Why I Combine Polynucleotides With Skin Boosters for Exceptional Skin Results
Discover expert skin science insights from our award-winning holistic aesthetic clinic in Altrincham. Written by Dr Caroline Warden an NHS GP, cosmetic dermatology specialist and leading aesthetic doctor in Hale, Cheshire
Skin rejuvenation has evolved dramatically in the last few years. While hyaluronic-acid skin boosters have made extraordinary improvements in hydration and radiance, there is now a new gold standard for deep regenerative results: polynucleotides.
At my doctor-led clinic in Hale, Altrincham I now usually combine polynucleotides with advanced skin boosters such as NCTF 135HA or redensity 1 to create a synergistic, biology-driven treatment plan. This pairing delivers more transformative improvements in texture, hydration, elasticity, inflammation, fine lines, and overall skin quality.
In this blog, I’ll break down what polynucleotides are, the science behind them, why they pair beautifully with skin boosters and share a real patient case study from my clinic. I’ll also include FAQs and research references throughout for patients who love understanding the “why” behind their treatment.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are chains of purified DNA fragments, usually sourced from salmon or trout, that have been used in regenerative medicine for over 30 years. In aesthetics, they’re injected into the skin to stimulate healing and regeneration at a cellular level.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
Polynucleotides improve the skin through five key mechanisms:
1. They stimulate fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen
Studies show polynucleotides increase fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, improving elasticity and firmness (Kim et al., 2021; Lee et al., 2020).
2. They improve hydration
Polynucleotides attract water molecules (similar to hyaluronic acid) but lock moisture deeper into the dermis.
3. They reduce inflammation
This is one of the biggest reasons I use them.
Polynucleotides have been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines and soothe compromised skin (D’Aniello et al., 2021), making them ideal for rosacea, sensitive skin, eczema-prone patients, and post-procedure regeneration.
4. They improve tissue repair
Thanks to their antioxidant and DNA-repair-supporting properties, Polynucleotides help damaged, stressed, or ageing skin repair itself more efficiently.
5. They improve overall skin quality
Texture, elasticity, glow, pore reduction, and scar improvement have all been observed in clinical studies.
What Is NCTF 135HA and Why Do I Use It?
NCTF (New Cellular Treatment Factor) 135HA is a renowned French skin booster containing:
Hyaluronic acid
12 vitamins
24 amino acids
6 coenzymes
5 nucleic acids
Antioxidants
Minerals
It’s a “mesotherapy cocktail” designed to feed the skin with everything it needs for optimal function.
Benefits of NCTF
✅ Deep hydration
✅ Brighter, fresher complexion
✅ Boosted cellular metabolism
✅ Improved glow and skin vitality
✅ Subtle smoothing of fine lines
NCTF is fantastic for dull, tired, dehydrated, or ageing skin but on its own, it doesn’t regenerate tissue as deeply or as powerfully as polynucleotides.
And that’s where combination therapy becomes exciting.
Why I Combine Polynucleotides With Skin boosters like NCTF: The Synergy Explained
Think of this combination as feeding + healing.
Polynucleotides
→ Rebuild + repair + regenerate
→ Long-term structural improvement
→ Reduce inflammation
→ Increase collagen and elastin
Skin boosters
→ Boost hydration + glow
→ Nourish skin cells
→ Improve cellular energy and function
By combining them, we target every layer and function of the skin, leading to far more powerful results than either treatment alone.
The Scientific Logic Behind the Combination
Polynucleotides calm inflammation, creating a healthier, more stable environment for other actives to work.
Polynucleotides stimulate fibroblasts, increasing their responsiveness to NCTF’s nutrient-rich formula.
NCTF improves hydration, which enhances the diffusion and performance of polynucleotides in the tissue.
The combination mimics a “reset + rebuild + reinforce” cycle for the skin.
Who Benefits Most From This Combination?
Rosacea or sensitive skin
Ageing skin with loss of elasticity
Post-acne scarring
Dry, dull or dehydrated skin
Patients wanting a natural but significant improvement
Patients preparing for events needing glowing skin
Those who can’t tolerate traditional actives (retinoids, vitamin C etc.)
A Case Study From My Clinic: Regenerating Sensitive, Rosacea-Prone Skin
Patient: Sam, aged 31
Skin concerns:
Rosacea with papules
Erythema on the cheeks
Sensitivity to many products
Dryness, dullness, uneven texture
She had previously avoided injectables because of concerns about sensitivity. After a consultation, we agreed that polynucleotides combined with NCTF provided the safest and most effective plan, particularly given the underlying inflammation.
Treatment Plan
Session 1:
Full-face polynucleotides (two vials)
Light NCTF mesotherapy infusion over the cheeks and forehead for hydration
Session 2 (4 weeks later):
Polynucleotides targeted to cheeks and nasolabial area
Second NCTF boost
Session 3 (8 weeks):
Third polynucleotide session
Final NCTF treatment for glow
Results After 8 Weeks
✅ Erythema reduced by ~40%
✅ Improved skin tolerance (she could introduce a gentle retinol later)
✅ Papules reduced significantly
✅ Softer, smoother texture
✅ Finer pores and improved luminosity
✅ More even tone and reduced “flushing” episodes
✅ Patient-reported improvement in confidence and comfort
The patient described her skin as “calmer, stronger, and the best it’s looked in years.”
This is why polynucleotides have become a core part of my clinic protocol, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.
Treatment Protocol: What to Expect
Most patients see best results with:
3 sessions of polynucleotides
2–4 weeks apart
3 sessions of NCTF same day
Maintenance
Every 4–6 months
Results build gradually, peaking around 8–12 weeks. The final outcome is hydrated, regenerated, calmer, firmer and fresher-looking skin.
FAQs About Polynucleotides and skin boosters
1. Are polynucleotides the same as skin boosters?
No. Skin boosters mainly hydrate; polynucleotides regenerate and repair. They work beautifully together but are not the same thing.
2. How many treatments do I need?
Most patients need 3 sessions of polynucleotides combined with 3 NCTF sessions. Sensitive or ageing skin may benefit from an additional course later in the year.
3. Does the treatment hurt?
I’m not going to lie, can be stingy, but I always use an extra strong topical anaesthetic cream.
4. Can I combine this with microneedling?
Yes, PNs after microneedling improve healing, reduce redness and enhance results. Many patients with rosacea prefer injectables alone first.
5. Who is not suitable for polynucleotides?
Uusually no one but we’ll determine suitability during your medical consultation.
6. When will I see results?
Hydration improves in days (thanks to the skin booster), while collagen and regeneration develop over 8–12 weeks.
7. Are polynucleotides really from fish sperm?
Polynucleotides are derived from purified DNA fragments, and yes, the source is typically salmon or trout milt, which is the part of the fish that contains DNA.
However, it’s important to clarify:
✅ The material is extensively purified, leaving only clean DNA chains
✅ All proteins- the part that could trigger allergy are removed
✅ The final product contains no sperm cells, no allergens, and no biological material other than DNA
✅ This makes them extremely safe and biocompatible
They’ve been used in regenerative medicine for over 30 years due to their safety and effectiveness.
8. How are polynucleotides farmed?
Medical-grade polynucleotides come from sustainably sourced salmon or trout, usually from controlled aquaculture environments in Europe.
The process involves:
Ethical aquaculture farming with strict health and sustainability standards
Collection of the milt (a natural by-product of breeding)
Highly controlled purification where DNA is extracted and processed
Multiple sterilisation steps to remove proteins, allergens, and contaminants
Quality testing under European medical manufacturing regulations
The result is a pure, sterile, pharmaceutical-grade polynucleotide gel that supports regeneration and repair.
9. Which polynucleotides do you use and why?
I use Plinest polynucleotides for several reasons:
✅ Medical-grade safety profile
Plinest is developed by Mastelli, the Italian pharmaceutical company that originally pioneered PN technology. It has some of the longest-standing safety data in the industry.
✅ The highest DNA purity standards
The purification process used in Plinest removes proteins and allergens to an exceptional degree, making it suitable even for sensitive or reactive skin.
✅ Strong clinical evidence
Plinest has been extensively studied for:
collagen stimulation
improved elasticity
reduced inflammation
faster tissue repair
improved hydration and texture
✅ Excellent results for rosacea and compromised skin
Because Plinest has strong anti-inflammatory effects, I use it frequently for:
rosacea
sensitised skin
post-inflammatory redness
patients who’ve overused actives or had barrier damage
✅ Natural-looking outcomes
Plinest works with your body to regenerate tissue gradually, meaning results are subtle, natural, and never “done.”
✅ Versatility across face and neck
It can be used:
under the eyes
across the cheeks
in areas of laxity
neck and jawline
scars or crepey skin
This makes it one of the most flexible regenerative injectables available.
10. Can this replace Botox or fillers?
No, polynucleotides regenerate tissue but do not replace the softening effect of Botox or the volume replacement provided by dermal fillers. Many patients combine all three for full-face rejuvenation.
11. Are Polynucleotides Safe?
Yes. They have an excellent safety profile with:
No cross-linking agents
No allergenic proteins
Extremely low reactivity
A long history of use in medicine
They’re one of the safest injectable biostimulators available, one of the reasons I recommend them for sensitive or compromised skin.
Evidence and Research References
Kim, S. et al. (2021). Regenerative effects of polynucleotides on human fibroblasts. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Lee, J. et al. (2020). Polynucleotide injections for skin rejuvenation: A clinical evaluation. Dermatologic Therapy.
D’Aniello, C. et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of polynucleotides in dermatology. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Filorga Laboratories. NCTF 135HA Scientific Dossier.
Hyun, M.Y. (2022). Mesotherapy cocktails and their effects on cellular hydration. Clinical Cosmetic Investigation in Dermatology.
These demonstrate strong evidence for fibroblast activation, improved hydration, and enhanced tissue repair.
Final Thoughts
Polynucleotides have become one of the most powerful tools in advanced regenerative aesthetics. When combined with a nutrient-rich skin boosters like NCTF 135HA, the skin receives both the building blocks and the stimulation needed to repair, regenerate, and glow.
If you have sensitive, ageing or dehydrated skin, or simply want the most natural, biologically intelligent approach to rejuvenation then this combination treatment offers outstanding, long-lasting results.
Learn more about polynucleotides
Learn more about skin boosters
Want a personalised skin plan?
Book now for a consultation!
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. Her main Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire but she also runs clinic in Disley, Stockport.
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. She’ll design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine.
You’ll be guided through your medical history, goals, and expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Our main Hale clinic is local To:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury, Warrington
Our satellite Disley clinic on Thursday nights at Scott, Skin & Co, is local to:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Hayfield, Stockport
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