Polynucleotide vs Profhilo: Which Skin Booster Is Right for You?

Skin boosters have become one of the most popular ways to improve skin quality without surgery, and two names come up again and again: polynucleotide treatment and Profhilo. Both are injectable skin rejuvenation treatments that work beneath the surface to improve hydration, elasticity and overall texture, but they are not the same thing, and choosing between them depends on your skin’s needs.

At Health Excel, Dr Leonardo Fasano offers both treatments across our London and Birmingham clinics. This guide explains how each one works, where they differ, and how to decide which is right for you.

What Is Polynucleotide Treatment?

Polynucleotide treatment uses purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon sperm, to stimulate the skin’s own repair processes. These molecules encourage fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, while also improving hydration and reducing inflammation at a cellular level.

The result is skin that looks genuinely healthier rather than simply plumper. Polynucleotides are particularly well suited to thin, fragile or sun-damaged skin, and are often used under the eyes, on the neck, and on areas that have lost elasticity through ageing or previous treatments. You can read more on our polynucleotide treatment page.

What Is Profhilo?

Profhilo is a bio-remodelling treatment built around a very high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, it is not designed to add volume or shape specific features. Instead, it spreads beneath the skin to deliver intense hydration and stimulate collagen and elastin production, gradually improving firmness and radiance over several weeks.

Profhilo is typically given as a course of two sessions, four weeks apart, and is popular for the face, neck, hands and décolletage. Full details are available on our Profhilo treatment page.

Key Differences Between Polynucleotide Treatment and Profhilo

How They Work

Profhilo works primarily through hyaluronic acid, drawing in and retaining moisture while stimulating collagen through slow, sustained release. Polynucleotides work more directly on tissue repair, activating the cells that regenerate skin and reduce inflammation, which makes them particularly effective for skin that is thin, reactive or compromised.

Best Suited Skin Types

Profhilo tends to suit skin that is generally healthy but has started to lose firmness and glow, often in patients in their thirties to fifties looking for a natural refresh. Polynucleotides are often recommended for more delicate or problematic skin, including under-eye areas prone to dark circles and puffiness, acne-prone or scarred skin, and skin that has become fragile after previous cosmetic procedures or sun exposure.

Downtime and Sensation

Both treatments involve a series of small injections and cause minimal downtime. Some patients find polynucleotides slightly more comfortable, as the formulation tends to disperse more gently, though individual experience varies. Mild swelling or small bumps at injection points are normal with both treatments and settle within a day or two.

Results Timeline

Profhilo results tend to build visibly over the two-session course, with skin looking noticeably firmer and more hydrated within four to eight weeks. Polynucleotide results often appear more gradually, as the treatment focuses on longer-term tissue repair rather than immediate plumping, though many patients notice improved skin texture and tone within a few weeks of their course.

Can They Be Combined?

Yes. Many patients benefit from combining polynucleotides and Profhilo, or from using either alongside other treatments such as dermal fillers, to address different concerns at once. For example, polynucleotides might be used to improve the delicate under-eye area, while Profhilo addresses overall facial hydration and firmness. Dr Fasano assesses each patient individually to recommend the combination that will deliver the most natural, effective results. If you are also considering adding volume or contour, our dermal fillers may complement either treatment.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

As a general guide:

• Choose Profhilo if your main concern is overall skin laxity, dehydration and a loss of radiance across the face or neck
• Choose polynucleotide treatment if you have thin, fragile or reactive skin, stubborn under-eye concerns, or are recovering from sun damage, scarring or previous treatments
• Consider a combination if you want to address multiple concerns in one treatment plan

Both treatments are safe, well-tolerated and backed by a growing body of clinical evidence, but the right choice always depends on your individual skin, goals and medical history.

Are These Treatments Safe?

Both polynucleotide treatment and Profhilo are well established, minimally invasive procedures with strong safety profiles when carried out by a suitably trained practitioner. As with any injectable treatment, mild redness, swelling or small bumps at the injection sites are common in the first day or two, and rare side effects such as bruising or a temporary lump can occur.

A thorough consultation beforehand is essential. Dr Fasano reviews your medical history, current skincare routine and any previous treatments before recommending either option, ensuring the plan is appropriate and safe for your individual skin.

Book a Consultation with Dr Fasano

The best way to decide between polynucleotide treatment and Profhilo is a proper skin assessment. Dr Leonardo Fasano offers consultations at Health Excel’s clinics in London and Birmingham, where he will examine your skin and recommend the treatment, or combination of treatments, best suited to your goals.

To find out which option is right for you, get in touch with our team today.