Polynucleotides in Aesthetics: What Every Injector Should Know About This Regenerative Treatment

The science behind regenerative injectables

Polynucleotides are making waves in the world of aesthetic medicine — and for good reason. These naturally derived DNA fragments, typically sourced from salmon or trout, are a powerful form of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) therapy, used to promote deep skin regeneration. Often referred to in popular media as salmon sperm treatments, these injectables are derived from purified salmon DNA, which is highly biocompatible with human tissue.

While the term "salmon sperm" may raise eyebrows outside the clinical setting, in medical aesthetics it simply refers to highly refined DNA-based compounds that work on a cellular level to repair and rejuvenate the skin. The extraction process includes advanced filtration, sterilisation, and quality control to ensure safety, purity, and efficacy. These compounds have been used for decades in medical applications like wound healing, eye surgery, and tissue repair, well before they became known in aesthetics.

Unlike traditional volumising fillers, polynucleotides stimulate fibroblast activity, enhance skin hydration, improve tissue elasticity, and encourage the repair of damaged cells. As demand grows for regenerative, natural-looking outcomes over structural changes, polynucleotides are fast becoming a go-to biostimulator in aesthetic medicine — one that supports long-term skin health instead of temporary volume. For healthcare professionals, this shift represents a new category of treatment that bridges the gap between skin boosters and full volumisers.

Cellular stimulation, collagen support, and hydration

The mechanism of action is fundamentally different from HA-based fillers. Polynucleotides don’t simply sit in the skin and attract water; instead, they activate the body’s own regenerative processes. At a cellular level, PNs:

• Activate fibroblasts to stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Improve the extracellular matrix (ECM)
• Enhance hydration through natural skin pathways
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Promote angiogenesis, which supports tissue oxygenation
• Contribute to DNA repair in damaged cells

These regenerative injectables support dermal restructuring, making them ideal for patients seeking skin repair, improved tone and texture, and a refreshed appearance without added volume.

Treatment areas, patient profiles, and indications

Polynucleotides are highly versatile and well-tolerated, making them suitable for use across multiple treatment areas:

Ideal patients include:

• Younger patients seeking preventative skincare
• Individuals with early signs of ageing or environmental damage
• Patients recovering from procedures such as laser or microneedling

These skin repair treatments can be positioned as standalone protocols or integrated into comprehensive aesthetic plans.

Protocols, injection methods, and combining with other treatments

A good understanding of tissue anatomy and product behaviour is key to success. Treatment is usually carried out as a course of 3–4 sessions, spaced 2–3 weeks apart.

• Treatment Frequency and Patient Education
  Consistency matters. For optimal results, ensure patients understand the value of completing the full treatment course. Visible improvements often begin after the second session, with peak results showing at 6–8 weeks.
  

  Common injection techniques:

  • Micro-papular or intradermal blebs
  • Linear threading with a needle or cannula
  • Fanning techniques for broader coverage
• Combining PNs with Energy-Based Devices
  Polynucleotides also integrate well with treatments like microneedling, PRP, radiofrequency, and LED. A staggered or layered treatment plan often improves skin response while minimising downtime.
  

  Educate patients about how regenerative therapies work synergistically with other modalities to support holistic results over time.

Understanding brand options

Several clinically trusted marine-based skin rejuvenation products are available via Church Pharmacy, including:

Each differs in molecular weight, concentration, and indication — choose based on patient profile and treatment goals.

You can view the full portfolio of polynucleotide products here.

Clinical research

Clinical trials and observational studies show positive outcomes in skin elasticity enhancement, hydration, and dermal health following a course of polynucleotide injections. Though large-scale studies are still emerging, existing evidence is encouraging.

Use in Post-Procedure Recovery

Polynucleotides have shown excellent results in accelerating healing following ablative or semi-ablative treatments like fractional laser or RF microneedling. Reduced inflammation and enhanced re-epithelialisation are frequently reported.

Training options for healthcare professionals

Understanding the science is important, but mastering injection technique ensures clinical success. Church Pharmacy’s training covers:

• On-demand — Videos available anytime for revision or recap
• Hands-on training — practical workshops in London and Loughborough
• CPD accreditation

To learn more about the training workshops email their team at training@churchpharmacy.co.uk.

Polynucleotides are not a passing trend — they reflect an evolution in aesthetic medicine. As patient demand for regenerative, non-volumising treatments increases, these anti-aging injectables offer a clinically sound, patient-approved solution.

Whether you're just starting to explore their benefits or already integrating them into your clinic, continuing to learn and collaborate will ensure long-term success.