Polynucleotides Marlow | PDRN Skin Treatment

What Are Polynucleotides?

Repair from within.

Polynucleotides (PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide) are purified fragments of DNA derived from salmon or trout. Far from a traditional filler, they work biologically — binding to receptors in your skin cells to activate the body's natural repair and regeneration pathways.

The result is a genuine improvement in skin quality: increased collagen and elastin production, enhanced hydration from within, and a measurable strengthening of the skin barrier. Unlike treatments that simply add volume, polynucleotides make your skin work better.

At DermaMedica, polynucleotides are used as both a standalone treatment and as part of combination protocols — most often paired with Profhilo, microneedling, or exosomes to amplify regenerative results.

Polynucleotide skin treatment consultation

The Science

How polynucleotides
work.

Receptor Binding

PDRN molecules bind to adenosine A2A receptors on your skin cells. This triggers an anti-inflammatory response and activates the cells responsible for tissue repair — fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin.

Cellular Regeneration

Activated fibroblasts begin producing new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — the three structural proteins responsible for firm, hydrated, resilient skin. This is biological regeneration, not volumisation.

Progressive Improvement

Results develop progressively over 4–12 weeks as new tissue is formed. Because the improvement comes from your own skin's biology, it looks entirely natural — and continues to build between sessions.

What We Treat & What to Expect

Ideal candidates & your journey.

Conditions & Concerns Treated

Under-eye hollows, dark circles & shadowing

Skin laxity & loss of firmness

Crepey texture on face, neck & décolletage

Acne scarring & enlarged pores

Skin barrier damage & dryness

Fine lines & early skin ageing

Thinning skin from hormonal changes

Scalp health & hair thinning (when applied to scalp)

Your Treatment Journey

Before

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied 20–30 minutes prior. Avoid blood-thinning supplements for 48 hours beforehand.

During

Fine-needle injections are placed superficially across the treatment area. The procedure takes 30–45 minutes. Most patients find it comfortable throughout.

After

Mild redness or small injection-point bumps may occur for 24–48 hours. Avoid exercise, alcohol and direct sun for 24 hours. SPF 50 is recommended.

Results

Early hydration improvements appear within 2–4 weeks. Full regenerative results — collagen and elastin production — develop over 6–12 weeks.

Longevity

Results from a full course typically last 6–12 months. Maintenance sessions sustain and build on the improvement.

Common Questions

Everything you
need to know.

What are polynucleotides and how do they work?

Polynucleotides (PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide) are purified DNA fragments derived from salmon or trout sperm. When injected into the skin, they bind to adenosine A2A receptors which triggers a cascade of cell repair and regeneration. Unlike traditional fillers that simply add volume, polynucleotides stimulate your skin's own fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid — rebuilding skin quality from within.

What conditions can polynucleotides treat?

Polynucleotides are particularly effective for under-eye hollows and dark circles, skin laxity, crepey texture on the face, neck and décolletage, acne scarring, skin barrier damage, thinning skin due to ageing, and hair thinning when applied to the scalp. They are one of the most versatile regenerative treatments available.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients require an initial course of 2–3 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. After this, maintenance sessions every 6–12 months are typically recommended to sustain the improvement. Your clinician will advise a protocol specific to your skin's needs.

When will I see results?

Early improvements in skin hydration and texture are often noticeable within 2–4 weeks of your first treatment. The deeper regenerative effects — including collagen stimulation and structural repair — develop progressively over 6–12 weeks as your skin rebuilds. Results continue to improve between sessions.

Is the treatment painful?

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied before treatment to minimise discomfort. Most patients describe the injections as mild — similar to any superficial skin injection. The under-eye area can be more sensitive, but the fine needles and slow technique used by our clinicians significantly reduce any discomfort.

What is the downtime after polynucleotides?

Downtime is minimal. You may experience mild redness, small injection-point bumps, or slight swelling for 24–48 hours. These typically resolve quickly. We recommend avoiding intense exercise, alcohol, and direct sun exposure for 24 hours post-treatment. Most patients return to normal activity immediately.

Can polynucleotides be combined with other treatments?

Yes — and they often work best in combination. Polynucleotides pair excellently with Profhilo for simultaneous hydration and biostimulation, with microneedling (which opens micro-channels to enhance absorption), and with anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation programme. Your clinician will design the most effective combination protocol for your goals.

Are polynucleotides safe? Who cannot have the treatment?

Polynucleotides have an excellent safety profile with over 30 years of medical use, particularly in wound healing. They are biocompatible and fully absorbed by the body. The treatment is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a fish allergy (as the PDRN is derived from salmon), have active skin infections, or are on blood-thinning medications. A full medical assessment is conducted before any treatment at DermaMedica.

How long do polynucleotide results last?

Results from a full course of polynucleotides typically last 6–12 months, after which a maintenance session is recommended. Because the treatment stimulates your own collagen and elastin production, the improvements are gradual and natural-looking — and the quality of your skin continues to improve between sessions as new tissue is formed.

How much do polynucleotides cost at DermaMedica?

Pricing is confirmed at your initial consultation once your clinician has assessed your skin and recommended a personalised treatment protocol. We believe in transparent, honest pricing — we will never recommend more sessions than are necessary to achieve your goals. Book a free consultation to discuss your options with no obligation.

Polynucleotides
(PDRN)

Repair from within.

How polynucleotides
work.

Ideal candidates & your journey.

Conditions & Concerns Treated

Your Treatment Journey

Everything you
need to know.

You might also
love these.

Trusted by thousands.

Start your journey.

What brings you in?

Choose a treatment

When suits you?

Your details

Request Received

Polynucleotides(PDRN)

Repair from within.

How polynucleotideswork.

Ideal candidates & your journey.

Conditions & Concerns Treated

Your Treatment Journey

Everything youneed to know.

You might alsolove these.

Trusted by thousands.

Start your journey.

What brings you in?

Choose a treatment

When suits you?

Your details

Request Received

Polynucleotides
(PDRN)

How polynucleotides
work.

Everything you
need to know.

You might also
love these.