Profhilo and polynucleotides are both injectable skin treatments that improve skin quality rather than add volume. Profhilo is hyaluronic acid that hydrates and stimulates collagen across a broad area. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments that drive deeper cellular regeneration in targeted areas. They overlap in some ways and differ significantly in others. For most clients, the right answer is one or the other depending on the goal. Some clients benefit from both, layered carefully.
I am Cristina Pardo, an NMC-registered aesthetic nurse practitioner in Norwich. This post compares the two treatments side by side and explains how I decide which one to recommend.
What Profhilo actually is
Profhilo is a high-purity hyaluronic-acid injection delivered as a small set of injections across the face, neck, or other treatment area. The product is unique because it spreads through the tissue after injection rather than staying in a single bolus.
Profhilo hydrates the skin and stimulates collagen and elastin production over the weeks following each session. The result is a glow, improved skin quality, and a subtle lift from improved underlying structure.
Most clients have an initial course of two sessions four weeks apart, then maintain with a single session every 6 months.
What polynucleotides actually are
Polynucleotides are fragments of purified DNA, typically derived from salmon. Injected into the skin, they stimulate cellular repair and regeneration over a longer arc than Profhilo.
Polynucleotides are placed more locally than Profhilo. A typical treatment targets a specific area: the under-eye, the cheeks, or a section of damaged skin. The product does not spread as widely as Profhilo does.
Most clients have a course of two sessions four weeks apart, then maintain with a single session every 6 to 9 months.
The differences that matter for your decision
Treatment area. Profhilo is for broad coverage. Polynucleotides are for targeted areas. If you want overall skin quality improvement across the face, Profhilo. If you want under-eye treatment or a specific zone of damage, polynucleotides.
Mechanism. Profhilo hydrates and bio-stimulates from the hyaluronic acid itself. Polynucleotides regenerate at a cellular level, including stimulating repair of existing damage.
Time to result. Profhilo shows early hydration almost immediately, with peak result at 8 weeks. Polynucleotides build slower, with peak result at 8 to 12 weeks.
Cost. Single session prices are similar at Pardo (Profhilo £270, polynucleotides £250 launch). Profhilo course of 2 is £490 launch. Polynucleotides course of 2 is also £490 launch.
Areas where polynucleotides have a clear advantage. The under-eye area is the biggest one. Hyaluronic-acid filler in the tear trough is high-risk because of the anatomy. Polynucleotides regenerate the tissue without adding mass, making them much safer for that zone.
Who suits Profhilo
Clients in their late 20s to 50s who want a hydration and skin-quality boost across the face.
Clients who notice a dull complexion, fine lines, or early loss of glow.
Clients combining with filler for a layered approach: filler for contour, Profhilo for quality.
Clients with the neck or décolletage as a primary concern. Profhilo works beautifully in both.
Who suits polynucleotides
Clients with dark circles, hollowness, or fine lines under the eyes.
Clients with visible photoaging, sun damage, or areas of thin or fragile skin.
Clients who want a regenerative treatment rather than a hydration one.
Clients who have tried Profhilo and want something more targeted on a specific concern.
When to use both
Combination is increasingly common. A typical layered protocol might be: polynucleotides under the eyes and on the cheeks for regeneration, Profhilo on the lower face and neck for overall hydration and lift. The two treatments do not compete.
Timing for combination: I usually do polynucleotides first, allow 4 weeks, then introduce Profhilo. That spaces the two responses and lets us assess each separately.
Combined cost. Most clients combining the two settle into a maintenance pattern of one polynucleotide session and one Profhilo session per year. Around £500 to £550 a year for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is universally better. They are different tools for different goals. Profhilo is broader and more hydration-focused. Polynucleotides are more targeted and more regenerative. Most clients benefit from one or the other depending on their specific concern.
Yes, and many clients do. The two layer well because they work through different mechanisms. I usually space them 4 weeks apart.
Polynucleotides, almost every time. The under-eye is the area where polynucleotides outperform Profhilo most clearly because of the regenerative effect on thin, fragile tissue.
Profhilo. It was originally formulated for these areas and gives broader, more uniform improvement.
Profhilo £270 single, £490 for the course of 2 (launch). Polynucleotides £250 single launch (regular £300), £490 for the course of 2 launch. Mobile, no travel charge inside 15 miles.
Both deliver the strongest result at 8 to 12 weeks after a course and last roughly 6 to 9 months before maintenance. Polynucleotides may last slightly longer in some clients.
Related treatments at Pardo Medical Aesthetics
Written by Cristina Pardo, NMC-registered aesthetic nurse practitioner at Pardo Medical Aesthetics. Mobile aesthetics across Norwich and Norfolk. Read more at JCCP guidance on regenerative aesthetics for further reading.
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