Polynucleotides vs Profhilo: Which is right for you?

Injectable skin treatments have come a long way. We’re no longer just looking at filling lines or adding volume. Today’s patients want healthier, stronger, more radiant skin, and injectable skin boosters like polynucleotides and Profhilo are leading the charge. But while they may both fall under the umbrella of regenerative injectables, these two treatments work in very different ways. So how do you know which one is right for your skin?

Let’s unpack what makes them different - and where each one shines.

Regeneration or hydration? Understanding the goal.

Polynucleotides are all about regeneration. This treatment uses naturally derived DNA fragments to help your skin repair itself from within. Think of them as a signal to your body’s cells, telling them to behave like they did when your skin was stronger, firmer and more resilient. Over time, they improve tissue quality, reduce inflammation, and encourage long-term collagen production. Results don’t appear overnight, but when they do, they’re more about genuine skin health than surface-level changes.

Profhilo, on the other hand, is about hydration and biostimulation. It delivers pure hyaluronic acid in a unique formulation that spreads beneath the skin like honey, drawing in moisture and gently tightening tissue. You won’t see a dramatic change in shape or structure, but you’ll notice your skin looks fresher, plumper and more elastic. It’s ideal if your concerns are fine lines, dullness or a general lack of firmness.

Different needs, different outcomes

When choosing between polynucleotides and Profhilo, it’s helpful to think about what your skin is asking for. If your skin feels dry, flat, and less firm than it used to be, but otherwise healthy, Profhilo might be all you need. It’s a great treatment for those in the early stages of skin ageing who want a boost in glow and bounce without any obvious “work.”

Polynucleotides are better suited for skin that’s showing more significant signs of ageing or damage. If the skin under your eyes is becoming thinner and more crepey, or your skin has lost its strength and feels fragile or tired, polynucleotides offer deeper repair. They’re also incredibly helpful in treating scars, post-inflammatory changes, and skin that needs recovery, not just enhancement.

Can you have both? Absolutely.

These treatments aren’t either/or. In fact, combining them can produce some of the best outcomes. We often begin with a course of polynucleotides to rebuild and strengthen the skin from the inside out. Once the skin is functioning better, we can layer Profhilo to enhance hydration and elasticity on the surface. It’s a gentle, holistic way to care for your skin, and the results are subtle but impactful.

So, which is better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Neither treatment is “better”, they simply do different things. Profhilo is fantastic for that all-over glow and improved skin texture. Polynucleotides offer true skin regeneration and are better for fragile, damaged or ageing skin that needs more support.

If you’re not sure which direction to go in, we’re here to help. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin in detail, talk through your goals, and recommend the right approach for you, whether that’s Profhilo, polynucleotides, or both.

We believe great skin is about more than looking good. It’s about feeling confident in your skin, knowing it’s strong, healthy, and being cared for the right way.

Ready to find out what your skin needs most? Let’s talk. Click here to enquire or to book a consultation at my Belsize Park or Marylebone Clinic.