There’s a treatment that’s been quietly building momentum in UK clinics — and in 2025 and 2026, it has moved firmly into the mainstream. Polynucleotides. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you soon will.
They’re one of the most talked-about injectable treatments in medical aesthetics right now. And unlike some trends that flash across social media and disappear, polynucleotides are backed by solid clinical evidence and are here to stay.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators derived from purified DNA fractions, typically from salmon or trout sperm. Before you scroll away — bear with us. The science is genuinely impressive.
When injected into the skin, polynucleotides work by stimulating your skin’s own fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Rather than filling a gap or relaxing a muscle, they encourage your skin to repair and regenerate itself from the inside out.
The result is improved skin quality: better texture, more hydration, reduced fine lines, and a healthier, more luminous appearance.
How Are They Different from Dermal Fillers?
This is the question Dr Anita Dhunna is hearing a lot at her clinics in South Woodford, Bishop’s Stortford, and Hatfield.
Dermal fillers add volume. They physically fill areas that have lost structure — the cheeks, the under-eye area, the lips. Polynucleotides don’t add volume in the same way. They improve the quality and health of the skin itself.
Both treatments have a role. For many patients, the most effective approach combines them: fillers to restore structure, polynucleotides to improve skin quality. Dr Anita Dhunna will assess your skin and advise on the right combination for your goals.
What Do They Treat?
Polynucleotides are particularly effective for:
- Fine lines and crepey skin texture
- Under-eye hollows and dark circles — an area where traditional fillers can be unpredictable
- Skin dehydration and dullness
- Post-acne scarring and uneven tone
- General skin health and early-stage ageing
They’re suitable for a wide age range. Younger patients in their late twenties or thirties often use polynucleotides as part of a preventative skin health plan. Patients in their forties, fifties, and beyond find them an effective complement to other aesthetic treatments.
Are They Safe?
Polynucleotides have a strong safety record. They’re biocompatible — meaning the body tolerates them well — and they carry a lower risk of vascular complications compared to traditional HA fillers.
That said, they’re still injectable medical treatments. They should only be administered by a qualified, regulated medical practitioner — someone with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the training to manage any complications should they arise.
Dr Anita Dhunna is a qualified aesthetic doctor with years of experience in injectable treatments. At her clinics in South Woodford, Bishop’s Stortford, and Hatfield, every treatment begins with an in-depth consultation. No protocol is prescribed until she has fully assessed your skin, your medical history, and your goals.
What to Expect
Polynucleotides are injected into the skin using a very fine needle or cannula. Most patients describe the treatment as comfortable, particularly with topical numbing cream applied beforehand.
Results are not immediate — this is not a ‘quick fix’ treatment. Because polynucleotides work by stimulating collagen production, improvement builds gradually over several weeks. Many patients see the best results after a course of two to three sessions, spaced approximately four weeks apart.
The improvements continue to develop for months afterwards, and results can last a year or more with appropriate maintenance.
Is It Right for You?
If your main concern is skin quality — dullness, dehydration, fine lines, or tired-looking skin — rather than volume loss, polynucleotides are worth exploring.
The best way to find out is a consultation with Dr Anita Dhunna. She will give you an honest assessment of whether polynucleotides are appropriate for your skin, or whether a different treatment — or a combination approach — would serve you better.
Clinics are in South Woodford (East London), Bishop’s Stortford, and Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Book a consultation online or call 020 8099 9248.
