If you’re exploring skin boosters to restore hydration, improve skin quality, and turn back the clock on ageing, you’ve likely come across two of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetic medicine: Profhilo and polynucleotides.
Both are injectable treatments that work beneath the surface to rejuvenate your skin from within — but they do so in very different ways. So which one is right for you? In this guide, our expert practitioners at Dermathetics break down everything you need to know.
What Is Profhilo?
Profhilo is one of the most popular skin booster treatments available today. It contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the market — 64mg in a single syringe — delivered via a patented NAHYCO technology that combines both high- and low-molecular-weight HA.
Rather than adding volume like a dermal filler, Profhilo spreads beneath the skin to deliver deep hydration, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and improve overall skin laxity. It’s often described as a “bio-remodelling” treatment because it genuinely transforms the quality of your skin over time.
Best for: Skin hydration, mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines, crepey skin on the face, neck, and hands.
Treatment protocol: Two sessions, four weeks apart. Results typically last 6–9 months.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides (PNs) are a newer generation of skin booster derived from purified salmon DNA fragments. Brands such as Ameela, Plinest, and Nucleadyn have become increasingly popular in aesthetic clinics across Europe and the UK.
Polynucleotides work by activating your fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. They also have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them particularly effective for damaged or sensitised skin. Unlike HA-based treatments, PNs stimulate genuine tissue repair at a cellular level.
Best for: Skin regeneration, dark under-eye circles, acne scarring, pigmentation, ageing skin that needs deep repair rather than just hydration.
Treatment protocol: Three to four sessions, two to four weeks apart. Results build progressively and can last 6–12 months.
Profhilo vs Polynucleotides: Key Differences
While both treatments fall under the “skin booster” umbrella, they work through fundamentally different mechanisms:
| Feature | Profhilo | Polynucleotides |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Hyaluronic acid (64mg) | Purified salmon DNA fragments |
| Mechanism | Bio-remodelling — hydrates and stimulates collagen/elastin | Cellular regeneration — activates fibroblasts, repairs tissue |
| Sessions needed | 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart | 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart |
| Results last | 6–9 months | 6–12 months |
| Best for | Hydration, fine lines, skin laxity | Scarring, pigmentation, under-eye circles, deep repair |
| Downtime | Minimal — small bumps for 24–48 hours | Minimal — mild swelling for 1–2 days |
Can You Combine Both Treatments?
Absolutely — and many of our patients at Dermathetics do exactly that. Combining Profhilo and polynucleotides can give you the best of both worlds: deep hydration and bio-remodelling from Profhilo, plus cellular repair and regeneration from polynucleotides.
Your practitioner may recommend staggering the treatments a few weeks apart, or targeting different areas with each product (for example, Profhilo for the lower face and polynucleotides for the under-eye area).
During your consultation at our Farringdon clinic, we’ll assess your skin and create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your skin concerns and goals:
- Choose Profhilo if your main concern is dehydrated, dull skin, fine lines, or mild skin laxity. It’s an excellent “first step” into injectable skin treatments and delivers a beautiful, natural glow.
- Choose polynucleotides if you’re dealing with more specific concerns like acne scarring, pigmentation, dark circles, or skin that needs genuine repair and regeneration rather than just hydration.
- Choose both if you want comprehensive skin rejuvenation — many patients find that combining the two delivers transformative results that neither treatment achieves alone.
Book Your Skin Booster Consultation at Dermathetics
At Dermathetics Medical Aesthetics, our GMC and NMC certified practitioners specialise in advanced skin booster treatments including Profhilo and polynucleotides. We’ll help you choose the right treatment — or combination — for your unique skin.
We’re conveniently located at 8 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DE, just a 5-minute walk from Farringdon Station. We also offer flexible payment options through Klarna and ClearPay.
Ready to transform your skin? Book your consultation today or call us on 020 7362 0839.