Profhilo, Skin Boosters & Polynucleotides: Which Injectable Treatment Is Right for You?

At Eco Skin Clinic, we believe that great skin and a greener planet aren't mutually exclusive. Every treatment decision we make from the products we select to the way we run our practice is guided by our commitment to sustainable aesthetics. So when our clients ask us about injectable skin treatments, we don't just talk results. We talk ingredients, sourcing, and what it really means to invest in skin health the conscious way.

Three treatments come up time and again for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s who want to restore radiance, improve skin quality and turn back the clock without surgery: Profhilo, skin boosters, and polynucleotides. They're often lumped together but they work very differently, suit different skin concerns, and have quite distinct profiles when you look at them through an eco-conscious lens.

Let's break them down.

Profhilo: The Bio-Remodeller

What is it?

Profhilo is one of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetic medicine and for good reason. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add volume or structure, Profhilo is a bio-remodelling injectable made from one of the highest concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid (HA) available: 64mg per 2ml. What makes it unique is its patented NAHYCO Hybrid Technology, which combines both high and low molecular weight HA in a single product without using chemical cross-linking agents.

Once injected, Profhilo disperses beneath the skin rather than sitting in one place. It hydrates deeply, stimulates the production of four types of collagen and elastin, and triggers a genuine remodelling process hence the name.

Who is it best for?

Profhilo is ideal if you're noticing your skin has lost its bounce and luminosity — that 'lit from within' quality that tends to fade in your late 30s and 40s. It works beautifully on the face, neck, décolletage and hands, targeting skin laxity, dullness and fine crepey texture. Results are natural, subtle and cumulative, making it a favourite for women who want to look refreshed rather than 'done'.

The Eco Skin Clinic view

Profhilo scores well on our sustainability radar. Its hyaluronic acid is bio-identical meaning it's structurally the same as HA your body naturally produces and it's biodegradable. The absence of chemical cross-linkers (BDDE) is significant: fewer synthetic additives means a cleaner product profile. Profhilo is also produced using a biotechnology fermentation process rather than being animal-derived, which aligns with our values around ethical sourcing. Two sessions, four weeks apart, is the typical starter protocol a considered, minimal approach that we appreciate.

Skin Boosters: The Deep Hydrators

What are they?

Skin boosters are a category of injectable treatment that deliver stabilised hyaluronic acid directly into the dermis to intensely hydrate the skin from within. Unlike Profhilo, they don't spread they stay where they're placed, creating micro-depots of hydration that gradually integrate into the surrounding tissue.

At Eco Skin Clinic we work with a curated selection of skin boosters chosen for their quality, clinical results and ingredient profiles. Revok50 is a standout a next-generation booster combining hyaluronic acid with a powerful antioxidant complex that works to protect as well as hydrate. Aquashine brings a cocktail approach, blending HA with vitamins, peptides and amino acids to brighten and revitalise fatigued skin. For the delicate eye area specifically, we use Jalupro Young Eyes a specialist formula designed to firm and hydrate the periorbital zone where signs of ageing tend to show first. Each has its own formulation, but the principle is the same: replenish moisture levels, improve skin elasticity and smooth fine surface lines through sustained deep hydration.

Who are they best for?

Skin boosters are particularly well-suited to those dealing with dehydrated skin, fine lines around the eyes and mouth, or skin that looks tired and lacks plumpness regardless of age. They're also popular for treating specific areas like around the lips (for hydration rather than volume), under the eyes, and sun-damaged skin on the hands and neck.

The Eco Skin Clinic view

Skin boosters share Profhilo's advantage of being HA-based and biodegradable. However, most skin boosters do use light cross-linking agents to achieve their stabilised consistency, so product choice matters here. At Eco Skin Clinic, we select products with the lowest necessary BDDE concentration that still deliver excellent results. We're also transparent with our clients about what's in the syringe because informed consent and ingredient literacy go hand in hand with conscious skincare.

Polynucleotides (PDRN): The Regenerators

What are they?

Polynucleotides (PNs) — also known as PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) are fragments of DNA extracted from purified salmon or trout sperm. Yes, really. While that might raise an eyebrow (or two), the science is compelling: salmon DNA has a high degree of compatibility with human tissue, and when injected into the skin, polynucleotides act as biological scaffolding that actively stimulates cell repair, regeneration and collagen synthesis at a cellular level.

At Eco Skin Clinic we use the VITARAN range of polynucleotide treatments a premium line with two distinct formulations chosen for their exceptional purity and clinical performance. VITARAN II is our go-to for facial treatments, delivering high-concentration polynucleotides to restore density, stimulate collagen production and improve overall skin quality across the face. For the delicate periorbital area, we use VITARAN I a specifically calibrated formulation for the eye zone, where the skin is thinner and more sensitive, and where regenerative action can make one of the most visible differences. Research on polynucleotides has been building for decades particularly in wound healing and ophthalmology and their use in aesthetic medicine is now supported by a growing body of clinical evidence.

Who are they best for?

Polynucleotides excel where there is real structural damage to address: sun damage, acne scarring, pigmentation, severe dehydration, thin and fragile skin, or significant loss of density and elasticity. VITARAN I is particularly sought after for under-eye concerns dark circles, hollowing and fine lines while VITARAN II addresses broader facial ageing with impressive results on skin texture and firmness. If your skin needs genuine repair rather than just refreshment, PNs are often the most targeted solution.

The Eco Skin Clinic view

Polynucleotides present a genuinely interesting conversation from an eco standpoint. The salmon DNA used is a by-product of the fishing industry it would otherwise be discarded. This circular approach to sourcing aligns well with waste-reduction principles, and the highly purified extraction process removes all proteins, meaning the risk of allergic reaction is minimal. They're also free from synthetic additives and chemical cross-linkers. At Eco Skin Clinic, we appreciate that polynucleotides work with the body's own biology rather than introducing foreign materials and that feels very much in keeping with our philosophy of skin health that's sustainable from the inside out.

At a Glance: How They Compare

Treatment	Primary Action	Sessions	Eco Profile	Best For
Profhilo	Bio-remodelling + collagen stimulation	2 initial, then every 6 months	★★★★★ No cross-linkers, biodegradable, vegan	Laxity, dullness, loss of bounce
Skin Boosters	Deep HA hydration and skin rejuventation	3 initial, then every 6 months	★★★★☆ Light cross-linking, biodegradable, vegan	Dehydration, fine lines, specific areas
Polynucleotides	Cellular repair & regeneration	3–4 initial, then maintenance	★★★★☆ By-product sourcing, synthetic-free  but not vegan	Sun damage, scarring, fragile skin

Can You Combine These Treatments?

Absolutely and in many cases, combining treatments delivers results that no single treatment could achieve alone. A popular pairing at Eco Skin Clinic is polynucleotides followed by Profhilo: PNs lay the regenerative groundwork at a cellular level, while Profhilo then enhances overall quality and bounce. For those with significant dehydration and early laxity, a three-treatment programme incorporating all three in a considered sequence can be transformative.

We always design treatment plans around the individual — never a one-size-fits-all protocol. A thorough skin consultation is where every journey at Eco Skin Clinic begins.

Why 'Eco' Matters in Aesthetic Medicine

The beauty and aesthetics industry has a sustainability problem one that's rarely talked about. Single-use syringes, plastic packaging, clinical waste, carbon-heavy supply chains and a relentless push for 'more, more, more' treatments don't sit well with women who are making conscious choices in every other area of their lives.

At Eco Skin Clinic, we're committed to changing that narrative. We've chosen to work with treatment partners who prioritise responsible manufacturing, we minimise clinical waste wherever possible, and we never recommend treatments our clients don't need. Our ethos is quality over quantity: fewer, better, more considered treatments that genuinely serve your skin and sit lighter on the planet.

Choosing an injectable treatment isn't just a personal decision. When you choose thoughtfully ingredients, sourcing, clinical need it's also a small but meaningful act of environmental consideration. We think that's worth talking about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do results last?

Profhilo and skin boosters typically last 6 months before a top-up is recommended. Polynucleotides have a more gradual, cumulative effect improvements continue to develop for up to 3 months after your course and can last 6–12 months depending on your skin and lifestyle.

Are these treatments painful?

All three involve fine needle injections, so some discomfort is expected. Most clients describe the sensation as minimal a slight sting or pressure. Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand at Eco Skin Clinic as standard. Most people return to normal activities immediately after.

Are they safe for sensitive skin?

All three have excellent safety profiles for sensitive skin types. Polynucleotides are particularly well tolerated given their bio-compatibility with human tissue. Profhilo, with no chemical cross-linkers, is often recommended for those who want to avoid synthetic additives. As always, a full consultation and medical history review is conducted before any treatment.

I'm pescatarian / vegetarian — can I still have polynucleotides?

This is a question we genuinely appreciate being asked. Polynucleotides are derived from fish DNA, so they are not vegan or vegetarian. If this is a concern for you, Profhilo or skin boosters both plant-fermentation-derived HA products may be more aligned with your values. We'll always have an honest conversation with you about this.

Ready to Find Your Treatment Match?

Every skin tells a different story. The best way to find out which injectable treatment or combination of treatments is right for you is to book a consultation at Eco Skin Clinic. We'll assess your skin health holistically, talk through your concerns and goals, and design a plan that respects both your skin and your values.

Because you deserve skincare that's as considered as you are.

Book your consultation at Eco Skin Clinic today.