What’s the Difference Between Skin Boosters and Polynucleotide Injections?
If you’re looking to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate or restore your skin from within, you’ve likely come across both skin boosters and polynucleotide injections.
While they may seem similar at first glance, these treatments work in different ways and offer distinct benefits. In this blog, we’ll explain what each treatment is, how they work, and which might be the best option depending on your skin goals.
What Are Skin Boosters?
Skin boosters are injectable treatments designed to hydrate, smooth and revitalise the skin from the inside out. Unlike traditional fillers, they don’t add volume — their main goal is deep hydration and skin quality improvement.
Popular brands include: Profhilo, LumiPro, Jalupro, Seventy Hyal, and Sunekos.
How They Work:
Skin boosters use ingredients like hyaluronic acid or amino acids to attract water into the skin.
They’re injected into multiple points across the face (or neck, chest, hands) to improve hydration, elasticity, and glow.
Over time, they stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and plumpness.
Ideal For:
Dehydrated, dull or crepey skin
Fine lines and mild laxity
Those looking for a ‘glass skin’ glow
What Are Polynucleotide Injections?
Polynucleotide injections are regenerative skin treatments using filtered and purified DNA fragments derived from salmon or trout. They go beyond hydration, helping to repair and restore skin at a cellular level.
Common products include: Plinest, Vitaran, Lumiluna, and Plenhyage.
How They Work:
Polynucleotides support tissue regeneration, wound healing, and improved skin quality.
They have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ideal for stressed, scarred or ageing skin.
These injections stimulate fibroblast activity, encouraging the skin to rebuild itself from within.
Ideal For:
Stressed or inflamed skin (e.g., acne-prone, post-treatment)
Early to moderate signs of ageing
Skin with pigmentation, laxity, or scarring
Strengthening the skin barrier over time
Key Differences You Should Know:
Main Ingredient:
Skin Boosters - Hyaluronic acid, amino acids
Polynucleotide Injections - Purified DNA fragments (PNs)
Function:
Skin Boosters - Deep hydration, glow, plumpness
Polynucleotide Injections - Skin repair, regeneration, anti-ageing
Treatment Areas:
Skin Boosters - Face, neck, chest, hands
Polynucleotide Injections - Face, neck, eyes, scars, stretch marks
Skin Benefits:
Skin Boosters - Smoother, glowier, more hydrated skin
Polynucleotide Injections - Firmer, stronger, healthier skin
Downtime:
Skin Boosters - Minimal (some redness/swelling)
Polynucleotide Injections - Minimal (may bruise slightly)
Course Required:
Skin Boosters - Typically 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart
Polynucleotide Injections - Usually 3–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart
Which One Is Right for You?
It depends on your skin goals:
Want an instant glow and hydration boost? A skin booster like LumiPro or Jalupro may be perfect.
Looking to strengthen your skin from within and slow down the ageing process? Polynucleotides like Plinest or Vitaran offer longer-term regenerative benefits.
Have acne scarring, pigmentation or a weakened barrier? Polynucleotide treatments can offer healing beyond surface hydration.
Many clients at Dermabalance benefit from a combined approach — layering polynucleotides with skin boosters for both immediate and long-term improvement.
Final Thoughts:
Skin boosters and polynucleotide injections are both incredible tools — but they serve different purposes. If you're unsure what your skin needs, our expert team is here to guide you with honest, tailored advice based on your skin condition, lifestyle, and goals.
At Dermabalance, we blend internal wellness and advanced skin treatments to help you feel confident in your skin. Book your consultation today and let’s create a plan tailored to you.
