Treatment Guide
Polynucleotides vs Profhilo
Two of the most popular injectable skin treatments — and two very different approaches. Here's how they work, what each is best for, and how our medical team helps you decide.
In Short
The quick answer
Choose polynucleotides if…
- Your main concern is the delicate under-eye area — hollows, crepey texture or dark circles
- You want to support your skin's own repair processes after sun damage or acne
- Your skin is thin and fine and you want a gentle, targeted approach
Choose Profhilo if…
- You're noticing overall laxity — softer jawline, crepey cheeks or a tired, deflated look
- You want deep, all-over hydration and a healthier skin quality
- You'd like a whole-face (or neck and décolleté) approach rather than spot treatment
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Which treatment suits you depends on your skin, history and goals — that's what the consultation is for.
The Basics
What each treatment actually is
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments — most commonly derived from salmon — used as bio-stimulating injectables. Rather than filling or hydrating directly, they're thought to support the skin's own repair cascade: encouraging fibroblasts (your collagen- and elastin-producing cells) to work more efficiently, calming inflammation and improving blood supply.
The result is skin that gradually becomes thicker, stronger and more resilient — which is why they're popular for structurally delicate areas like the under-eyes, as well as for fine lines, acne-related texture and overall skin quality.
Profhilo
Profhilo is an injectable form of pure hyaluronic acid — the same molecule your skin naturally contains to hold water. It uses a very high concentration of hyaluronic acid without chemical cross-linkers, so instead of sitting as a gel, it spreads through the tissue and draws in moisture.
It's described as a bioremodelling treatment: as it hydrates deeply, it also signals your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. It's given at a small number of injection points on each side of the face and is used for overall laxity, crepey skin and a dull, dehydrated complexion — and can also be used on the neck, décolleté, arms, knees and hands.
Side by Side
How they compare
| Polynucleotides | Profhilo | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's made of | Purified DNA fragments (polynucleotides), usually salmon-derived | High-concentration pure hyaluronic acid, no chemical cross-linkers |
| How it works | Bio-stimulation — supports the skin's own repair processes and fibroblast activity | Deep hydration plus bioremodelling — stimulates collagen and elastin as it spreads |
| Best for | Under-eye hollows and dark circles, thin or damaged skin, fine lines, texture | Overall laxity, crepey or dehydrated skin, tired complexion, face / neck / décolleté |
| How it's given | Small micro-injections into the targeted area | A few injection points per side of the face (BAP technique), product spreads on its own |
| Typical plan | A short course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart | Commonly two sessions about four weeks apart, with a top-up after a few months |
| Results build | Gradually over several weeks as skin quality improves | Gradually over several weeks as hydration and firmness improve |
| At Renew | From £300 · 45 mins | £295 · 45 mins · Course of 3 £825 |
Typical plans and outcomes vary between individuals. Your own plan is agreed with your practitioner after a full consultation and suitability assessment.
By Concern
Which one for which concern?
A rough guide only — many concerns have more than one good option, which is why we always assess before recommending.
Under-eye hollows & dark circles
Polynucleotides
Gentle on thin, delicate skin and used specifically to improve thickness and quality in this area.
Overall facial laxity & crepey skin
Profhilo
Whole-face bioremodelling suits generalised looseness better than spot treatment.
Dull, dehydrated, tired complexion
Profhilo
Deep hyaluronic-acid hydration is its strongest suit.
Post-acne texture & fragile skin barrier
Polynucleotides
Repair-supporting action can help skin recover and hold up better over time.
Neck, décolleté, hands
Either
Profhilo is widely used here; polynucleotides are also an option depending on the skin.
Both laxity and under-eye concerns
Consider both
They can be planned together or in sequence — ask at your consultation.
At Renew
What happens next
- 1
Book a 30-minute consultation
You'll meet our medical team to discuss your goals and skin history. The £50 consultation fee is deducted from the cost of your treatment if you decide to proceed.
- 2
Get an honest recommendation
We'll tell you whether polynucleotides, Profhilo, a combination, or something else entirely is the right place to start — and what a realistic plan and budget looks like.
- 3
Treat and review
Treatments are carried out in clinic with a review of your progress along the way, so your plan can be adjusted as your skin responds.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can I have both polynucleotides and Profhilo?
Yes — they work in different ways, so they can complement each other. Some people use Profhilo for overall hydration and firmness and polynucleotides for targeted areas such as the under-eyes. Your practitioner can advise on whether combining them makes sense for you, and in what order.
Which is better for under-eye hollows and dark circles?
Polynucleotides are often chosen for the delicate under-eye area, as they are generally well tolerated on thin skin and are used to support skin quality and resilience there. Profhilo is more often used across the whole face for hydration and laxity. Suitability is assessed at your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin and goals. Polynucleotides are typically planned as a short course of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, while Profhilo is commonly given as two sessions around four weeks apart, with results building gradually. Your medical team will recommend a plan for you.
Is there any downtime?
Both are injectable treatments, so you may notice redness, small bumps at the injection points or occasional bruising, which usually settle within hours to a few days. Most people return to their normal routine the same day.
Who isn't suitable?
As with most aesthetic injectables, these treatments are not generally offered during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is an active skin infection or certain medical histories. A full suitability assessment is carried out at your consultation before anything is agreed.
Next Step
Still deciding? We'll tell you straight.
Our medical team will assess your skin and recommend what's genuinely right for you — not just what's on the menu.
Book a Consultation