In short: Polynucleotides are highly purified fragments of DNA – long chains of the building blocks that also make up our own genetic material. When introduced into the skin, they stimulate fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen and elastin. The result is a gradual improvement in moisture, elasticity, and skin texture. They are obtained from natural sources – mostly from fish, which is why they are often referred to as „salmon DNA.».
Nucleotides are one of the biggest trends in modern skin medicine. And yet, hardly anyone understands what's precisely behind it. We'll go through it from the very beginning – as if you'd heard the term for the first time today.
The name sounds complicated – the idea is simple
„Poly» means many, and „nucleotides» are the basic building blocks of DNA. A polynucleotide is therefore a long chain of these building blocks – essentially a piece of purified genetic material.
This might sound strange at first. But your body is made up of exactly these molecules. They are not a synthetic foreign substance, but body-identical building blocks that provide the skin with two things: material and a signal. The material serves as building material, the signal awakens the skin's own repair cells.
Where does „salmon DNA» come from – and what's the deal with „salmon sperm»?
It's worth taking an honest look here, because terms like „salmon DNA treatment» or even „salmon sperm» are circulating online. Both sound spectacular - and both have a kernel of truth.
The DNA for polynucleotides is extracted from the seminal fluid (milt) of fish. This is particularly rich in easily processable DNA, hence the colloquial term „salmon sperm». Depending on the preparation, the DNA comes from salmon or from freshwater fish such as trout. The purification is then crucial: in an elaborate process, proteins that could trigger allergic reactions are removed. What remains is a pure, well-tolerated DNA fraction – a long way from the raw starting material.
In short: The terms „salmon DNA» and „salmon sperm» describe the origin, not the finished product. What goes into the skin is a sterile, highly purified active ingredient.
How polynucleotides work in the skin
The actual effect occurs on three levels:
You awaken the fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the building cells of your skin. They produce collagen, elastin, and your body's own hyaluronic acid. Over the years, they become fewer and work more slowly. Polynudeotides form a water-rich matrix in the tissue, which stimulates these cells and creates a favourable environment for them. The result: more activity, firmer, and denser skin.
2. They bind moisture. Due to their structure, polynucleotides attract water. This makes the skin appear plumper and fuller from within – without any external volume being added.
3. They calm and protect. Polynucleotides have antioxidant properties and dampen inflammatory responses. This offers a double benefit for sensitive or irritated skin.
Because a real transformation process is being initiated here, the result won't be apparent overnight, but will build up over weeks – and will last correspondingly longer.
In brief: Polynukleotide and PDRN
When reading, you sometimes come across the abbreviation PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide). PDRN and polynucleotides are often used synonymously. Strictly speaking, they differ in the length and fraction of the DNA chains. PDRN was already approved in Italy in 1994 for wound healing – this led to its current use in skin rejuvenation. For you as a patient, the origin and purity are primarily relevant, less so the exact abbreviation.
The uses of polynucleotides
The area of application is broad because it's about skin quality and not a single wrinkle:
- Dry, dull skin that has lost its radiance
- Fine lines and early loss of elasticity
- uneven skin texture and enlarged pores
- the delicate skin of the Eye area and dark circles
- the improvement of Scar tissue
Important for classification: Polynucléotides are not a filler. They do not create artificial volume, but rather improve the skin from within. If you want to know how this compares to hyaluronic acid, read our comparison. Polynucleotides or hyaluron.
How the treatment proceeds
Polynucleotides are introduced into the skin with a very fine needle, either as small depots or fine lines, depending on the area. Because the skin is intended to work itself, a short series is usually recommended, often three sessions spaced about two weeks apart. After that, occasional touch-ups are generally sufficient.
The session itself is brief. Afterwards, the skin may be temporarily red or show small wheals that subside quickly. As with any injection, short-term reactions such as mild swelling or tenderness are possible. In studies, tolerability has been good, with serious side effects rarely reported.
In the alestetics® In a clinic in Zurich we work with PolyPhil™. Whether polynucleotides are the right choice for you or rather the moisture complex NCTF®, let's clarify in the free AURA 3D Skin Analysis.
Read on
- Polynucleotides or hyaluronic acid: what is better for skin quality?
- Plinest, PolyPhil, Rejuran, Nucleofill: the brands compared
- Nucleotides: Authorisation in Europe, Korea, USA and Russia
Polynukleotide sind lange Ketten von kleineren Einheiten, die Nukleotide genannt werden. Man kann sie sich wie Perlen auf einer Schnur vorstellen, wobei jede Perle ein Nukleotid ist. Diese Polynukleotide sind sehr wichtig für alle Lebewesen. Die bekanntesten Beispiele sind DNA und RNA.
They are long, purified chains of DNA building blocks. Introduced into the skin, they stimulate the skin's own repair cells to produce more collagen and moisture. This improves the quality of the skin from the inside.
Are polynucleotides really from salmon sperm?
The DNA is obtained from the seminal fluid of fish, often salmon or trout – hence the expression. It is then highly purified. The finished preparation contains only the pure, well-tolerated DNA fraction.
Are polynucleotides a filler?
No. Polynuclotides are a skin booster that stimulates cell activity. They do not create artificial volume or shape contours like a cross-linked hyaluronic filler.
How often do you need to refresh polynucleotides?
A starting course of about three sessions is usually recommended, followed by occasional top-ups. The exact rhythm depends on the skin's condition.
Are polynucleotides suitable for a fish allergy?
If you have a known fish allergy, caution is advised. You should always mention this before treatment so that suitability can be assessed individually.
