Polynucleotides for Under Eyes: What They Can and Can't Do
Polynucleotides are a skin-quality treatment for the under-eye area. They are designed to improve thin, crepey, dehydrated skin and fine lines, and they work gradually over weeks to months. They do not replace lost volume, so they suit people whose main concern is the texture and quality of the skin rather than a deep hollow. This guide covers what the evidence shows, who is a good candidate, how many sessions to expect, the side effects and what it costs in the UK.
TL;DR
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, usually from salmon or trout, injected into the skin to support hydration and fibroblast activity, not to add volume.
Best suited to crepey texture, fine lines, dehydration and loss of elasticity under the eyes. Deep tear troughs and significant volume loss are a different kind of concern.
A typical course is around three sessions, two to four weeks apart, with results building over weeks to months and top-ups every six to twelve months.
Fish or shellfish allergy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection and blood-thinning medication all need to be discussed before treatment.
UK prices are typically quoted at £250 to £450 per session, so a first course often runs from £750 to £1,350.
Table of Contents
What polynucleotides are and how they work under the eyes
Polynucleotide treatment involves injecting purified DNA fragments, usually from salmon or trout, into the dermis. The proposed mechanism is fibroblast stimulation and hydration rather than volume replacement. Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and other structural proteins, so the aim is to help the skin function better over time.
The skin under the eyes is among the thinnest on the face. It has few oil glands, shows dehydration quickly and creases easily when it loses elasticity. That is why a treatment aimed at skin quality, rather than filling, is often discussed for this area.
People search for this under several names: polynucleotide eye treatment, under-eye polynucleotides, or skin boosters for under the eyes. They all describe the same idea: tiny injections placed in the thin skin around the eye socket to improve how that skin looks and behaves.
How it differs from a hyaluronic acid skin booster
Both are called skin boosters, but they act differently. A hyaluronic acid (HA) skin booster hydrates the skin, with results in days. Polynucleotides work through biostimulation, so results develop over weeks to months. The Aesthetic Journal’s comparison puts the typical polynucleotide course at three sessions, two to four weeks apart, against two to three sessions for HA boosters.
Polynucleotides | HA skin booster | |
Main action | Biostimulation and hydration | Hydration |
Volume added | Minimal | Minimal |
Onset of results | Weeks to months | Days |
Typical course | 3 sessions, 2 to 4 weeks apart | 2 to 3 sessions |
Reversibility | Not reversible, but resorbs | Reversible with hyaluronidase |
A 2022 randomised, double-blind, split-face trial of 27 people compared polynucleotide with non-crosslinked HA in the periorbital area. Patient and clinician scores were similar, but objective measures of elasticity, hydration, roughness and pore volume favoured the polynucleotide side, with no serious adverse events reported.
Do polynucleotides work under the eyes?
The early data is encouraging for skin quality. The Aesthetic Journal notes that improvement in periorbital skin quality is one of the better-documented indications, while also saying studies are small and long-term evidence is limited.
A 2026 prospective observational study of 42 patients treated for periorbital lines reported significant improvement in lower eyelid and crow’s feet scores at every follow-up point. The best results and highest satisfaction came at three months after two treatment sessions, with minimal adverse events.
A 2024 review found polynucleotides have been used to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkle depth, while noting that large high-quality randomised trials are still scarce. In plain terms: the picture is positive and growing, and it supports setting realistic, skin-quality goals.
What the treatment is designed to improve
Fine, crepey lines and a crinkled look beneath the lower lashes
Dry, dehydrated, dull-looking skin under the eyes
Loss of elasticity and a thin, delicate feel
Some pigmentation-related shadowing linked to skin quality
Crow’s feet lines at the outer corner of the eye
Dark circles, puffiness and hollows
“Dark circles” covers several different things: pigmentation, thin skin that lets blood vessels show through, and shadows cast by a hollow. Polynucleotides address the skin-quality part. A 2026 review describes them as a skin-quality treatment that does not provide structural support, so they are not the tool for moderate to severe tear trough deformity or significant volume loss.
The same goes for puffiness caused by fat pads. Polynucleotides improve the quality of the skin over the area; they are not designed to change the structure beneath it. The Aesthetic Journal also says deep established wrinkles and significant laxity are not claims that can be made with confidence. Knowing which type of dark circle you have is the first job of a good consultation.
Who is a good candidate?
The people who tend to be well matched are those whose main under-eye issue is skin quality: crepey texture, fine lines, dehydration, early pigmentation and reduced elasticity. Many are in their thirties and forties, but age matters less than the type of concern.
A consultation should also screen for who needs to avoid treatment. EyeWiki states that polynucleotide injections should not be offered to patients with fish or shellfish allergies, active periorbital infection, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It also advises against treatment for people with bleeding tendencies or those on anticoagulants, because of the risk of arterial injury and haematoma.
Because the product is derived from fish DNA, vegans and vegetarians may also have personal reasons to decline it. Tell your practitioner about:
Any allergies, especially fish or shellfish
Pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive
Blood thinners, or any condition affecting bleeding
Cold sores or any infection near the eyes
Previous treatments in the area and how your skin reacted
If you take anticoagulants or have a medical condition, check with your GP or prescriber before booking rather than relying on a clinic website.
How many sessions, how soon, how long?
Standard protocols use three treatments two to four weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months. EyeWiki describes a course of two to three treatments about two weeks apart, with results typically lasting 6 to 12 months before a top-up is suggested.
A realistic timeline looks like this:
Stage | What to expect |
Consultation | History, skin assessment, goals, suitability checks |
Session 1 | Short outpatient procedure, small injections around the eye area |
Weeks 2 to 4 | Second session, often a subtle first change in hydration and feel |
Weeks 4 to 8 | Third session if planned, texture continues to develop |
Around 3 months | Often the point of best results in the 2026 study |
6 to 12 months | Maintenance session discussed |
Gradual change can feel slow, but one 2026 review suggests the gradual onset may represent a more naturalistic approach, avoiding overcorrection and unnatural contours. That fits what many people want under the eyes: to look rested, not altered.
One honest note on longevity: the evidence does not yet allow anyone to promise structural change lasting beyond twelve months, so plan around maintenance rather than a permanent fix.
Side effects, safety and aftercare
The most common effects are localised redness, mild bruising and swelling at the injection sites, which settle over a few hours to days. A consensus report on polynucleotide gels reports erythema and a burning feeling around 12 hours after injection, plus occasional small haematomas.
A 2026 review compared HA fillers with polynucleotides and found periorbital polynucleotide case series showed only mild swelling, discomfort and minor bruising at two days, with no delayed or persistent events up to six months. This is limited data, which is why choosing a properly trained practitioner matters.
Aftercare advice from EyeWiki includes limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen and moisturiser, and avoiding heavy exercise, alcohol and saunas in the period after treatment. Practical points:
Plan treatment a few days before important events, not the night before.
Avoid make-up on the area until your practitioner says the skin has settled.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily on the eye area.
Contact your practitioner promptly if swelling worsens, pain increases or vision is affected, and seek urgent medical help for any sudden change in vision.
What does it cost in the UK?
The Aesthetic Journal reports a typical UK cost of £250 to £450 per session, with three sessions in an initial course and a six- to twelve-month maintenance interval. That puts a first course at roughly £750 to £1,350. Prices vary with the practitioner, the product, the number of areas and the location.
For our own treatments, the published prices we have are for hydrating and brightening microneedling at £90 per hour and initial homeopathy at £75 per hour. Polynucleotide pricing is discussed at consultation, once we know your skin and what you want to achieve.
Polynucleotides, skin boosters and other skin-quality options
Skin-quality treatments tend to work best when matched to the concern. Here is how we think about the options at our London clinics:
Polynucleotides for crepey texture, fine lines and dehydration. See our polynucleotide skin treatment page.
Profhilo for hydration and skin bioremodelling across the face. Details are on our Profhilo skin booster treatment page.
Microneedling with hydrating HA, exosomes or brightening options, including under-eye microneedling.
Mesotherapy for skin revitalisation, explained on our mesotherapy consultations page.
Nutrition and lifestyle support for the factors that show on the skin around the eyes, such as sleep, hydration and diet.
Our perspective
We see under-eye concerns as rarely just one thing. Someone who says “I look tired” may have thin, dehydrated skin, a habit of poor sleep, low iron or B12, seasonal allergies or a family tendency to shadowing. That is why we begin with a conversation, not a menu. After more than 15 years in homeopathy, we have learned that people do best when the plan fits their history and priorities. Our approach combines contemporary skin treatments with practical nutrition and lifestyle guidance, so what we do in the clinic is supported by what happens at home. For skin-quality concerns around the eyes, we like polynucleotides because they are built around gradual, natural-looking improvement. We explain the timeline at the start, so you know that the change builds across a course rather than appearing overnight. Our aim is for you to leave a consultation understanding your options, what each is designed to do and what a sensible plan looks like for you. the author
Booking a consultation with us
If you are in West or Central London and your concern is crepey, dehydrated or lined skin beneath the eyes, a consultation is the place to start. We review your health history, look at your skin, talk through your goals and suggest a plan. That can combine skin boosters or microneedling with nutrition support where it makes sense for you.
You can see our full range on the skin and aesthetics page, or read about the polynucleotide consultation in London before you book.
Preparing for your appointment
A little preparation makes the consultation more useful and the treatment more comfortable.
Write down your priority. Is it texture, colour, lines or a tired look? Photos taken in natural light help.
List medicines and supplements. Include anything that affects bleeding, such as aspirin or fish oil, and mention it even if it seems minor.
Note allergies. Fish and shellfish are the key ones for this product.
Think about timing. Leave room for mild bruising before events, holidays or photographs.
Bring questions. Ask about the product used, the number of sessions suggested and the maintenance plan.
Before any aesthetic treatment, check that your practitioner is appropriately qualified, asks about your medical history and explains risks clearly. A good practitioner will also tell you if another approach suits your concern better.
Making the most of results
Injectable treatment is one part of skin quality. The habits around it shape how it looks.
Sun protection. UV breaks down collagen and worsens pigmentation, so a daily SPF around the eyes protects your investment.
Sleep and hydration. They do not replace treatment, but they change how the under-eye area looks day to day.
Gentle skincare. Use an eye-area moisturiser and avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing.
Nutrition. Protein, iron, B12 and a varied diet all feed into skin health. This is where our nutrition and health consultation can complement skin treatment.
Maintenance. Plan a top-up around the six- to twelve-month mark if you want to keep the benefit.
FAQ
Do polynucleotides work under the eyes?
Early clinical data is promising for skin quality around the eyes, including texture and fine lines. A 2026 study of 42 patients reported significant improvements at all follow-up points. Studies are still small, so goals should centre on skin quality rather than volume.
How many sessions of polynucleotides do you need for under eyes?
A common protocol is three sessions two to four weeks apart, though some practitioners suggest two to three sessions about two weeks apart. Results build over weeks to months, and maintenance is often suggested every six to twelve months. Your practitioner will tailor the number to your skin.
Does one session of polynucleotides work?
Polynucleotides work through gradual biostimulation, so protocols are built around a course rather than a single visit. You may notice hydration or feel changes sooner, but the best results in the 2026 study came at three months after two sessions.
Which polynucleotide is best for under eyes?
There is no single best product for everyone. What matters is a formulation intended for delicate skin, used by a properly trained practitioner who has assessed your concern and medical history. Ask what product is used and why it suits your skin.
Can polynucleotides get rid of dark circles or eye bags?
They can improve the skin-quality side of dark circles, such as thin, dehydrated or crepey skin. They do not provide structural support, so they are not designed to correct hollows or fat-pad bags. A consultation will help you tell which type you have.
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