If your new‑year goal is fresher, bouncier skin by spring, skin boosters are a smart place to start. Two front‑runners, Polynucleotides and Profhilo, both improve skin quality, but they do it in different ways and suit different needs. Here is a clear, nurse‑led comparison to help you choose with confidence, plus practical timing tips if you want results showing by March or April.
The essentials in one glance
- Profhilo hydrates and remodels with ultra‑pure hyaluronic acid, using a hydrolift effect that spreads to improve glow, elasticity and fine crepe lines without adding bulk.
- Polynucleotides are fragments of DNA and RNA that signal true regeneration, encouraging fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin while calming oxidative stress.
Both are injected in precise points by an aesthetic nurse, with minimal downtime and natural looking results.
How they work, biostimulation vs hydrolift
- Polynucleotides, biostimulation: These bioactive molecules support cell repair, increase fibroblast activity and improve extracellular matrix quality. The result is better firmness, texture and resilience. Improvements build steadily as your skin remodels.
- Profhilo, HA hydrolift: Profhilo contains high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in a stabilised form that flows through tissue for deep hydration and gentle tightening. It does not behave like a filler, so you will not see new “volume”, you will feel supple, dewy skin and softer fine lines.
Is one better? It depends on your goal. For crepey texture and hydration, Profhilo often gives a quicker glow. For regenerative change and support in lax or fragile skin, polynucleotides can be a better long‑game choice. Many clients benefit from both over time, sequenced by your aesthetic nurse.
Treatment plans and timelines
- Profhilo plan: Typically, two sessions, 4 weeks apart. You may see radiance within 7-10 days after the first session, with best results 2-4 weeks after the second. Maintenance is usually every 6 months, sometimes 4 months if skin is very dry or sun exposed.
- Polynucleotide plan: Commonly a course of 3 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart, then maintenance every 6-9 months. Some clients with younger or thicker skin do well with 2 sessions; however, most achieve better elasticity and texture with 3. Your nurse will set the interval according to your skin’s response.
New‑year to spring timing: Start by late January or early February to enjoy visible improvement by early spring. If you are reading this later in the season, you can still make a useful start; we will map your plan to the events in your diary.
Areas we can treat: face, neck and under‑eye
- Profhilo: Face, neck and often the décolletage. It is also used for hands and arms in selected cases. Under‑eye skin can benefit indirectly when treating the mid face; however, Profhilo is not a tear trough filler and is not designed to correct hollows.
- Polynucleotides: Face, neck and under‑eye are all suitable, including crepey lower lids and fine lines. If you are prone to puffiness, we will assess lymphatic flow and adjust the protocol.
Do polynucleotides work under eyes? Yes, when carefully placed and layered over a short course, they can improve crepiness and skin quality. For true hollowing or shadowing, we may discuss tear trough filler or NEOGEN Plasma separately, or sequence treatments.
Longevity, sessions and realistic expectations
- How long do polynucleotide injections last? Results typically last 6-12 months, with many clients choosing a maintenance session around the 6-9 month mark to keep collagen stimulation ticking over.
- Are 2 sessions of polynucleotides enough? Sometimes, especially in younger skin or as a top up after a previous course. For first timers, 3 sessions usually perform better and are our default recommendation after consultation.
- How long does Profhilo injection last? Most clients enjoy benefits for around 6 months after the 2‑session start. Hydration may taper sooner in dry seasons or with heavy sun exposure. Maintenance keeps skin at its best.
Will either lift jowls?
Profhilo and Polynucleotides improve skin quality and mild laxity; they do not reposition deeper tissues. Does Profhilo lift jowls? Not in a structural sense. You may notice a subtle tightening in early laxity. For visible jowls, treatment often needs structural support with dermal fillers, NEOGEN or a multi‑modality plan. We will assess whether a non‑surgical lift approach with NEOGEN Plasma is more appropriate and explain options clearly.
Side effects and downtime
Both treatments involve a series of small injections. Expect transient bumps, redness or mild tenderness for 12-48 hours. Bruising can occur, particularly around the eyes. Infection and allergy are rare but possible with any injectable. Our nurse‑led team will review your medical history, use aseptic technique and provide aftercare so you know exactly what to do at home.
Are the disadvantages of Profhilo? It is not a filler, so it will not correct hollows, deeper folds or volume loss; some clients wish it lasted longer than 6 months; and the short‑term injection bumps can be visible for up to 24 hours. We schedule around your diary and advise timing before events.
How do these compare with wrinkle‑relaxing treatments?
Skin boosters are different from wrinkle‑relaxing injections. Wrinkle‑relaxing treatments reduce lines caused by muscle movement (for example, frown or crow’s feet), whereas Profhilo and Polynucleotides improve skin quality, hydration and texture. Many clients choose to combine approaches under clinical guidance, sequenced for safety and natural results.
If lines at rest and movement bother you most, a clinician may suggest a wrinkle‑relaxing plan. If texture, crepe skin and dullness are the priority, skin boosters usually come first.
Who tends to benefit most?
- Choose Profhilo if you want fast, dewy hydration, improved elasticity and a simple 2‑session start, especially for face and neck.
- Choose Polynucleotides if you want regenerative change for fragile or crepey skin, particularly under eyes and neck, or if you prefer a bio‑stimulating route with steady gains.
Combination planning is common. For example, Polynucleotides for under‑eye texture with SkinPen microneedling on cheeks, or Profhilo for face hydration paired with a gentle peel in early spring. If you are local, our prescriber‑led team can map a seasonal plan that fits your goals.
Our nurse‑led protocols and smart combinations
Every plan starts with a full assessment, photographs and a discussion of realistic outcomes. We often layer treatments for best effect:
- Polynucleotides or Profhilo as the foundation for quality skin.
- NEOGEN Plasma for lifting and pore refinement, alongside injectables.
- Targeted peels to brighten and even tone, scheduled with adequate recovery.
If under‑eye hollowing is present, we will discuss conservative tear trough options or sequence skin boosters first, then review. We will always safety, subtlety and longevity guide our recommendations.
Your next steps
There is no universal “winner”. Profhilo delivers rapid, luminous hydration and gentle tightening over 6-months. Polynucleotides drive regeneration with improvements that build and can be tailored to delicate areas like the lower eyelids. Both sit comfortably in a new‑year reset plan, especially when started now so results peak by spring.
If you would like a personalised pathway, arrange a FREE, No‑Obligation Consultation with our Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber to discuss realistic outcomes.
