Polynucleotide skin boosters (Rejuran, Plinest, Nucleofill)

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, mostly extracted from salmon, that your skin breaks down into building blocks. They're thought to work by activating adenosine A2A receptors and nudging fibroblasts to make collagen and new blood vessels — a healing signal rather than a filler. Unlike hyaluronic-acid boosters, they carry no hydration or volume of their own; they're sold as skin repair. Most are injected as dozens of tiny intradermal dots, or pushed in through microneedling.

More uncomfortable than hyaluronic boosters: each dot stings, and Rejuran in particular means many injections across the face. Numbing cream helps, and the sting lingers a few minutes after each dot.

How much downtime: Low — 1–3 days. Little raised wheals and redness at each dot, sometimes small bruises; the wheals usually flatten within a day.

Cost for that downtime: $400–$900 per session, 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart, then top-ups about every 6 months.

Is it worth it? Our verdict (3/5): Interesting and generally well tolerated, but the evidence is thin: a 2024 systematic review found only nine small studies of low-to-moderate quality, in 219 patients. Worth trying once your basics are sorted and you want a repair-focused booster; not worth it as your first or only treatment.

• Improved fine lines, texture, elasticity and hydration in the small studies so far
• Calms and thickens thin, crepey or damaged-looking skin
• Adds no volume, so there's no risk of looking 'puffy'
• Huge popularity in South Korea means wide availability and falling prices

• Give an instant glow — results build over 4–8 weeks
• Lift sagging skin or fill hollows
• Replace proven treatments for pigmentation or deep acne scars
• Guarantee the same result twice: there's no standard formulation, and products differ a lot

• Pain, redness, wheals and bruising at the many injection points
• Small lumps or nodules that can take weeks to settle
• Infection if aftercare or hygiene is poor
• Allergic reactions are rare, but avoid if you're allergic to fish or salmon (some products use trout)
• Counterfeit or unregulated product in some markets — buy only from a clinic that names the brand

Darker skin tones: No pigment is targeted, so it's generally suitable for darker skin. The main caution is temporary darkening where a bruise or inflamed spot heals, so strict sun protection afterwards matters.

Good fit

• Thin, crepey or tired-looking skin, commonly in your 30s–50s
• People who found hyaluronic boosters too 'full' or too costly to keep up
• Anyone who can tolerate many small needle pricks

Avoid or ask a doctor first

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Fish or salmon allergy (ask your doctor; some brands are trout-derived)
• Active acne, cold sores or infection in the area
• Anyone who can't accept a course of sessions with no instant result

Sessions: 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart, then top-ups about every 6 months

• PubMed research: polynucleotide skin rejuvenation systematic review
• PubMed research: polydeoxyribonucleotide PDRN skin elasticity
• American Academy of Dermatology — Fillers: overview

General information only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist.