Comparing Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Polynucleotides (PN)

In the ever-evolving world of skincare and aesthetics, hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides have recently become buzzwords in beauty circles. Both of these products are popping up in treatments and products everywhere, and for good reason. Hyaluronic acid is like the go-to hydration hero, known for its ability to instantly plump up the skin and smooth out those fine lines. It’s a key ingredient in many popular fillers and moisturizers, making it a favorite for quick, visible results.

On the flip side, polynucleotides are the new kids on the block, bringing something a bit different to the table. These compounds help stimulate skin regeneration and boost collagen production, which means they can offer longer-term skin improvement. They’re starting to make waves in the industry with treatments that aim to rejuvenate the skin from within.

Both hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides are making their mark in the aesthetic world, each with its own unique benefits. For example, products like Juvederm and Restylane are well-loved for their hydrating and volumizing effects, while polynucleotide-based treatments, such as Rejuran and Plinest, are becoming popular for their rejuvenating properties. So, if you're curious about which might be right for you, understanding what each one does can help you make a more informed choice!

Overview of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

In the world of medical aesthetics, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a popular choice for a good reason. They’re well-loved for their impressive safety record, natural-looking results, and quick recovery time. HA fillers are designed to be non-immunological and biocompatible, meaning they’re less likely to cause allergic reactions and generally work well with our bodies. These fillers are made from long-chain hyaluronic acid molecules that are cross-linked using a substance called 1,4-butanedioldiglycidyl ether (BDDE), which helps them hold their shape and last longer.

One of the standout features of HA fillers is their versatility. They’re long-lasting but not permanent, and if needed, they can be reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. The longevity of HA fillers depends on several factors, including how deeply they’re injected, their degree of cross-linking, and how quickly they’re broken down by your body. Plus, they generally don’t come with significant risks or adverse effects, making them a reliable option for many seeking aesthetic enhancements.

In short, HA fillers offer a safe, effective way to achieve immediate and natural-looking results, with minimal downtime and a solid track record for overall safety and tolerability.

Overview of Polynucleotides (PNs)

Polynucleotides (PNs) are gaining traction for their unique and versatile benefits. These biopolymers, made up of nucleotide chains with alternating sugar and phosphate groups, are derived from highly purified sources like salmon or trout gonads and are formulated into injectable gels. DNA and RNA are the most common examples of PNs.

PNs come in various concentrations, tailored to different treatment needs. They can be used on their own or mixed with other ingredients, like non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, to enhance their effects. What sets PNs apart is their ability to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits. They’re known for boosting skin hydration, stimulating biological processes, and providing antioxidant protection.

By addressing signs of aging and combating factors like UV damage, stress, and pollution, PNs help maintain skin health from the inside out. They encourage the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are vital for youthful, resilient skin. Additionally, PNs support wound healing and reduce inflammation, making them beneficial for conditions like rosacea.

With their comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation, PNs offer a valuable tool in the fight against aging and skin damage.

Choosing HA vs PNs

HA dermal fillers, HA skin boosters and PN products can all function in both a preventive and corrective manner. This makes treatments suitable for both younger individuals to delay ageing, as well as mature individuals, to counteract ageing. PNs are considered to have stronger bioreactivating properties than other primary skin active principles such as HA, and have also been shown to be effective ‘bioreactivating primers’ of skin.

The rationale behind skin priming is that the PNs prepare the tissues through dermal stimulation and increased levels of hydration due to HA, leading to better clinical and aesthetic outcomes. Skin priming is not only beneficial prior to treatments such as surgery, lasers, radiofrequency and microneedling, but also prior to HA filler treatments to improve and increase the duration of outcomes.

While PNs provide greater improvements in skin elasticity and texture, their durability and volumising effects are inferior to those of existing dermal fillers. For this reason, PNs can be seen as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, HA fillers when achieving successful facial rejuvenation.Treatment selection will depend on the patients’ age, skin quality, level of volume loss, as well as their specific concerns and goals.

HA fillers may be favoured if more instant and controllable results are desired, or if the patient is unable to afford the upkeep of PN treatments. PN treatments involve an initial course of three to four sessions on average, spaced 14-28 days apart, and maintenance treatments are required at intervals ranging from six to nine months depending on the individual.

What’s even more exciting is the powerful synergy that can be achieved when combining HA fillers with polynucleotides. This dynamic duo not only maximizes the immediate plumping and smoothing effects of HA but also enhances long-term skin rejuvenation and repair through the regenerative properties of PNs. By leveraging the strengths of both treatments, you can enjoy a more holistic approach to skincare that addresses both instant results and lasting improvements.

HA favourable	PNs favourable	Combination treatment favourable
Deep volume loss	Minimal or no facial volume loss	Volume loss + skin laxity
Deep nasolabial folds	Mild nasolabial folds	Poor skin texure
Deep marionette folds	Mild marionette folds	Poor skin hydration
Deep pre-jowl sulcus	Skin laxity	Visible pores
Facial contouring desired (eg:chin, jawline, lips)	Poor skin hydrations	Wishes to treat signs of ageing and prevent future of ageing
Volume restoration is a chief concern	Chief concerns: skin quality/hydration/texture/pore size/ scarring	Able to attend at 3 to 6 months intervals for maintenance treatments.
Patients want immediate results.	Preventing ageing Restock collagen ‘banking’
	Skin priming desired. (eg: before surgery, laser, rediofrequency, microneedling)

Conclusion

Contact Dream Clinic today to schedule your consultation. Let our team of experts assess your skin and create a tailored plan that may include the synergistic benefits of both HA fillers and polynucleotides to bring out your natural beauty. Book your appointment now and take the first step towards the glowing skin you deserve!

References:

Cavallini, M., Bartoletti, E., Maioli, L., Massirone, A., Palmieri, I. P., Papagni, M., Priori, M., & Trocchi, G. (2020). Consensus report on the use of PN‐HPTTM (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(3), 922–928. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13679

Micheels, P., & Eng, M. O. (2018). Rheological Properties of several Hyaluronic Acid-Based gels: A comparative study. PubMed, 17(9), 948–954. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30235380