Polynucleotides Explained: Why 2026’s Biggest Skin Trend Is About Regeneration, Not Wrinkles
Polynucleotides have become one of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetic skincare during 2026. Unlike traditional injectables that focus primarily on relaxing muscles or restoring facial volume, polynucleotides are designed to support the skin’s own repair and renewal processes.
For clients searching for polynucleotides in Nottingham, the appeal is clear: the treatment focuses on skin quality, hydration, elasticity and radiance, helping create a fresher and more naturally rejuvenated appearance rather than changing facial structure.
At Buckingham Aesthetics, polynucleotide treatments are tailored around individual skin concerns, treatment goals and suitability. Options include Lumi Pro, Lumi Eyes and Lumi PN treatments for the face and eye areas, with injectable and microneedling formats available.
What are polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments used in aesthetic medicine as regenerative skin boosters. Many products in this category are derived from salmon or trout, although the precise formulation varies between products and should always be discussed during consultation.
In simple terms, polynucleotides are intended to create a supportive environment for healthier-looking skin. They may help stimulate fibroblast activity : the cells involved in producing collagen and elastin : while also supporting hydration, elasticity and the skin’s natural repair processes.
This makes them different from dermal fillers. Fillers are generally used to restore volume, enhance definition or improve facial balance, whereas polynucleotides are primarily focused on improving the condition and quality of the skin.
The intended result is not a dramatically altered appearance. Instead, clients may notice skin that looks smoother, brighter, more hydrated and refreshed over time.
How do polynucleotides work?
Skin ageing, sun exposure, lifestyle factors and environmental stress can affect the skin’s collagen, elastin, hydration and overall resilience. As these supportive structures gradually decline, the skin may appear duller, drier, thinner or less elastic.
Polynucleotide treatments are designed to work within the skin to support these processes. Their proposed benefits include:
- Supporting collagen production: Helping improve the appearance of fine lines and loss of firmness.
- Encouraging skin repair: Supporting the skin’s natural regenerative activity.
- Improving hydration: Helping the skin look plumper, fresher and more radiant.
- Refining texture: Potentially improving roughness, enlarged pores and uneven-looking skin.
- Supporting elasticity: Helping skin feel more supple and resilient.
- Calming the appearance of stressed skin: Polynucleotides may have anti-inflammatory properties, although suitability depends on the individual concern.
The effects are gradual rather than immediate. While some clients may notice an early improvement in hydration or glow, more developed changes typically appear as the skin responds and collagen remodelling takes place.
Why are polynucleotides considered a skin booster?
The phrase “skin booster” describes a group of injectable treatments intended to improve skin quality rather than create significant structural volume.
Traditional hyaluronic acid skin boosters are often associated with hydration and radiance. Polynucleotides are also used for these purposes, but their regenerative focus has made them particularly popular among clients wanting a broader improvement in skin texture, elasticity and resilience.
They may be suitable for individuals concerned about:
- Fine lines and early signs of ageing
- Dullness and dehydration
- Uneven texture or enlarged pores
- Thin, crepey-looking skin
- Reduced elasticity
- Mild scarring or post-inflammatory skin changes
- Under-eye texture and fine lines
- A general loss of freshness and radiance
They are not intended to replace every other aesthetic treatment, and they may not be the most appropriate choice for concerns involving significant volume loss, pronounced pigmentation or active skin conditions. A personalised assessment is important before deciding on treatment.
Lumi Pro at Buckingham Aesthetics
Lumi Pro is a polynucleotide skin booster treatment designed for improving overall facial skin quality. It may be considered for clients wanting skin that appears brighter, smoother, more hydrated and naturally rejuvenated.
Depending on the assessment, Lumi Pro may be used to address concerns such as:
- Fine lines
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Dehydration
- Uneven texture
- Reduced elasticity
- Early signs of ageing
The treatment is not designed to create obvious facial volume or alter facial proportions. Instead, the aim is to support a fresher, healthier-looking complexion while maintaining natural facial movement and expression.
A course may be recommended for clients wanting progressive improvement. The number and spacing of treatments depend on the product, treatment area, skin condition and individual response.
Lumi Eyes for the under-eye area
The skin around the eyes is delicate, naturally thinner and often one of the first areas to show dehydration, fine lines and reduced elasticity. It can also be affected by genetics, sleep, allergies, pigmentation and changes in facial structure.
Lumi Eyes is designed specifically for the eye area and may help improve the appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Crepey-looking under-eye skin
- Dehydration
- Tired-looking skin
- Reduced smoothness and elasticity
Under-eye treatments require careful assessment because dark circles and hollowness can have several different causes. Polynucleotides may improve the quality of the skin, but they are not a guaranteed solution for every type of dark circle or tear trough concern.
For suitable candidates, the intended result is a brighter, smoother and more refreshed-looking eye area without adding the obvious volume associated with some filler treatments.
Injectable or microneedling polynucleotides: what is the difference?
Buckingham Aesthetics offers polynucleotide treatments in both injectable and microneedling formats. The most suitable approach depends on the concern being addressed, the treatment area and the practitioner’s assessment.
Injectable polynucleotides
Injectable treatments place the product into the skin using a series of precise, superficial injections. This format may be considered for targeted skin rejuvenation on areas such as the face or under-eye region.
At Buckingham Aesthetics, options include:
- Lumi Pro Polynucleotides
- Lumi Eyes Polynucleotide
- Lumi Pro courses
- Lumi Pro and Lumi Pro Eyes combination courses
- Lumi Pro Eyes courses
Small raised areas, redness, tenderness or bruising can occur after treatment. These reactions are typically temporary, although the expected recovery period varies between individuals and treatment areas.
Lumi PN microneedling
Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural repair response and can be used alongside topical skin-enhancing products selected for the treatment.
Buckingham Aesthetics offers:
- Lumi PN Eyes Microneedling
- Lumi PN Face Microneedling
- Lumi PN Eyes & Face courses
- Lumi PN Eyes courses
- Lumi PN Face courses
Microneedling may be suitable for clients who want to improve overall texture, dullness, mild scarring or uneven-looking skin while choosing a non-surgical treatment with limited downtime.
Redness and sensitivity are common immediately afterwards, and the skin may feel warm or tight for a short period. Aftercare instructions should be followed carefully, including avoiding unnecessary heat, strenuous exercise and irritating skincare until the skin has settled.
How many treatments are usually needed?
Polynucleotides are often provided as a course rather than a single treatment. Published studies have used different protocols, with treatments commonly spaced over several weeks. However, there is no single schedule that is suitable for every client.
A personalised course may be recommended based on:
- The area being treated
- Skin sensitivity and condition
- The severity of the concern
- Whether the treatment is injectable or microneedling-based
- Previous aesthetic or skin treatments
- The desired level of improvement
Some clients may notice an early glow or improvement in hydration, while texture and elasticity changes usually develop more gradually over several weeks. Results are individual and may be influenced by age, lifestyle, skincare, sun exposure and ongoing maintenance.
The current evidence is promising but still developing. A 2025 systematic review found improvements in wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity across several studies, while also noting that much of the available research remains small-scale and varies in quality. This is one reason a thorough consultation and realistic expectations are so important.
Are polynucleotides suitable for everyone?
A full assessment is required before treatment. Polynucleotides may not be suitable for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area, or have a known allergy to relevant product ingredients.
Some polynucleotide products are derived from fish sources, so any fish or seafood allergy must be discussed in advance. Medical history, current medication, previous reactions and recent treatments should also be disclosed.
Polynucleotide treatments should be administered by a suitably trained practitioner using traceable, appropriate products and safe clinical procedures.
Why choose Buckingham Aesthetics for polynucleotides in Nottingham?
Buckingham Aesthetics takes a skin-health-focused approach to aesthetic treatment. Rather than recommending a standard procedure for everyone, the aim is to create a personalised treatment plan based on individual concerns, facial anatomy, skin condition and desired outcome.
This approach is particularly valuable for first-time aesthetics clients who may want subtle improvements without looking noticeably different. A treatment plan may involve Lumi Pro, Lumi Eyes, Lumi PN microneedling or another skin treatment depending on what the skin needs most.
Free consultations are available at Phenix Salon Suites in Nottingham, providing an opportunity to discuss concerns, medical history, suitability and expected results before booking treatment.
Book a free consultation
Polynucleotides are about more than treating wrinkles. They are designed to support better skin quality, helping the complexion look brighter, smoother, firmer, more hydrated and naturally refreshed over time.
For clients considering polynucleotides in Nottingham, a consultation is the first step towards understanding whether Lumi Pro, Lumi Eyes, Lumi PN microneedling or a tailored course is appropriate.
Visit Buckingham Aesthetics to learn more or arrange a free consultation at Phenix Salon Suites.