Polynucleotides vs. Profhilo: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, improve texture, and achieve that radiant glow, Polynucleotides and Profhilo are two of the most popular treatments out there. While both are excellent at enhancing your skin’s overall appearance, they work in different ways to achieve those results. Let’s dive into how each treatment works, what they target, and who they’re best suited for.

What are Polynucleotides & Profhilo

Although both are injectable treatments used in the aesthetics field and have certain overlapping features and applications, they are altogether different substances which act in different ways to improve and rejuvenate the skin.

Polynucleotides

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 or trout sperm DNA.

This is because the genetic material in this fish DNA very closely resembles human DNA. The polynucleotides undergo a process of purification, ensuring that they are free of any pro-inflammatory ingredients or proteins which may trigger an immune response. This means that polynucleotides are biocompatible and safe.

If you want to delve a little deeper, check out our dedicated Polynucleotide blogpost right here.

Profhilo

Profhilo, on the other hand, is made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a holy grail ingredient known to attract up to 1000 times its weight in water. Unlike the HA found in dermal fillers, it is in an ultra-purified form and administered using a different injection pattern. This allows it to spread (intentionally) under the skin and work on generalised skin quality rather than providing a more isolated, targeted filling effect like dermal fillers.

Once inside the skin, it works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, vital proteins for skin health. The result? Plumper, more hydrated skin with a natural glow. For this reason, it is often referred to as an injectable moisturiser.

And how do Polynucleotides and Profhilo help the skin?

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are a rejenerative treatment that targets the skin at a cellular level. These DNA fragments boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and help regenerate damaged skin cells, making them ideal for long-term skin rejuvenation. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them excellent for reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall skin health.

Profhilo

Profhilo, on the other hand, relies on ultra-pure hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. The hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules, hydrating the skin from within and giving an instant plumping effect while stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin.

What is the difference in how Polynucleotides and Profhilo are administered?

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides can be administered either as a series of micro-injections using a fine needle and mesotherapy techniques; through use of a fine cannula; or through a combination of the 2 techniques. There is a little bit of short-lived stinging but numbing cream can be used to alleviate some of the discomfort. Downtime is negligible but do be aware that you may experience temporary bumpiness to the skin or temporary undereye puffiness for 3-5 days.

Polynucleotide treatments ideally comprise of 2-4 treatments at 2-4 weeks apart, and then a session repeated every 6-8 months to preserve the results.

It is important to be aware that it can take a few weeks for the full effect to become apparent, due to the nature of the bio-remodelling process.

Profhilo

Profhilo is administered through 10 specific injection points to cover the entire area to be treated. There is a little bit of short lived associated stinging but numbing cream can be used to alleviate the discomfort. There is no downtime but there are visible skin bumps that may take 1-2 days to settle.

Profhilo usually requires 2 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments 1-2 times a year to maintain that plump, glowing skin.

Should I choose Polynucleotides or Profhilo?

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are ideal for patients looking for long-term skin regeneration and repair. If you have more mature or damaged skin, or want a treatment that targets skin health on a cellular level, polynucleotides are a great choice. It is also a great choice for undereye rejuvenation and has overtaken tear-trough fillers in most clinics as the treatment of choice for undereye rejuvenation. It is also being used either alone or in combination with PRP for boosting hair growth.

They can be used on the scalp, entire face including the undereye area, neck, decolletage, body and hands.

Profhilo

Profhilo is better suited for those wanting an intense hydration boost and an immediate radiance effect. If you have dry, crepey skin and are looking for a short-term solution to improve skin tone and texture, Profhilo could be the right fit for that plump and glowing complexion.

It can be used not only on the face but also on the neck, decolletage, hands, and even the body (e.g thighs, arms, abdomen). However, it can not be used on the scalp, upper face or undereye area.

So what’s the verdict?

In summary, while both Polynucleotides and Profhilo offer unique benefits, they serve different purposes depending on your skin needs. For deep, long-term regeneration, polynucleotides are your go-to. If you’re after hydration and a quick glow, Profhilo is the way forward.

Many patients actually choose to combine the two so that they can harness the benefits of both and maximise skin glow, elasticity, hydration and collagen production.

For more details, or to start your journey to radiant skin, book a consultation at our boutique London clinic and let’s find the perfect treatment plan for you!