Introduction:
The ongoing pursuit of vibrant, youthful skin has led to an array of innovative treatments in the aesthetic industry. Among the myriad options, polynucleotide treatments and skin boosters are becoming the stand out ‘natural’ options largely due to their effectiveness and cutting-edge approach to skin rejuvenation. These products are at the forefront of the regenerative aesthetic movement.
Though they share the goal of enhancing the skin’s appearance, they differ in their methodology, duration of results, and administration techniques. In this blog post, I will be dissecting and explaining the differences between these two treatments, offering insights into how each works, pain levels, treatment speed, the associated downtime and giving my opinion on whether they are actually worth all the hype and which would I choose if I were the one on the treatment table.
Part I: Polynucleotide Treatments
What are Polynucleotide Treatments?
Polynucleotide (PN) treatments involve the use of naturally occurring (usually derived from strictly farmed salmon), purified nucleotides – the building blocks of DNA and RNA – to repair and rejuvenate the skin. These treatments are based on the principle that polynucleotides can stimulate cell growth and metabolism, leading to improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
How Polynucleotide Treatments Work:
PN treatments capitalise on the bio-stimulating capabilities of polynucleotides. When introduced into the skin, they trigger a healing response that includes increased production of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Polynucleotides also have hygroscopic properties, meaning they can hydrate the skin by attracting and holding onto water molecules. The overall effect is revitalised, plumper, and more supple skin. These tiny building blocks help to repair the client’s own DNA to encourage skin (or hair, or cartilage) to regenerate as it would have 10 or more years ago. 10 years younger really is an achievable goal!
Administration of Polynucleotide Treatments:
These treatments typically involve a series of microinjections delivered into the superficial or middle skin layers (intradermal or subcutaneous). The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. A topical anaesthetic can be applied beforehand to minimise discomfort during the injections. A course of three sessions is a good starting point, some people needing more and each session is spaced out by 3-4 weeks.
Expected Results and Duration:
Visible improvements can often be seen after the first session, but a course of treatments is usually recommended for optimal results. Remember, this is your body healing itself and the production of new collagen and hydration of the skin takes time (skin can take 4-6 weeks to regenerate so use this as a rule of thumb when anticipating when you will see results). . The results can last anywhere from 9 months to over a year, depending on the individual’s skin condition and lifestyle factors.Your skin will continue to age at the rate it always has done so you will need regular maintenance sessions – usually every 9-12 months.
Pain Levels, Speed of Treatment, and Downtime:
PN treatments have a low to moderate pain level, with most patients reporting a manageable level of discomfort. The speed of treatment is relatively quick, though it may take longer if a larger area is being addressed. Downtime is minimal, with some patients experiencing temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically subsides within a few days.
Part II: Skin Booster Treatments
What are Skin Booster Treatments?
Skin boosters are injectable treatments that aim to hydrate and improve the skin’s overall texture and tone. Unlike traditional fillers that add volume, skin boosters, such as those based on hyaluronic acid (HA), work to hydrate the skin from within and encourage collagen production.
How Skin Booster Treatments Work:
Skin boosters employ the water-retaining properties of HA to deeply hydrate the skin. HA is a naturally occurring substance that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Injecting HA beneath the skin’s surface helps to attract and bind water molecules, promoting a smoother, more radiant appearance and improving skin elasticity.
Administration of Skin Booster Treatments:
These treatments typically involve multiple tiny injections using a fine needle or a cannula across the treatment area. A session can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Providers might also use a numbing cream or local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Again, Skin Boosters work best when administered as a course, I would usually recommend 3-4 sessions but more may be necessary.
Expected Results and Duration:
Initial improvements in skin hydration may be noticed shortly after treatment – usually within 24 hours, but as with PN treatments, a series of sessions might be necessary to achieve the best results. Full benefits are typically observed after a few weeks, once the HA has integrated with the skin tissue and collagen synthesis has been stimulated. The effects can last around six months, after which maintenance sessions may be needed.
Pain Levels, Speed of Treatment, and Downtime:
The pain associated with skin booster treatments is generally mild, but this can vary depending on individual pain tolerance, which administrative technique is being utilised and the specific product used. The treatment is relatively quick and can be completed within a standard lunch hour. Downtime is minimal, with possible side effects including temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites.
Comparative Analysis:
While polynucleotide and skin booster treatments share some similarities in their effects and outcomes, they differ significantly in their active ingredients and mechanisms of action. Polynucleotide treatments use nucleotides to facilitate cellular repair and renewal and prolonged skin hydration, while skin boosters rely more on the immediate hydrating effect of HA and subsequent collagen stimulation.
In terms of administration, both treatments involve injections, with practitioners able to take a tailored approach to target areas that require rejuvenation. Polynucleotides are generally applied via microinjections, whereas skin boosters may use either fine needles or a cannula to inject HA just beneath the skin surface. Both methods are designed to minimise discomfort and ensure the product is evenly distributed throughout the treatment area.
Duration of results from polynucleotide treatments may exceed those from skin boosters due to the former’s influence on cellular activity. However, this can vary based on individual factors such as age, skin type, and the patient’s lifestyle. Expected maintenance and frequency of treatments vary, with most practitioners recommending follow-up sessions every 6-9 months to maintain desired results.
Pain levels for both treatments are generally mild to moderate, though individual experiences can vary. To help manage pain, it is common for providers to use topical anaesthetics or cooling techniques. The speed of both treatments makes them convenient options for busy individuals, with sessions fitting comfortably within a lunchtime break for most patients.
When considering downtime, both treatments rank favourably, as they require little to no significant recovery period. Side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising are typically short-lived, allowing patients to resume their normal activities fairly quickly. It’s important, however, to follow aftercare instructions provided by the specialist to ensure optimal results and minimal complications.
Making an Informed Decision:
Patients contemplating polynucleotide or skin booster treatments must consider their unique skin concerns, desired outcomes, budget, and likelihood to maintain follow up sessions. Consultation with a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner is crucial for an individualised assessment and to evaluate the potential benefits and downsides of each treatment option. During these consultations, patients should also inquire about the practitioner’s experience and the quality of the products used, as these factors can significantly influence the outcomes.
Closing Considerations:
Polynucleotide and skin booster treatments are both effective means to achieve healthier, more radiant skin. The choice between the two will largely depend on individual needs and expectations. Polynucleotide treatments offer a regenerative approach, inducing long-term skin improvements and structural healing from within but may take longer for you to notice the changes. Meanwhile, skin boosters provide immediate hydration and enhance skin texture with shorter-term, yet still satisfactory, results.
Both treatments align well with modern desires for minimally invasive, body-regenerative procedures that offer quick recovery and noticeable benefits. As the field of aesthetic medicine continues to advance, these treatments may evolve, incorporating new scientific discoveries and insights to provide even better outcomes for patients seeking to revitalise their skin.
By comprehensively understanding the distinctions and benefits of polynucleotide and skin booster treatments, patients and practitioners together can make well-informed decisions to navigate the vast landscape of aesthetic options. Whether pursuing polynucleotides’ cellular regeneration magic or the profound hydration skin boosters offer, the journey to rejuvenated skin has never been more attainable with such sophisticated solutions at our disposal.
For me, I would always go with both as the immediate effects of the skin booster make any discomfort worthwhile and the longevity of the polynucleotides makes the treatment (and cost) more advantageous. There are now products which offer polynucleotides at a high concentration with HA boosters in them which to me is the best of both worlds! So do I think as a treatment that they are worth it? Hell yes! And you can bet your money that any aesthetic practitioner worth their salt is already fully loaded with both – I know I am and the colleagues I work with are too. These really are the treatments that can turn back time without altering how you look. You really will look just like you but 10 years younger – MAGIC.
Author: Dr Hannah Murphy
Note: The author is a healthcare provider with a special interest in women’s health and dermatology, offering insights into the differences and methodology of polynuclotide and skin booster treatments.
Pictures are taken from the company websites and I do not hold any ownership of these – they are public and can be easily found on the internet.