The word nucleotide may be locked away in a corner of your brain, hidden in some deep memory from a boring science class many, many years ago!

But bear with me because this little molecule is making a splash in the field of regenerative and aesthetic medicine and it is becoming an increasingly popular treatment in aesthetic clinics.

With benefits ranging from increased collagen production, increased skin elasticity, reduced crepeyness, protection against inflammatory free radicals, improvement in dark circles and minimal to no downtime, polynucleotide treatments may well become your new favourite skin-boosting treat!

So let’s talk all things polynucleotide and learn some more.

What are polynucleotides?

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, the genetic materials that encode the instructions for the development, structure and function of all living organisms.

Polynucleotides are simply made up of long chains of nucleotides. The specific polynucleotide product we use in our clinic is called AMEELA®. (Formally, at the time of writing this was known as NUCLEADYN)

Although polynucleotides are present in a whole host of organisms, the most common source of polynucleotides used in research, and therapeutic medical or regenerative applications, is from salmon DNA.

More specifically they are derived from salmon sperm.

Now before you run away in horror, I would like to explain that the genetic material in salmon DNA very closely resembles human DNA. Furthermore, AMEELA® polynucleotides undergo a process of purification, ensuring that they are free of other pro-inflammatory ingredients or proteins which may trigger an immune response. This means that polynucleotides derived from salmon are biocompatible and safe. (But keep reading on for specific contra-indications)

AMEELA®

The product looks like a clear gel-like substance (which comes in difference consistencies depending on which skin concern we are treating) and I promise that there are no fishy smells!

How are Polynucleotides used for skin health?

Polynucleotides can help the skin in 4 broad ways:

Hydration effect
Bio-stimulation or re-densification effect
Detoxification effect against free-radicals
Contouring and tightening effect on tissues

Let’s have a look at what this all means in a bit more detail…

Mechanisms of action

Polynucleotide injections are a type of regenerative medicine intervention that can be used to promote skin renewal.

These injections work by delivering synthetic or natural DNA or RNA molecules directly into the skin.

There, they can interact with the cells and tissues to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins that are vital for skin health.

“AMEELA® triggers tissue regeneration and restores skin tone and
elasticity, as well reducing oxidative stress by targeting free radicals and improving discolouration and puffiness by improving local blood supply.”

Polynucleotide injections can work in several ways to regenerate the skin.

An injection of AMEELA® has the ability to boost action in range of cells including fibroblasts, osteoblasts and adipocytes, meaning that improvement can then be seen in a range of tissue types including muscle, bone, adipose tissue and skin.

In addition, polynucleotide injections can stimulate the production of growth factors and stem cells that are important elements in skin regeneration. These molecules can promote the growth of new blood vessels (a process known as angiogenesis), enhance the production of collagen and elastin, and increase the thickness and elasticity of the skin.

Furthermore the nucleotide molecules have the ability to attract and retain water, leading to increased skin hydration, which in turn manifests as improved plumpness and texture and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

A further mechanism of action whereby polynucleotides promote skin health is through their ability to scavenge free radicals.

Free radicals are essentially unstable and reactive molecules which can lead to cellular damage and are involved in processes such as ageing, disease and inflammation. Although free radicals can exist within the realm of normal cellular processes and can be necessary for cellular function, their presence in excess, especially when they are a result of toxic environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution, can lead to a state known as oxidative stress: this is implicated in a whole range of disease states and altered cell function.

And so free-radical scavengers such as polynucleotides essentially have what is known as an anti-oxidant effect, as they are able to stabilise and neutralise the unwanted effects of free-radicals and lead to protection from oxidative stress.

Polynucleotides can be used in isolation or as combination therapy

With their ability to boost skin health and regeneration from within, they can be a great alternative for patients who want a more generalised skin improvement treatment or who don’t want to opt for toxins or fillers. Saying that, polynucleotide skin boosters can be used in conjunction with all these other skin treatment and rejuvenating modalities as they all target the signs of ageing in a different way.

The anti-free radical action of AMEELA® can help prolong the activity of hyaluronic acid, by slowing down its degradation and so it can be used in combination therapies with hyaluronic acid-based fillers in order to prolong the duration and effects.

Furthermore the anti-oxidant action can be a great way to enhance the anti-oxidant benefits of topical anti-oxidant serums such as your Vitamin Cs and the action of your SPF.

They are also a wonderful alternative for under-eye rejuvenation as they actually target skin quality and skin tone, which is often the main culprit to tired-looking eyes, as opposed to tear-trough fillers that are only truly indicated in cases of true hollowness and which can end up making the undereye area look puffy.

How do Polynucleotides get into the skin?

Polynucleotide injections can be administered using a variety of techniques including:

Through 5 injection points to each side of the face (similar to Profhilo injections)
Through multiple tiny micro-boluses using a mesotherapy injection technique (great for revitalisation of large areas like the decolletage and neck, the backs of hands or the skin around the eye)
Through a cannula ‘fanning’ technique, like what is used for facial structuring with dermal fillers

Which areas can be treated with Polynucleotides?

The entire head and neck area can be treated safely and effectively depending on your particular skin concerns! Furthermore polynucleotide treatment can be excellent for rejuvenating the backs of the hands and the decolletage area.

Let’s have a look at each of the products in a bit more detail…

**AMEELA® EYES**

1.5% Polynucleotide Gel
Indicated for peri-ocular rejuvenation i.e. rejuvenating the tissues around the eyes

Benefits of Ameela Eyes Polynucleotides

Increased hydration and plumpness of the skin, without the risk of protracted puffiness seen with hyaluronic acid based fillers in this area.
Re-densification of skin (dermo-epidermal tissue) i.e stimulating skin health through the promotion of collagen and elastin, thus improving skin laxity, tone and texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in around the eye
Antioxidant effect which is especially vital in an area that is constantly exposed to environmental stressors
Improved blood flow to the area through the mechanism of angiogenesis: this reduces risk of oedema/swelling and also helps improve the dark discolouration of the undereye area
Restructuring of deeper tissues
Supporting healing of surgical treatments e.g. blepharoplasty or LASER resurfacing

**AMEELA® FACE**

2.5% Polynucleotide Gel
Results in improved facial skin tone and elasticity, reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a sculpting effect on facial tissues

Benefits of AmeelaFace Polynucleotides

Improved skin hydration
Improved skin elasticity
Skin tightening effect
Contouring effect
Bio-stimulation
Faster healing in the context of surgical procedures or LASER treatments.

**AMEELA® REJUVENATION**

2% Polynucleotide Gel
Indicated for deep rejuvenation and improvement of skin in areas including the neck, decolletage, scalp, hands and undereye area.

Benefits of Ameela Rejuvenation Polynucleotides

Improved skin elasticity
Skin tightening effect
Contouring effect
Bio-stimulation
Neck rejuvenation
Deep tear trough correction
Hair growth stimulation
Decolletage rejuvenation
Hand rejuvenation

How often should I get Polynucleotide treatment?

Depending on the specific type of polynucleotide used and the intended therapeutic effect, multiple treatments may be required over a period of weeks or months to achieve the desired results.

Is Polynucleotide treatment suitable for everybody?

Although this is a safe and versatile treatment please be ware that it is contraindicated in certain situations.

You will be unable to receive polynucleotide injections if any of the following apply:

You are currently pregnant
You are currently breast feeding
You are suffering with an immunosuppressant conditions
You have a fish allergy
You are allergic to any of the ingredients

Are there any known side-effects of Polynucleotide treatments?

The most common reported side-effects, which are seen with most injectable treatments include

Localised bruising
Localised swelling
Localised redness at the injection site

These are transient symptoms which tend to self-resolve over a matter of hours to days.

What happens after Polynucleotide treatment?

As with all injectable treatments it is important to follow some key aftercare recommendations in order to avoid complications, minimise downtime and maximise the effects and benefits of your treatment.

Avoid heavy or strenuous activity or exercise in the first 24 hours after treatment
Avoid excessive heat in the first 24 hours after receiving treatment e.g. saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms, long hot showers or baths, tanning and ideally refrain from saunas and tanning activities for a full 2 weeks
Avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours after receiving treatment
Avoid wearing make-up or heavy creams over the injection points for a minimum of 6 hours post treatment
In the evening of the treatment, you may gently wash your face and use your regular skin care regime
Continue to wear high-factor, broad spectrum SPF
Avoid firmly rubbing or massaging the treated areas for the first 2 days following treatment
Avoid radiofrequency, IPL, LASER or any other heat-generating treatments for 2 weeks following treatment
If you are particularly prone to bruising then supplements containing bromelain or arnica may help
You may gently apply a cool compress to any red or swollen areas for the first 48 hours to help decrease the swelling more quickly.
Sleeping propped up on an extra pillow or 2 in those first 2-3 days helps alleviate swelling, especially around the eyes
As with all injectable treatments, if you start to experience symptoms such as severe, protracted pain and progressive discolouration or mottling of the skin, then you must contact your practitioner immediately

When will I start to see results following Polynucleotide treatments?

After your treatment, you should begin to see an improvement skin quality, skin hydration and texture as the swelling starts to subside.

In some areas there is an instantaneous lifting and contouring effect achieved from the initial presence and placement of the gel, however as with all bio-stimulation and skin booster treatments, the full effects start to become fully apparent at around 4-6 weeks and following the completion of a full course of treatment.

This reflects the time required for our cells to undergo stimulation and bio-revitalisation.

So if you are looking to add a new, safe and versatile alternative to your skin health repertoire then polynucleotides might be the right choice for you!

If you are ready to start your Polynucleotide journey with us then book in here for your detailed consultation and bespoke treatment plan.