In recent years, treatments such as Profhilo and polynucleotides have become increasingly popular for improving skin quality and supporting healthier-looking skin. While they are often grouped together under the term skin boosters they are not the same treatment and they work in very different ways.
Both options focus on improving skin quality, hydration, texture and overall tissue health. Understanding the difference can help you decide which approach may be most suitable for your skin concerns and goals.
What is Profhilo?
Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment designed to improve hydration and support skin remodelling. Unlike traditional fillers, it does not add structure or reshape the face. Instead, it disperses beneath the skin and works across a broader area.
Profhilo contains stabilised hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found within the body that helps retain moisture and support skin elasticity. Once injected, it spreads through the tissue to provide deep hydration while supporting collagen and elastin production over time.
Clients often notice:
• improved hydration
• smoother skin texture
• increased radiance and glow
• subtle firmness
• softer crepey skin.
Profhilo is commonly used on the face, neck, décolletage and hands and is often best suited to clients experiencing:
• dehydration
• dullness
• mild skin laxity
• early signs of ageing
• general loss of skin quality.
Results develop gradually over several weeks and are typically most noticeable in skin texture and quality rather than dramatic lifting.
What are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are a regenerative injectable treatment derived from purified DNA fragments, typically sourced from salmon or trout.
Rather than focusing primarily on hydration, polynucleotides work through tissue regeneration and cellular repair pathways. They are considered biostimulatory treatments, meaning they encourage the skin to repair and strengthen itself over time.
Polynucleotides may help:
• support fibroblast activity
• encourage collagen and elastin production
• improve tissue repair
• reduce inflammation
• strengthen fragile or compromised skin.
They are often used effectively in areas where the skin has become thinner, weaker or more crepey, including:
• the under-eye area
• neck
• décolletage
• areas of significant skin thinning or laxity.
Clients may notice:
• improved skin texture
• healthier tissue quality
• better elasticity
• reduction in crepey appearance
• improved resilience and hydration over time.
The results tend to develop gradually as the skin undergoes regeneration and repair.
What is the Main Difference?
The simplest way to understand the difference is this:
Profhilo primarily improves hydration and overall skin quality through hyaluronic acid bioremodelling.
Polynucleotides primarily support regeneration and tissue repair through cellular stimulation.
Both treatments may support collagen and elastin production, but they do so through different biological pathways.
Profhilo is often chosen for:
• glow and hydration
• general skin quality improvement
• preventative ageing support.
Polynucleotides are often chosen for:
• fragile or crepey skin
• regenerative support
• targeted tissue repair
• thinning skin and delicate areas.
Can They Be Combined?
In some cases, yes.
Because the treatments work differently, they may complement each other when used as part of a carefully planned treatment approach.
For example:
• Profhilo may improve hydration and overall skin quality across a broader area.
• Polynucleotides may target more delicate or damaged areas requiring regenerative support.
However, not every client requires both treatments. The most appropriate option depends on:
• your skin condition
• your concerns
• your age and skin quality
• your goals
• your medical history
• your overall treatment plan.
A consultation is essential to determine which treatment, if any, is most appropriate for your skin.
A Natural, Regenerative Approach
Modern aesthetic medicine is increasingly moving toward treatments that support skin health and tissue quality rather than simply adding volume.
Treatments such as Profhilo and polynucleotides are designed to work with the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes to support healthier, stronger and more resilient skin over time.
The goal is not to make skin look artificial or overfilled, but to improve hydration, texture, elasticity and overall skin quality in a subtle and natural-looking way.
At Woulfe Skin Specialists & Wellness, every treatment recommendation is based on an individual consultation and tailored assessment to ensure the approach chosen is appropriate for your skin, your concerns and your long-term skin health goals.
