Polynucleotides in Basingstoke — support your skin’s repair

What it is

Polynucleotides are naturally-derived, biocompatible molecules — purified chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA — that support the skin’s own repair mechanisms. At LUMOS we use Vitaran, a medical-grade polynucleotide preparation. Injected into the skin, they stimulate fibroblast activity (the cells that produce collagen and elastin), improve micro-circulation, and act as free-radical scavengers, reducing the oxidative stress that drives skin ageing. They don’t add volume like a filler or hydrate like a skin booster — instead they encourage the skin to regenerate itself, improving its quality, elasticity and resilience over time.

There’s a genuine evidence base behind polynucleotides, and it’s growing. Published studies (including work presented at MSPI 2023 and in SpringerLink, 2024) show measurable increases in dermal density and hydration, driven by enhanced extracellular activity. A 2020 study by Kim and colleagues found polynucleotide treatment activates skin-cell biogenesis and reduces melanin biosynthesis, and a 2020 split-face study by Jeong and colleagues confirmed both the efficacy and safety of polynucleotides specifically in the crow’s-feet region. That last point matters: this isn’t a treatment with only marketing behind it — it’s one with peer-reviewed studies behind it.

They’re often used for skin texture and tone, fine lines, and areas where the skin has lost its bounce — including delicate areas like the under-eyes, where a gentler approach matters. Because the effect builds gradually as the skin repairs, results look completely natural.

What it treats

• Fine lines and crepey texture — especially under the eyes.
• Under-eye quality — improving skin where filler is too heavy a hand.
• Scarring — supporting regeneration in damaged tissue.
• Overall skin quality — firmness, elasticity and hydration from within.

Pricing

Prices from Georgie’s current list — she’ll confirm the exact price for the plan that fits your skin at consultation, with no surprises.

What to expect

A consultation covering your medical history and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding comes first. A numbing cream is applied, so the injections are comfortable. Treatment takes around 30 minutes, and there may be mild redness or small bumps for a few hours that settle quickly.

A typical course is three treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart, with a top-up session every six to nine months to maintain the result. Results build over several weeks as the skin’s repair processes do their work.

Is it right for me?

Polynucleotides suit skin that needs repair — crepey texture, fine lines, loss of bounce or resilience, including delicate areas like the under-eyes where fillers are riskier. If your main concern is dryness or dullness, a skin booster like Profhilo may be the better first conversation. Georgie will tell you honestly which treatment — or combination — fits your skin.

All polynucleotide treatment at LUMOS is administered by Georgie Dolding, Independent Nurse Prescriber — NMC registration 14H0266E, member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN), previously an NHS Sister.

The evidence

Polynucleotides are newer, so the evidence base is younger — we'll say that plainly. A 2024 review in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found promising results across skin-quality studies, including a randomised, double-blind, split-face trial (30 participants) where polynucleotide filler improved periocular skin elasticity and texture more than a hyaluronic acid comparator, and a phase III randomised trial (120 patients) showing good tolerability. Early studies also report improvements in under-eye darkness and skin firmness. What the research is honest about: most studies are small, there's no long-term safety tracking yet compared with decades of HA-filler data, and the field is still building its trial base — which is why we position it as a complement to proven treatments, not a replacement.

Aftercare

• Don't touch, rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours
• No makeup on the area for 24 hours
• Avoid intense exercise, alcohol and saunas for 24–48 hours
• Gentle skincare and SPF afterwards — protecting the skin protects the result

Mild redness or small bumps at the injection points are normal for a few hours and settle quickly.

Common questions

Related

The full price list is on our prices page. Not sure whether polynucleotides or Profhilo is right for your skin? Read Polynucleotides vs Profhilo — what’s the difference, explore under-eye polynucleotides for hollows, fine lines and tired eyes, see how skin quality treatments fit into the wider picture on the skin texture & repair page, or compare with skin boosters.