References

An J, Park SH, Ko I-G Polydeoxyribonucleotide Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Injury by Inhibiting Apoptotic Cell Death in Rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2017; 18:(9) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091847

Araco A, Araco F Preliminary Prospective and Randomized Study of Highly Purified Polynucleotide vs Placebo in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Scars. Aesthet Surg J. 2021; 41:(7) https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab125

Bitto A, Polito F, Altavilla D Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) restores blood flow in an experimental model of peripheral artery occlusive disease. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2008; 48:(5)1292-300 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2008.06.041

Bitto A, Polito F, Irrera N Polydeoxyribonucleotide reduces cytokine production and the severity of collagen-induced arthritis by stimulation of adenosine A(2A) receptor. Arthritis Rheum. 2011; 63:(11)3364-71 https://doi.org/10.1002/art.30538

Anti Inflammatory Property of PDRN—An in Vitro Study on Cultured Macrophages. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=73367 (accessed 6 March 2025)

Chen G ‘Safety Profile of Polynucleotide Treatments: A Systematic Review’.: Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology; 2022

Choi JS, Kim HJ, Seo HY ‘Advanced Formulations of Polynucleotide Products and Standardized Training Programs’.: Dermatologic Surgery; 2018

Colangelo MT, Govoni P, Belletti S Polynucleotide biogel enhances tissue repair, matrix deposition and organization. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2021; 35:(1)355-62 https://doi.org/10.23812/20-320-L

Cole MA, Quan T, Voorhees JJ, Fisher GJ Extracellular matrix regulation of fibroblast function: redefining our perspective on skin aging. J Cell Commun Signal. 2018; 12:(1)35-43 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-018-0459-1

Fisher SM, Borab Z, Weir D, Rohrich RJ The emerging role of biostimulators as an adjunct in facial rejuvenation: A systematic review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024; 92:118-29 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2024.02.069

Freedberg I, Eisen A, Wolff K Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 6th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education / Medical; 2003

Heidemann K, Kutz S ‘The Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin’.Berlin: Springer; 2010

Johnson R, Kumar A ‘Regulatory Challenges in the Cosmetic Industry: A Global Perspective’.: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology; 2021

Kim JK, Chung JY Effectiveness of polydeoxyribonucleotide injection versus normal saline injection for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a prospective randomised clinical trial. Int Orthop. 2015; 39:(7)1329-34 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2772-0

Kim JH, Lee HS, Park SY ‘Efficacy of Polynucleotide Treatments in Skin Rejuvenation: Clinical Study’. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2008;

Kim SH, Park MJ, Lee KH ‘Global Influence of South Korean Innovations in Aesthetic Medicine’. International Journal of Dermatology. 2021;

Kuppa SS, Kim H-K, Kang J-Y Polynucleotides Suppress Inflammation and Stimulate Matrix Synthesis in an In Vitro Cell-Based Osteoarthritis Model. Int J Mol Sci. 2023; 24:(15) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512282

Lee D, Kim MJ, Park HJ Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians. Skin Res Technol. 2023; 29:(9) https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13466

Lee Ye Jin, Kim HT, Jin Lee You Comparison of the effects of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenation: a randomized, double-blind, split-face trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022; 33:(1)254-60 https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1748857

Martinez J, Ruiz P, Gomez S ‘Comparative Efficacy of Polynucleotide and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Dermal Rejuvenation’. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal. 2019;

Pessa JE, Rohrich RJ. MD JEP, MD RJR Facial Topography: Clinical Anatomy of the Face.Hoboken: CRC Press; 2012

Picciolo G, Mannino F, Irrera N ‘PDRN, a natural bioactive compound, blunts inflammation and positively reprograms healing genes in an “in vitro” model of oral mucositis’. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 2021;

Oh SM, Lee Y, Lee JH, Oh M Investigating the Mechanisms of Intradermal Injection for Easier “Skin Booster” Treatment: A Fluid Mechanics Approach to Determine Optimal Delivery Method. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024; 12:(4) https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005723

(PDF) Overcoming the Skin Permeation Barrier: Challenges and Opportunities.: ResearchGate; 2024 https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612821666150428124053

Rho NK, Han KH, Cho M, Kim HS A survey on the cosmetic use of injectable polynucleotide: The pattern of practice among Korean Dermatologists. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024; 23:(4)1243-52 https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16125

Smith J, Zhao W ‘Cellular Mechanisms of Polynucleotide Action in Skin Rejuvenation’. Dermatologic Therapy. 2018;

Surgical Anatomy of the Face: Larrabee Jr., Wayne F., Makielski, Kathleen H.: Amazon.co.uk: Books. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surgical-Anatomy-Face-Wayne-Larrabee/dp/0881679453 (accessed 6 March 2025b)

Thomas BR On the origin of biological systems and the role of poly-nucleotides — the initiation of evolution, the structural basis of the genetic code and the mechanism of protein biosynthesis. Med Hypotheses. 1981; 7:(4)455-66 https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-9877(81)90032-3

Wellbrock C, Arozarena I Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in melanoma development and MAP-kinase pathway targeted therapy. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2015; 28:(4)390-406 https://doi.org/10.1111/pcmr.12370

Yi K-H, Winayanuwattikun W, Kim S-Y Skin boosters: Definitions and varied classifications. Skin Res Technol. 2024; 30:(3) https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13627

A literature review on polynucleotide efficacy on skin rejuvenation, and review of the regulatory status and guidelines around polynucleotides

02 April 2025
Volume 14 · Issue 2

Abstract

The study on polynucleotide efficacy in skin rejuvenation, alongside the review of regulatory status and guidelines within the UK, delineates a progressive outlook on this emerging therapeutic modality in aesthetic medicine. Polynucleotides have demonstrated notable efficacy in enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, and overall dermal health, primarily through mechanisms that promote cellular repair and collagen synthesis. This systematic review synthesises findings from various clinical studies to elucidate the significant therapeutic potentials of polynucleotides, revealing their capacity to improve skin texture and integrity, which are critical in the aesthetic rejuvenation of aging skin. Further, the review highlights a critical gap in the regulatory framework governing the use of polynucleotides within the United Kingdom.

Despite the increasing use of polynucleotides, there exists a disparity in comprehensive regulatory guidelines, which raises concerns about standardisation and safety in clinical practice. This review calls for the establishment of robust, evidence-based regulatory standards that would ensure safe and effective application, aligning with international best practices.

To propel the field of aesthetic medicine forward, this study emphasises the necessity for continued research to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of polynucleotide treatments. It advocates for larger, randomised controlled trials to better understand the full scope of their therapeutic benefits and side effects. The integration of detailed mechanistic studies would also refine application protocols and enhance treatment outcomes.

Conclusively, while polynucleotides present a promising avenue for non-invasive rejuvenation therapies, their full integration into clinical practice demands a concerted effort to develop standardised guidelines and conduct comprehensive clinical evaluations. Such advancements will not only bolster the therapeutic repertoire of aesthetic medicine but also enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy, establishing a new standard in skincare treatment.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Journal of Aesthetic Nurses and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for aesthetic nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month