The quick answer
Profhilo improves; polynucleotides repair. Profhilo is hyaluronic acid: it floods the skin with hydration and helps it firm up, over two sessions. Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments that kickstart your skin’s own repair. They are slower to show, need a course of three, and are the one to look at for the delicate under-eye area, crepey or sun-damaged skin and uneven texture. If your skin is mainly dry, dull and has lost its bounce, start with Profhilo. If it is thin, tired or damaged, start with polynucleotides. Plenty of people end up having both, and that works well when the order is planned.
You can read more about each on the polynucleotides page and the skin boosters and Profhilo page.
Polynucleotides and Profhilo side by side
| At a glance | Polynucleotides | Profhilo |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Purified DNA fragments, usually from salmon or trout | One of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market, 64mg per 2ml |
| What it does | Kickstarts the skin’s natural repair; triggers collagen and elastin; improves texture, tone and firmness | Hydrates, firms, stimulates collagen and elastin, evens skin tone |
| Best for | Under-eyes, fine lines, crepey or sun-damaged skin; also neck, chest and hands | Dull, dehydrated skin that has lost its bounce, across the face |
| Sessions | Course of 3, 4 weeks apart | 2, 4 weeks apart |
| When results show | Starting within about 14 days; full effect over 3 to 6 months | Building gradually; best about 4 weeks after the second session |
| How long it lasts | Up to 9 months | On average 6 months |
| Downtime | Little: redness, slight swelling or small bumps that settle within a few days | Little: small bumps at the injection points that usually settle within 24 to 48 hours |
| Price from | £300 a session, or £660 for a course of 3 | £250 a session |
Which is right for me?
Polynucleotides and Profhilo both offer real skin rejuvenation, but they target different concerns. Profhilo focuses on hydration and elasticity, using hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotides work deeper, stimulating cellular repair, collagen production and skin regeneration.
Profhilo is likely to suit you if:
- your skin feels dry, looks dull or has lost its bounce
- you want a hydration boost and subtle tightening across the whole face
- you would like a shorter course: two sessions rather than three
Polynucleotides are likely to suit you if:
- your main concern is under your eyes: dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, a tired look
- your skin is thinner, crepey or sun-damaged, or the texture is uneven
- you want a treatment that repairs rather than simply hydrates
- you are also thinking about your neck, chest or hands
To be fair to both: Profhilo has the longer track record in UK clinics, while polynucleotides are newer here and the research, though promising, is still growing. A Profhilo course also costs less than a polynucleotide course. Polynucleotides earn their place when the skin needs repair, not just moisture.
Nine in ten of my Profhilo clients come back for their second session. If you are torn, book a consultation at my King’s Cross clinic and I’ll tell you honestly which will make more difference to your skin.
Can I have both?
Yes, and plenty of people do. They do different jobs, so they complement each other rather than compete. The trick is the order.
- Profhilo first when dryness and loss of bounce are the main issue. Two sessions rehydrate the skin across the face, then polynucleotides go to work on texture, fine lines and the under-eyes.
- Polynucleotides first when the skin is thin, crepey or damaged. Repairing it first gives Profhilo better skin to work with.
- Side by side, on different areas. For example, Profhilo for the face and polynucleotides for the under-eyes, over the same few months.
Whichever order suits you, I don’t treat the same area with both on the same day, and I leave a gap of a few weeks between finishing one course and starting the other. I’ll map out the timetable at your consultation, so you know exactly what happens when.
Once your courses are done, maintenance is simple: a Profhilo session about every 6 months, and 1 to 2 polynucleotide sessions a year.
How much do polynucleotides and Profhilo cost?
- Polynucleotides for the face or body: £300 a session, or £660 for a course of 3, saving £240
- Polynucleotides for the under-eyes: £300 a session, or £660 for a course of 3, saving £240
- Profhilo: £250 a session, with two sessions recommended
- Profhilo Sculpt & Shine Bundle, two Profhilo and two Profhilo Structura: £847
- Ultimate Anti-Ageing Package, which includes two Profhilo sessions: £857
- Consultation: £30, fully redeemable against treatment on the day
The polynucleotides course and the Profhilo Sculpt & Shine Bundle are both on the packages page, along with the Ultimate Anti-Ageing Package.
Frequently asked questions
Are polynucleotides better than Profhilo?
Neither is better across the board. Profhilo is the stronger choice for hydration and bounce. Polynucleotides are the stronger choice for repair, texture and the under-eyes. The best one is the one that matches your skin, and many people benefit from both.
Are polynucleotides a skin booster?
They are often grouped with skin boosters, but they work differently. Hyaluronic acid boosters such as Profhilo work mainly by hydrating. Polynucleotides work from within, encouraging your skin to repair and regenerate, and deliver long-term results without adding volume or altering your facial structure.
Which is better for the under-eyes?
Polynucleotides. I offer a dedicated under-eye course, and they can help with dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and a tired look. Numbing cream is applied first, as the area is delicate.
Can I have polynucleotides and Profhilo on the same day?
Not on the same area. On different areas, for example Profhilo on the face and polynucleotides under the eyes, it can sometimes be done in one visit. I’ll tell you at your consultation what makes sense for you.
Do polynucleotides come from fish?
Yes. Most polynucleotides are purified from salmon or trout DNA. Tell me about any fish allergy, or any dietary choices that matter to you, at your consultation.
Which lasts longer?
Polynucleotide results can last up to 9 months, depending on your age, lifestyle and skin. Profhilo results last on average 6 months. Both last longest with a proper first course and the occasional maintenance session.
Ready to book?
Book the treatment you have chosen, or a consultation if you would like help deciding.