Polynucleotides and Rejuran: The New Wave of Skin Boosters

Quick Answer

Polynucleotide injectables (most famously Rejuran Healer) deliver salmon DNA fragments into the skin to stimulate regeneration, collagen production, and healing. They produce measurable improvements in skin quality, fine lines, texture, and under-eye area over 3–4 sessions spaced monthly, with results lasting 6–12 months. Best candidates have dull skin, early fine lines, under-eye crepiness, acne scarring, or want overall skin rejuvenation without volume addition. Unlike fillers (which add volume) or Botox (which relaxes muscles), polynucleotides improve skin quality itself — complementary to rather than competing with other treatments.

What Polynucleotides Are

Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The most common commercial form (Rejuran) uses purified, highly fragmented salmon DNA that:

• Is biocompatible with human tissue
• Triggers tissue regeneration pathways
• Activates fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells)
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports wound healing

This regenerative medicine approach is different from traditional injectables — it works at the cellular level rather than adding material or relaxing muscles.

How They Work

When injected into the skin, polynucleotides:

1. Provide building blocks for cellular repair
2. Activate fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin
3. Stimulate release of growth factors
4. Reduce oxidative stress
5. Improve microcirculation

The result: better skin quality over weeks to months, with benefits continuing after the injectable is fully absorbed.

Popular Polynucleotide Products

Rejuran Healer

• Most well-known globally
• Korean origin, widely adopted in Asia
• Salmon DNA fragments at specific molecular weights
• Used for overall skin rejuvenation

Rejuran S

• Variant formulated for acne scarring
• Higher concentration targeted for scar tissue

Rejuran I

• Variant for under-eye area specifically
• Gentler formulation for delicate tissue

Rejuran HB (Plinest Hydrobooster)

• Combines polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid
• Hybrid approach for hydration + regeneration

Other Brands

• Plinest: Italian polynucleotide brand
• Nucleofill: Similar category, various formulations
• Vitaran: Korean alternative

Best Uses

Skin Quality Enhancement

• Dull, tired skin
• Early fine lines
• Loss of radiance
• Overall rejuvenation without adding volume

Under-Eye Rejuvenation

• Crepey skin under eyes
• Dark circles (vascular/thin skin types)
• Fine lines and texture
• Common indication for Rejuran I

Acne Scarring

• Rolling and atrophic scars
• Often combined with microneedling
• Series of 3–5 treatments

Post-Procedure Recovery

• After laser treatments
• After chemical peels
• Accelerates healing and enhances results

Sensitive Skin

• Reduces reactivity
• Strengthens barrier over time
• Well-tolerated by those who can't use aggressive treatments

What They Don't Do

Add Volume

• Polynucleotides don't fill hollows or wrinkles
• Cheekbones, tear troughs, lips require filler
• Polynucleotides complement filler, don't replace it

Paralyze Muscles

• Dynamic wrinkles still need Botox
• Polynucleotides address skin quality, not muscle action

Immediate Results

• Most benefits develop over weeks to months
• Not suitable for those wanting quick transformations

Treat Deep Wrinkles

• Established deep wrinkles need filler or more aggressive treatment
• Polynucleotides help fine lines and texture primarily

Realistic Timeline

Day 0 (Treatment)

• Mild swelling, redness
• Visible small bumps (polynucleotide deposits) for 1–2 days
• Bruising possible

Week 1–2

• Bruising resolves
• Mild improvement may begin

Month 1

• Initial visible improvement
• Better hydration, subtle glow
• Texture refinement begins

Month 2–3

• More significant results apparent
• Fine line softening
• Best photos around month 3

Month 4–6

• Peak results typically
• Continued subtle improvements
• Maintenance phase begins

Treatment Protocol

Standard Course

• 3–4 sessions
• Spaced 2–4 weeks apart
• Monthly maintenance possible but not required

Intensive Protocol

• 4–6 sessions for significant concerns
• Some providers do 2 sessions closer together initially

Maintenance

• Single session every 6–12 months
• Often combined with other treatments

The Procedure Experience

Before

• Consultation about goals
• Topical numbing cream 20–30 minutes
• Photos from multiple angles

During

• Tiny injections at grid pattern across treatment area
• 20–30 minutes total
• Mild discomfort (3–5/10)
• Possible additional ice for comfort

After

• Small bumps (papules) at injection sites for 1–2 days
• Mild swelling
• Bruising possible
• Return to normal activity immediately
• Gentle skincare for 48 hours

Cost

Per Session

• Under-eye only: $400–700
• Full face: $500–900
• Face + neck: $700–1200

Full Course

• 3–4 sessions: $1500–3600
• With intensive protocol: up to $4500

Prices are generally higher in the US than in Korea or other markets.

Who Should Consider Polynucleotides

Great Candidates

• Dull or tired-looking skin
• Early fine lines
• Under-eye crepiness
• Acne scarring
• Post-procedure enhancement
• Sensitive skin that can't tolerate aggressive treatments
• Those wanting skin quality improvement without volume or paralysis
• Want to combine with other treatments

Less Suitable

• Pregnancy
• Active infection
• Severe skin laxity (needs more aggressive treatments)
• Want dramatic immediate results
• Significant volume loss (needs filler)

Combining With Other Treatments

Works Well With

• Botox: Treats dynamic wrinkles while polynucleotides improve skin quality
• Fillers: Volume + quality comprehensive rejuvenation
• Microneedling: Enhances polynucleotide penetration
• PRP: Similar regenerative category, may enhance effects
• Laser and peels: Accelerates post-procedure recovery
• Ultrasound tightening: Comprehensive skin improvement

Sequence

• Polynucleotides can be done 1–2 weeks after other treatments
• Or 1–2 weeks before laser/peel procedures to prime skin
• Some providers combine in same session

Side Effects and Risks

Common (Usually Resolve)

• Small bumps for 24–48 hours
• Mild swelling
• Bruising
• Temporary redness
• Mild tenderness

Less Common

• Larger nodules
• Extended swelling
• Rare allergic reactions

Rare

• Significant allergic reaction (those with fish allergies should use caution)
• Infection
• Vascular complications (extremely rare with experienced injectors)

Polynucleotides vs Other Skin Boosters

vs Profhilo (hyaluronic acid skin booster)

• Profhilo: hydration and mild firming via HA
• Polynucleotides: regeneration and collagen stimulation
• Different mechanisms, often combined

vs PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

• PRP: uses your own blood components
• Polynucleotides: uses purified salmon DNA
• Similar regenerative goals
• PRP more variable (depends on your blood quality)
• Polynucleotides more consistent

vs Exosomes

• Exosomes: newer, contain signaling molecules
• Polynucleotides: contain actual DNA fragments
• Both regenerative, different approaches
• Exosomes more expensive

vs Microneedling with Mesotherapy

• Microneedling: surface treatment with topical boosters
• Polynucleotides: deeper, injection-based

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rejuran the same as polynucleotides?

Rejuran is the brand name; polynucleotides is the ingredient category. Other brands include Plinest, Nucleofill, and Vitaran.

Is Rejuran safe for people with fish allergies?

Caution advised. The salmon DNA is highly purified but theoretical allergic risk exists. Tell your provider about fish/seafood allergies.

How long do Rejuran results last?

6–12 months typically, with some benefits extending further. Maintenance sessions extend duration.

Is Rejuran painful?

Mild to moderate. Topical numbing significantly reduces discomfort. Bumps at injection sites persist for 1–2 days.

Can I have Rejuran under my eyes?

Yes — Rejuran I is specifically formulated for the under-eye area. Very popular for dark circles and fine lines.

How does Rejuran compare to Botox?

Different purposes. Botox relaxes muscles; Rejuran improves skin quality. Often used together for comprehensive rejuvenation.

How many treatments do I need?

Standard course is 3–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. More intensive protocols exist for significant concerns.

Can I wear makeup after Rejuran?

Skip makeup for 24 hours to avoid introducing bacteria to injection sites. Resume normally after.

Is Rejuran FDA-approved in the US?

Not as of early 2026. Available through some US providers importing from approved overseas sources, or through clinical studies.

The Bottom Line

Polynucleotide injectables like Rejuran offer a genuinely novel approach to skin rejuvenation — stimulating cellular regeneration rather than adding material or blocking muscle function. Best for skin quality improvement (dullness, early lines, under-eye crepiness, acne scars), they produce gradual results over 3–4 monthly sessions with benefits lasting 6–12 months. They work beautifully combined with other treatments — Botox for muscles, filler for volume, polynucleotides for skin quality. Cost and limited US availability remain barriers for some, but those with access often find them one of the most satisfying treatments in their regimen. If skin quality rather than volume or muscle is your primary concern, polynucleotides deserve consideration.