Polynucleotides are an advanced injectable skin treatment that works at a cellular level to repair, regenerate and rejuvenate your skin from within. You may have heard them called the “salmon sperm facial” or “salmon DNA facial”, as polynucleotides are made from highly purified DNA fragments, usually sourced from salmon. Don’t let the name put you off. Salmon DNA is remarkably similar to human DNA, which means your skin recognises it and responds by supporting its own natural healing processes, improving skin quality, hydration and elasticity for a fresher, healthier-looking complexion.

Unlike fillers, polynucleotides don’t add volume or change your features. Instead, they improve the health of the skin itself, which is why they’re often called a “skin booster” or “bio-stimulator”. Results look completely natural: you’ll still look like you, just brighter, smoother and more rested.

Polynucleotides work beautifully on a range of concerns and areas, including:

• Under eyes (dark circles, crepey skin, hollowness)

• Face (fine lines, dullness, loss of elasticity)

• Neck (crepiness, fine lines)

• Décolletage (sun damage, crepey skin)

• Hands (thinning, crepey skin)

• Acne scarring and uneven skin texture

Polynucleotides are naturally occurring molecules that form the building blocks of DNA. The polynucleotides used in aesthetic treatments are highly purified, and they are biocompatible, which means they work in harmony with your body.

Once injected into the skin, polynucleotides get to work by:

Stimulating fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Polynucleotides encourage these cells to become more active, helping to rebuild firmness and elasticity over time.

Boosting hydration: Polynucleotides attract and bind water within the skin, leaving it plumper, more supple and better hydrated from within.

Supporting tissue repair: They help create a healthy environment for skin cells to repair and regenerate, which is why they’re so effective for improving texture, scarring and the delicate under-eye area.

Calming inflammation: Polynucleotides have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe redness and improve overall skin health.

It’s important to know that polynucleotides are a regenerative treatment, not an instant fix. Rather than masking concerns, they improve the quality of your skin itself, with results that build gradually and look completely natural.

Polynucleotide treatment at Preen in Stockport is an investment in the long-term health of your skin, with natural results that continue improving for weeks after treatment.

• Polynucleotides £195 per session

• Course of 3 sessions £495

• Course of 4 sessions £585

Polynucleotides work with your body’s natural processes, so results build gradually rather than appearing overnight. Many clients notice their skin looks more hydrated and radiant within a couple of weeks of their first session, with improvements in texture, firmness and elasticity continuing to develop over the following weeks. The best results are usually seen a few weeks after completing a full course.

Although you may notice an improvement after one session, a course of three treatments spaced a few weeks apart is recommended for the best results. How many sessions you need will depend on your skin, your concerns and your goals, which is why every treatment begins with a consultation.

Results typically last six to twelve months, depending on your age, skin condition and lifestyle. To maintain your results, we recommend a maintenance treatment every six to twelve months. Protecting your skin with a daily SPF, a good homecare routine and a healthy lifestyle will help your results last as long as possible.

• Does the treatment hurt?

Most clients find polynucleotide treatment very comfortable. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand, and the treatment involves fine injections across the area being treated. You may feel slight stinging during the injections, but this passes quickly.

Downtime is minimal. You may notice small raised bumps at the injection points straight after treatment, which usually settle within 24 to 48 hours. Some mild redness, swelling or bruising is possible, particularly around the eyes. Most clients return to their normal routine straight away.

Yes. “Salmon sperm facial” is the popular nickname for polynucleotide treatment, because the DNA used is typically sourced from salmon. The DNA is highly purified so that only the regenerative fragments remain, making it safe and well tolerated by the skin. It’s this similarity to our own DNA that makes polynucleotides so effective at stimulating repair and renewal.

Polynucleotides are suitable for most adults looking to improve their skin quality, hydration and elasticity naturally. They’re a great option if you want fresher, healthier skin without changing your features. They may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a fish allergy, have an active skin infection in the treatment area, or have certain medical conditions. Your practitioner will go through your full medical history during your consultation to make sure the treatment is right for you.