA filler (which can migrate), polynucleotides are injected at multiple superficial points and fix quickly. There is no risk of migration when sleeping.
Purified DNA fragments (usually from salmon) that regenerate skin at a cellular level, improving hydration, texture and luminosity.
Yes, from salmon gonads (testicles). It's the most concentrated source of DNA. But the final product is so purified it doesn't smell or taste like fish.
Very rare because the product contains no fish proteins (the cause of the allergy). If your allergy is severe, consult your allergist.
Dehydrated, dull skin, enlarged pores, irregular texture, dark circles with thin skin, ageing neck and décolletage, alopecia, superficial acne scars.
No. They don't fill wrinkles or lips. They improve skin quality, not volume.
3-4 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart for a full cycle. Then 1-2 maintenance sessions per year.
Progressive improvement. Hydration is noticeable at 2-3 weeks. Peak effect is reached at 6 months after the full cycle.
Single session: 3-4 months. Full cycle: 8-12 months.
Yes, more than HA because it's injected at multiple superficial points. Anaesthetic cream can be used.
No, but since they don't create lumps or excess volume, it's not necessary. If you don't like the result, wait for it to degrade (3-6 months).
Lumps are almost non-existent (unlike Sculptra). Necrosis is extremely rare because they are injected in small drops into the superficial dermis.
No. No safety studies.
Between £220 and £600 depending on the area and brand. A full cycle can cost £900-1800.
No. Only a licensed doctor. It's an invasive medical procedure.
Yes, it's an excellent combination: HA for volume, polynucleotides for skin quality.
Yes, injected into the scalp they stimulate hair follicles and improve hair quality. 4-6 sessions are needed.
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