What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are natural DNA fragments derived from sterile biological sources. They trigger cellular regeneration processes, stimulate fibroblast activity, and increase the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Thanks to these mechanisms, the skin becomes firmer, denser, and more hydrated, while its ability to self-repair is significantly enhanced. Polynucleotides do not mask problems — they work on their root cause.
They can be used in various techniques, allowing for an individualized treatment protocol for each patient:
- polynucleotide injections under the eyes, in the lips, cheekbones, or chin area — for targeted deep restoration;
- mesotherapy — microinjections to improve skin elasticity and tone;
- biorevitalization — intensive hydration and rejuvenation;
- combination with hardware procedures (Ultraformer MPT, ICOONE Laser, RF lifting) — enhances the effect and accelerates regeneration.
Where are polynucleotides used?
Polynucleotides are used not only for the face but also for the body — with different goals and injection techniques.
Face. The most common use of facial polynucleotides is for restoration and rejuvenation:
- under the eyes — reduce “crow’s feet,” dark circles, and dryness;
- forehead and glabella area — smooth fine lines;
- cheeks and cheekbones — restore firmness and density;
- facial contours — improve definition;
- lips and nasolabial folds — increase elasticity and hydration.
Neck and décolleté. In cosmetology, polynucleotides work effectively in delicate areas that quickly lose tone:
- reduce the appearance of “Venus rings”;
- diminish fine wrinkles;
- improve skin density and hydration.
Body Polynucleotide injections are successfully used to:
- improve skin turgor and elasticity in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms;
- reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars;
- combat the effects of rapid weight loss or post-pregnancy changes;
- support recovery after hardware procedures (lasers, RF lifting, ICOONE, Ultraformer MPT).
Recovery after injuries and aggressive procedures. These products are often used in rehabilitation programs following:
- laser resurfacing;
- deep peels;
- surgical interventions;
- aggressive hardware treatments.
Thanks to their ability to stimulate cellular regeneration, they significantly shorten recovery time.
Polynucleotides for the skin are popular among cosmetic doctors and patients worldwide due to their properties:
- natural and safe — biocompatible with the body and non-allergenic;
- deep cellular regeneration — restoring the skin’s structure from within;
- long-lasting effect — results last up to 12 months;
- no “overfilled face” effect — the appearance remains as natural as possible.
Main types of PDRN
Modern cosmetology uses several types of PDRN:
- PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) — DNA fragments derived from purified biological sources that activate cell regeneration, improve microcirculation, and reduce inflammation.
- PN (Polynucleotides) — more purified and concentrated molecules than PDRN. They have a deeper effect on cellular processes, increase skin density, and stimulate new collagen formation.
- PRN (Purified Polynucleotides) — the latest generation, providing maximum bioactivity due to a high concentration of the active substance and an advanced purification technology.
PN, PDRN, and PRN used in cosmetology and regenerative medicine are obtained not from synthetic compounds, but from natural biological sources.
About biological sources
In modern aesthetic medicine, DNA from salmonid fish (such as salmon, rainbow trout, chum salmon, and pink salmon — the most common species used to obtain raw material) is predominantly used. Why fish:
- the purest and safest source;
- provides a high level of biocompatibility with human tissues, minimizing the risk of allergy or rejection.
Examples of such products include Vitaran, Plenhyage, Plinest, and Rejuran.
Plenhyage product
Plenhyage works on the principle of regenerative biostimulation. Key features:
- contains a high concentration of PDRN for rapid skin recovery;
- activates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid;
- reduces inflammation;
- suitable for thin and sensitive skin;
- effectively combats fine wrinkles, dryness, and pigmentation.
Plenhyage is often used in combination with hardware treatments (Ultraformer MPT, ICOONE Laser, RF lifting) to enhance regeneration and shorten the rehabilitation period.
Vitaran products
Vitaran are premium-class polynucleotides created by BR PHARM (South Korea). The main distinction of Vitaran lies in its unique source material:
- it uses the world’s first PDRN derived from rainbow trout;
- studies show that it demonstrates higher bioactivity than its analogues.
Advantages of Vitaran:
- deep cellular regeneration and protection against oxidative stress;
- restoration of damaged skin after peels, laser treatments, and aggressive procedures;
- intense hydration, improved elasticity, and firmness;
- brightening and evening of the skin tone.
Vitaran polynucleotides are ideal for comprehensive rejuvenation programs and are often used in Leoderm’s signature treatment protocols.
Rejuran products
Rejuran is one of the most well-known and popular PDRN-based products developed in South Korea. It is also called “DNA Skin Healer” or “youth injections,” as it triggers deep cellular regeneration and restores the skin from within. Features and mechanism of action of Rejuran:
- once injected into the skin, Rejuran polynucleotides stimulate fibroblast activity, enhancing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthesis;
- have strong anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable even for patients with sensitive or problematic skin.
Rejuran polynucleotides for different areas and concerns:
- Rejuran Healer — the base version for overall rejuvenation and hydration;
- Rejuran S — for treating scars, post-acne, and deeper skin imperfections;
- Rejuran I — for the delicate under-eye area, targeting dark circles and fine lines;
- Rejuran HB — a combination of polynucleotides and hyaluronic acid for intensive hydration.
Plinest products
Plinest was developed in Italy. Its main feature is a balanced formula suitable even for patients with sensitive skin or a tendency to irritation.Key benefits of Plinest:
- improves skin turgor, elasticity, and tone;
- stimulates fibroblast regeneration and collagen synthesis;
- helps reduce stretch marks, scars, and post-acne marks;
- increases skin density and hydration;
- is often used in combination with peels and hardware treatments to enhance results.
Plinest is ideal for patients who want to achieve the most natural-looking results without overloading the tissues.
How do polynucleotides work?
How do polynucleotides function? They activate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Once they enter the dermis, they:
- activate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for synthesizing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid;
- improve microcirculation and tissue nourishment, making the skin more radiant and healthy;
- reduce inflammation and decrease skin sensitivity;
- repair cell DNA after stress, photo-damage, and aggressive treatments;
- protect against free radicals and slow down the aging process.
Thanks to this comprehensive action, the skin rejuvenates from within, becoming firmer, smoother, and more hydrated.
Indications and contraindications
Before undergoing the procedure, it’s important to determine who polynucleotides are suitable for — and in which cases it’s better to postpone the treatment.
Indications
- loss of skin firmness, elasticity, and density;
- dryness, dull complexion, uneven skin tone;
- fine wrinkles, sagging, skin thinning;
- couperose, irritation, hypersensitivity;
- scars, post-acne marks, traces of inflammation;
- rehabilitation after hardware or laser treatments;
- prevention of photoaging.
Contraindications
Despite being a safe procedure, polynucleotides are not always recommended. The main contraindications include:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- active inflammatory skin conditions;
- exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases (psoriasis, eczema, etc.);
- acute infectious diseases;
- oncology;
- individual intolerance to the components;
- blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulants.
Therefore, before starting a course of procedures, a consultation with a cosmetologist and, if necessary, additional examinations are required.
When does the effect become noticeable and how long does it last?
- The procedure provides quite a quick effect. For example, when using polynucleotides under the eyes, visible improvements can often be noticed after just 1–2 sessions.
- A stable result is typically achieved after 3–4 treatments, with 2–3 weeks between sessions.
- The duration of the effect depends on individual body characteristics, lifestyle, and skincare routine, but it usually lasts 9–12 months.
- How often should polynucleotides be injected? To maintain results, cosmetologists recommend maintenance treatments 1–2 times per year.
The cosmetology doctors at LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv successfully use exosomes and polynucleotides in their practice, tailoring personalized treatment protocols for each patient. Book a consultation to receive your individual rejuvenation plan.