If you’re asking ‘what are polynucleotides?’ then you’ve come to the right place!
A fairly new treatment in aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides, also known as the ‘salmon sperm facial’, play a key role in stimulating cellular activity, promoting collagen production and facilitating skin rejuvenation.
Predominantly using salmon DNA, they have emerged as a revolutionary treatment, offering an effective solution for a range of skin and scalp concerns.
They are one of the biggest topics in the aesthetics industry at the moment. Aside from rejuvenating the skin, polynucleotides are also known for their wound-healing capabilities and bio-stimulating properties. This means they can help with both the anti-ageing process whilst also helping to reduce blemishes and acne scarring.
To shed light on this growing topic, we’ll be answering the questions ‘what are polynucleotides’, ‘how do polynucleotides work’ and ‘what results can I expect with the treatment’ to help you make an informed decision about choosing this treatment.
Let’s get started.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are a type of regenerative injectable treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin naturally. They consist of long chains of nucleotides which are the essential building blocks of DNA and RNA which play a key role in cell repair and tissue regeneration.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume instantly, polynucleotides stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes at a cellular level. When injected into the skin in a series of treatments, they help repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation.
One of their key functions is activating fibroblast cells. These cells are responsible for producing collagen and elastin – two proteins that are essential for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. This leads to long-term improvements in both skin texture and skin tone.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
Polynucleotides work by stimulating fibroblast activity in the dermal layer of the skin, triggering the production of collagen and elastin. In turn, this improves skin repair, accelerates cell turnover, and improves elasticity over time.
In addition to regeneration, polynucleotides reduce inflammation and regulate melanocyte activity, helping to balance pigmentation and create a more even skin tone.
Their unique molecular structure allows them to attract and bind water molecules, delivering deep hydration that improves tissue elasticity and skin quality. They also provide antioxidant protection, counteracting damage from environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution.
Sourced from highly purified DNA fractions, typically derived from salmon trout gonads, polynucleotides supply the skin with essential building blocks for repair and renewal. By creating an environment for cellular regeneration, they offer an effective solution for long-term skin rejuvenation.
Beyond the skin, polynucleotides are also highly effective for scalp and hair health. Within our LASE Intense Hair range, polynucleotides are used to treat thinning hair and alopecia, working to stimulate the scalp and encourage healthy hair growth.
We also combine polynucleotides with other bio-stimulating treatments to create targeted, bespoke solutions for each individual, whether that’s addressing deep lines, dull skin, or hair loss.
Key uses of Polynucleotides:
- Skin rejuvenation & anti-ageing – Improves fine lines, and wrinkles
- Scalp & hair regrowth – Treats thinning hair and promotes follicle regeneration
- Acne & scarring – Reduces acne scars and post-surgical scarring
- Hydration & radiance – Replenishes moisture in dehydrated skin
- Rosacea & eczema – Calms inflammation and soothes sensitive skin
- Stretch marks & pigmentation – Helps even out skin tone and texture
Where Can Polynucleotides Be Used?
Polynucleotides can be used absolutely anywhere to improve skin health and rejuvenation. They are most commonly applied to the face, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging while boosting hydration and overall skin texture.
These treatments are also effective for targeting the neck and hands, both of which are often prone to visible aging.
Furthermore, polynucleotides can be used on the scalp to stimulate hair growth, reduce thinning, and promote a healthier, thicker appearance. The versatility of polynucleotides makes them a great choice for those wanting to improve their appearance without going under the knife.
What Are the Benefits of Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides offer a wide range of benefits for both skin and hair, some of which we have discussed above.
To summarise, polynucleotides can:
Stimulate collagen & elastin production
Polynucleotides work at a cellular level to boost the production of collagen and elastin, the essential proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. By improving the skin’s structure, they help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall texture.
Provide deep hydration
Unlike surface-level moisturisers, polynucleotides hydrate the skin at a deeper level by improving its ability to retain moisture. They also work to improve the skin’s natural barrier, preventing water loss and keeping the complexion plump and smooth.
Reduce inflammation
With their anti-inflammatory properties, polynucleotides help calm redness, irritation, and sensitivity. This makes them particularly useful for individuals with conditions like rosacea and acne.
Promote skin regeneration
Polynucleotides boost the skin’s natural renewal process by encouraging cell turnover and tissue repair. This helps improve the appearance of scars, pigmentation, and damaged skin, leaving the complexion healthier and more radiant over time.
Provide antioxidant protection
By shielding the skin from external stressors such as pollution and UV rays, polynucleotides offer powerful protection. In turn, this helps slow premature aging, keeping the skin youthful and more resilient.
Support hair growth
Polynucleotides benefit the scalp by stimulating circulation and boosting follicle regeneration. By improving the scalp’s overall health, they create the ideal environment for stronger, thicker hair growth while reducing hair thinning and shedding.

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What Are the Results of Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides offer a range of benefits that help improve both the appearance and health of your skin and hair.
After undergoing a series of treatments, you can expect noticeable improvements in skin texture, along with a reduction in the visible signs of ageing.
For hair restoration, polynucleotides promote stronger, thicker hair. It may take several treatments for visible hair growth to appear, but over time, the results become more significant.
How Long Do Results Take?
Polynucleotide treatments stimulate collagen production and collagen takes anywhere from 4-12 weeks to remodel, so the beginning signs of improvement can be noticed at around 8 weeks, though this varies by individual. Regenerative treatments work best as part of a course rather than standalone sessions, with results building over time.
For the best results, we recommend a course of 3 to 4 treatments, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. For hair restoration, a course of eight treatments is advised. To maintain results, follow-up treatments are recommended twice a year.
A series of treatments helps sustain fibroblast stimulation, ensuring continuous skin rejuvenation and maximum benefits.
Polynucleotides FAQs
Have questions about how polynucleotide treatments work and what to expect? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand more.
Are there any side effects of polynucleotides?
Risks are usually minimal and may include temporary redness, or mild discomfort at the injection site. As these treatments use naturally derived substances, the risk of allergic reactions is significantly reduced.
Do the injections hurt?
Polynucleotides injections are stingy, so we prep the skin with numbing cream and then apply cool packs immediately prior to injecting. This significantly reduces any discomfort. The treatment only takes minutes to administer too, so any stinging is very short-lived.
What Are Polynucleotides? Benefits, Results & What to Expect
Polynucleotides are a growing treatment in the world of aesthetics, offering a versatile and natural solution for skin and hair rejuvenation.
Thanks to their ability to stimulate collagen production, promote deep hydration, and encourage cellular regeneration, these treatments provide lasting benefits for a wide range of concerns.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skin’s texture or restore scalp health, polynucleotides offer a safe option that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance.
To find out more about these treatments and the best approach for your skin, book a consultation today. With over 40 years of experience in the aesthetic industry, we work with you to find out what you want to achieve then make personalised recommendations suited to your needs and budget.
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