If you follow cosmetic skin trends, you’ve probably noticed one word appearing again and again: polynucleotides.
The term sounds highly scientific, so it can be hard to know exactly what’s being discussed. Are polynucleotides a treatment? A product? Are they the same thing as Rejuran?
Let’s break it down.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are long chains made up of nucleotides, which are naturally occurring molecular components associated with DNA and RNA.
In cosmetic medicine, you may hear the term used for particular medical devices or products intended for use within the skin. However, “polynucleotide” is not the name of one universal treatment. Different products may contain different formulations, have different intended purposes and be regulated differently. That distinction matters in Australia.
Why is everyone talking about polynucleotides?
Much of the interest comes from the changing direction of cosmetic aesthetics. Historically, cosmetic conversations often centred on changing facial shape, reducing individual lines or creating volume.
Increasingly, people are asking different questions:
How can I improve the overall appearance of my skin?
Why does my skin seem thinner?
Why has my skin texture changed?
Why is the skin around my eyes becoming more delicate?
What does “skin quality” actually mean?
This has increased interest in approaches focused on skin quality.
What does “skin quality” mean?
Skin quality is a broad term. It can refer to visible characteristics including texture, hydration, smoothness, elasticity, pigmentation, fine lines and overall appearance.
It’s important not to treat skin quality as one measurable problem with one universal solution. Two people may both say their skin “doesn’t look as good as it used to” while having completely different underlying concerns.
Are polynucleotides the same as Rejuran?
Not exactly. “Polynucleotide” describes a type of molecule. Rejuran is a particular product, regulated in Australia as a Class III medical device.
It’s similar to the difference between discussing a category and discussing a specific product within it. Because Australian therapeutic goods can have different regulatory classifications, avoid assuming that every product discussed online is equivalent.
Are polynucleotides the same as volumising treatments?
No. They shouldn’t be considered another name for treatments intended to add volume. The treatment goals and product characteristics are different.
This matters because someone concerned about the appearance of their skin may not want, or need, a procedure primarily intended to change facial volume.
Why are polynucleotides linked with “regenerative aesthetics”?
“Regenerative aesthetics” has become a popular phrase. Broadly, it describes cosmetic approaches that focus on tissue and skin quality rather than dramatic change.
However, the word “regenerative” can be overused in marketing. A treatment shouldn’t be considered effective or superior just because it’s described as regenerative, restorative, cellular or biological. Scientific-sounding words are not a substitute for evidence.
What concerns lead people to ask about polynucleotides?
People may ask about skin-quality treatments after noticing:
fine textural changes
thinner-looking skin
crepiness
changes around the eyes
skin appearing less resilient
These are often normal age-related changes. There’s no medical requirement to treat them, and cosmetic treatment is always a personal choice.
Can polynucleotides stop skin ageing?
No cosmetic procedure should be advertised as stopping or reversing normal ageing. Ageing is a normal biological process.
What a cosmetic treatment may or may not achieve should be discussed in realistic, individual terms. Treat phrases like “reverse your age”, “turn back the clock” or “guaranteed younger skin” with caution.
What happens during a skin-quality consultation?
A proper consultation should look at more than the treatment you saw on Instagram. At Fine Skin Clinic, we may discuss:
your main concern
skin history and medical history
allergies and relevant medications
previous treatments and current skincare
lifestyle factors
realistic goals
potential risks and recovery
how long any effects may take to appear, how long they may last and whether repeat treatment would be needed
alternatives, including doing nothing
Your practitioner should also be willing to tell you when a treatment is unlikely to address your concern.
Are polynucleotide treatments risk-free?
No procedure that penetrates the skin is risk-free. Possible temporary effects may include:
swelling
redness
bruising
tenderness
visible treatment marks
Other complications may occur depending on the product, technique and individual. The specific risks relevant to you should be discussed as part of informed consent.
What should I ask before treatment?
Useful questions include:
What exactly is the product being recommended?
How is it regulated in Australia?
Why is it being recommended for my concern?
What evidence supports its use?
What risks are relevant to me?
What does recovery normally involve?
What outcome would be realistic?
How long might any effects last, and would I need repeat treatment?
What are my alternatives?
What happens if I choose to do nothing?
These questions are more useful than simply asking which treatment is most popular right now.
Polynucleotide treatment in Melbourne
If you’re researching polynucleotides in Melbourne, online trends can be a useful starting point. They can’t determine whether a treatment is suitable for you.
At Fine Skin Clinic in Doncaster East, our approach is to understand your concern first. Treatment should follow assessment, not fashion.
If you’d like to talk through your skin concerns, book a consultation with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polynucleotides new?
The underlying science isn’t a social media invention, but public interest in polynucleotide-based cosmetic products has grown considerably.
Is Rejuran a polynucleotide treatment?
Rejuran contains polynucleotides and is regulated in Australia as a Class III medical device.
Are polynucleotides suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability requires an individual assessment.
Can I combine polynucleotide treatments with other procedures?
Possibly, depending on the individual and the procedures involved. Treatment sequencing and recovery need to be considered.
General information only. Products can differ in formulation, regulatory status and intended purpose. Cosmetic procedures carry risks and individual outcomes vary.