Three of the most popular regenerative treatments, three slightly different jobs — here's a clear, honest guide to help you understand which one suits your skin.
· by Lorraine
If you've been researching ways to improve your skin, you've probably come across polynucleotides, Profhilo and "skin boosters" — and you've probably noticed they all sound rather similar. The good news is they're all excellent. The key difference is what each one is best at.
The most important thing to understand is what these treatments have in common. Unlike dermal fillers, which add structure and volume to a specific area, this whole family of treatments is designed to improve the underlying quality of your skin. That means better hydration, firmness, elasticity, texture and glow — a healthier, fresher-looking complexion rather than a "filled" one.
They work with your skin rather than sitting on top of it, encouraging it to do more of what it naturally does: produce collagen, hold moisture and repair itself. Because of that, results tend to look natural and build gradually. Nobody will know you've "had something done" — they'll just think you look well.
Polynucleotides are regenerative molecules derived from purified natural DNA fragments. Rather than plumping or hydrating alone, their real strength is repair and regeneration. They stimulate the skin's own fibroblasts — the cells that make collagen and elastin — while calming inflammation and improving the skin's ability to protect itself.
This makes them a standout choice for skin that needs strengthening rather than filling: crêpey texture, thin or fragile skin, and above all the delicate under-eye area, where few other treatments are as well suited. If your main concern is tired, dark or hollow-looking under-eyes, polynucleotides are very often the first treatment worth discussing. You can read more on our dedicated polynucleotides page.
"Skin boosters" is an umbrella term for injectable treatments that deliver hydration and stimulate collagen across a wider area — and Profhilo is one of the best-known names in this category. These are typically bio-remodelling treatments built around hyaluronic acid, the moisture-binding molecule your skin already contains.
Where a filler stays put to add volume, a bio-remodelling treatment like Profhilo spreads through the skin to hydrate it from within and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The result is all-over improvement: skin that looks plumper, dewier and more supple, with a visible lift in tone and a reduction in mild laxity. It's a wonderful choice when your whole face (or neck, or décolletage) simply looks a little tired, dry or lacklustre. You'll find more detail on our skin boosters page.
There's no universal "best" — it genuinely depends on what your skin needs. As a starting point:
All three treatments are usually quick to have and well tolerated, and none of them requires the kind of downtime people often imagine. You may notice some minor redness, small raised bumps at the injection points, or slight swelling that typically settles within a day or two. Most people carry on with their day as normal, and Lorraine will always give you clear aftercare advice tailored to the treatment you've had.
It's also worth setting realistic expectations. These are regenerative treatments, which means they work by encouraging your skin to renew itself over time — so the best results build gradually rather than appearing overnight. Hydration and glow can be visible fairly early, but the deeper improvements in firmness, texture and skin strength develop over the following weeks and months. For that reason a short initial course is usually recommended, with occasional top-ups afterwards to maintain your results. How many sessions you'll need, and how often, is something Lorraine will tailor to your skin rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
Results also vary from person to person. Skin type, age, lifestyle, sun exposure and how well you look after your skin at home all play a part, so no honest practitioner can promise a fixed outcome. What you can expect is a considered plan, realistic guidance and genuine care throughout.
Honestly, the most reliable way to choose is to have your skin looked at properly. Everyone's skin, history and goals are different, and what suits a friend won't necessarily suit you. At your free, no-obligation consultation, Lorraine will assess your skin in person, listen to what's bothering you, and talk you through the realistic options — including whether one treatment, a combination, or simply a good skincare routine is the sensible next step.
There's never any pressure. If a treatment isn't right for you, you'll be told so. Every treatment is carried out personally by Lorraine in a calm, private studio in Welwyn Garden City, prescription elements are handled by a qualified independent prescriber (a practising hospital doctor), and everything is fully insured.
Polynucleotides, Profhilo and skin boosters are all brilliant ways to improve skin quality — they simply excel at slightly different things. Polynucleotides lean towards repair and are exceptional around the eyes; Profhilo and skin boosters lean towards hydration, glow and firming across larger areas. Results build gradually and vary from person to person, which is why a course is often recommended and why a proper assessment matters. Get the right treatment for your skin, and the results tend to look after themselves.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Lorraine in Welwyn Garden City and get honest, tailored advice — with no pressure to book anything.
Book Now