What is the difference between PRP and polynucleotides?

PRP and polynucleotides are both regenerative skin treatments gaining significant popularity in London in 2026, but they work through fundamentally different biological mechanisms. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) concentrates growth factors from your own blood, including PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta, and EGF, and delivers them into the skin to stimulate collagen production, cellular regeneration, and tissue repair. It is autologous, meaning it comes entirely from your own body.

Polynucleotides (marketed under brands including Nucleofill, Plinest, and Ameela) are purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon sperm, that act as bio-stimulators. When injected into the skin, they promote fibroblast activity, stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, improve tissue hydration, and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They are an exogenous product administered as an injectable.

Both treatments aim to rejuvenate skin quality at a biological level rather than masking symptoms with fillers or toxins. The question for patients is which mechanism better suits their specific concerns, or whether a combination approach offers the best results.

Ask our doctors which is right for you > WhatsApp

How do they compare?

Clinical evidence

PRP has a longer and broader evidence base, with decades of use in orthopaedics, wound healing, and aesthetics. For facial rejuvenation specifically, a 2018 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found over 65% of patients reported noticeable improvement in skin tone and fine lines within 8 weeks. PRP combined with microneedling has particularly strong evidence.

Polynucleotides are newer to the aesthetic market but building evidence rapidly. A 2025 randomised controlled trial comparing Profhilo, PRP microneedling, and polynucleotides found polynucleotides demonstrated measurable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration according to standardised benchmarks. This is encouraging data for a relatively new entrant.

Safety profile

PRP has the superior safety profile because it is autologous. There is zero risk of allergic reaction, no foreign substances, and no risk of cross-reactivity. PRP side effects are limited to temporary redness and mild swelling.

Polynucleotides are generally well tolerated but are an exogenous biological product (typically salmon-derived). Highly purified preparations minimise risk, but patients with fish allergies should discuss this with their doctor. Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, bruising) are comparable to PRP.

What each treats best

PRP excels at overall skin quality improvement, collagen stimulation in combination with microneedling, acne scar remodelling, under-eye rejuvenation (safer than filler), and hair restoration.

Polynucleotides excel at deep tissue hydration, under-eye skin quality (dark circles, crepiness), bio-stimulation of fibroblast activity, and skin that needs intensive hydration alongside regeneration.

Cost comparison

PRP facial at The London PRP Clinic: from £395 (includes microneedling and mesotherapy cocktail). Polynucleotide treatment in London: typically £250 to £450 per session. Both are comparably priced per session.

Can you combine PRP and polynucleotides?

Yes. Because they work through different biological mechanisms, PRP and polynucleotides can be used in a complementary treatment plan. Some protocols alternate PRP sessions (for growth factor delivery and collagen stimulation) with polynucleotide sessions (for deep hydration and bio-stimulation) to deliver the benefits of both.

At The London PRP Clinic, our GMC-registered doctors can assess your skin and recommend whether PRP alone, polynucleotides alone, or a combination approach will produce the best results for your specific concerns.

Which should you choose?

Choose PRP if you want the most established evidence base, you prefer a treatment that uses only your own biology (autologous), you want comprehensive skin rejuvenation including collagen stimulation, texture improvement, and radiance, you have acne scarring or want under-eye treatment with minimal risk, or you want to combine skin rejuvenation with hair restoration in a single clinic.

Consider polynucleotides if your primary concern is deep skin dehydration and dullness, you have delicate under-eye skin that needs hydration-focused treatment, you have already had PRP and want to add a complementary treatment, or your doctor recommends polynucleotides based on your specific skin assessment.

Consider combining both if you want the most comprehensive regenerative approach, your skin has multiple concerns (collagen loss plus dehydration plus texture), or you want to maximise results across multiple treatment mechanisms.

The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

Our GMC-registered doctors provide honest, evidence-based recommendations. We offer PRP facials from £395 (with microneedling and mesotherapy), ExoRevive exosome therapy from £445, and can advise on polynucleotide integration where appropriate.

87% success rate across hair restoration. 187+ five-star reviews. Marylebone and Canary Wharf.

Book your skin consultation > WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: +44 20 3951 3429

Medical Disclaimer: Treatment recommendations should be based on individual assessment. All treatments at The London PRP Clinic performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last reviewed March 2026.