Skin Boosters Explained: Profhilo, Polynucleotides & What to Expect

Types of skin boosters available

The term “skin booster” is an umbrella category that encompasses several distinct products, each with its own mechanism of action. Understanding the differences is important because the right choice depends on your individual skin concerns, your age, and what you are hoping to achieve.

Profhilo — hyaluronic acid bio-remodelling

Profhilo is arguably the most well-known skin booster and is often the product patients ask about by name. It contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available in any injectable product — 64 mg of HA in each 2 ml syringe. What makes Profhilo different from HA-based dermal fillers is that it uses a patented technology that combines both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid without chemical cross-linking. This means that rather than sitting as a structured gel beneath the skin (as a filler does), Profhilo spreads and integrates within the tissue.

The effect is twofold. In the short term, Profhilo provides intense hydration to the skin. Over the following weeks, it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin — the structural proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. This bio-remodelling effect is what distinguishes Profhilo from a simple hydrating injection. It is not just adding moisture; it is encouraging the skin to repair and regenerate its own support structure. Profhilo is suitable for the face, neck, hands, and décolletage, and is one of the most versatile options in the skin booster category.

Polynucleotides — regenerative skin treatment

Polynucleotides (often referred to by brand names such as Ameela, Plinest, or Nucleadyn) represent a newer generation of skin boosters. Rather than using hyaluronic acid, polynucleotide products are derived from purified DNA fragments, typically sourced from salmon or trout DNA. These fragments act as biological signalling molecules that stimulate fibroblast activity — the cells in the skin responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix.

The regenerative potential of polynucleotides has generated considerable interest in the aesthetics community. They are particularly well-suited to patients with damaged or ageing skin, including those with significant sun damage, smokers’ lines, or skin that has lost its resilience due to hormonal changes. Polynucleotides can also be used in delicate areas such as the under-eyes and perioral region, where traditional fillers may not be appropriate.

Injectable moisturisers — SkinVive and similar

SkinVive and similar products occupy a slightly different position within the skin booster category. These are micro-droplet HA-based injectable moisturisers designed to be placed superficially within the skin using a series of small injections. They provide hydration and a subtle smoothing effect, often described by patients as giving the skin a “dewy” or “glass skin” appearance.

Injectable moisturisers tend to produce results that are visible more quickly than Profhilo or polynucleotides, as their primary mechanism is hydration rather than bio-remodelling or regeneration. They can be an excellent entry point for patients who are new to injectable treatments or who want a relatively subtle improvement in skin quality. However, their collagen-stimulating effects are generally less pronounced than those of Profhilo or polynucleotides.

What the treatment involves

Understanding what happens during a skin booster appointment can help to ease any anxiety, particularly if you have not had an injectable treatment before. The process is straightforward, and most patients find it far more comfortable than they anticipated.

For Profhilo, the standard technique uses what is known as the BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) technique. This involves five specific injection points on each side of the face — ten points in total. These points have been carefully mapped to areas where the product can spread most effectively, providing even distribution across the treatment area. The injection process itself takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A topical anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand, although many patients find the procedure comfortable enough without it, as the needles used are very fine.

Polynucleotide treatments typically involve a greater number of injection points, as the product is placed more superficially and in smaller quantities across the treatment area. The exact technique varies depending on the product used and the area being treated. Treatment of the under-eye area, for example, requires a precise, delicate approach that differs from treatment of the cheeks or jawline.

Injectable moisturisers such as SkinVive are administered using a series of micro-injections across the treatment area. This can involve a larger number of injection points than Profhilo, but each injection delivers a very small quantity of product. Some practitioners use a micro-cannula rather than a needle for certain areas.

Regardless of the specific product, most skin booster treatments require a course of two to three sessions for optimal results. Sessions are typically spaced two to four weeks apart. Each appointment, including the initial assessment and the treatment itself, usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. At your initial consultation at our Maidenhead clinic, Dr Langdon will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate product and treatment protocol for your needs.

Safety and side effects

Skin boosters are generally very well tolerated, and serious adverse events are rare when the treatment is performed by a trained medical professional using genuine, licensed products. However, as with any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of before proceeding.

The most common side effects are mild and temporary. These include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection sites, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Minor bruising is possible, particularly in patients who take blood-thinning medications or supplements. With Profhilo specifically, small lumps or bumps may be visible at the injection points for the first 24 to 48 hours. These are a normal part of the treatment process and resolve as the product disperses through the tissue. Patients are advised not to massage or apply pressure to the treated area during this period.

Allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters are extremely rare, as HA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Polynucleotide products derived from fish DNA carry a very small risk of reaction in patients with a known fish allergy, although the purification process used in modern products minimises this risk significantly. Any known allergies should be disclosed during your consultation.

One of the most important safety considerations is ensuring that genuine, properly stored products are used. Counterfeit and grey-market aesthetic products are a recognised problem internationally, and using products that have not been obtained through authorised supply chains poses significant safety risks. At Berkshire Aesthetics, all products are sourced directly from authorised UK distributors, and batch numbers are recorded in patient records for traceability. Our clinic is CQC-registered and operates under the clinical governance of Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259), ensuring that all treatments are delivered to the highest safety standards.