Science of Popular Ingredients

Polynucleotide Injections: Do They Really Work for Acne Scar Treatment?

5 Mins read

You’ve tried everything. Serums, peels, even those fancy rollers. But those acne scars? They just won’t budge. The battle against acne scars is real. As someone with acne-prone, oily skin, I know firsthand that it’s a frustrating, ongoing struggle that can seem never-ending. So whenever something new comes out claiming to work as an acne scar treatment, it is hard not to be curious. If you’ve heard whispers about polynucleotide injections, you’re hoping they might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. But with so many treatments failing to deliver, skepticism is understandable. Let’s explore the research and see if PN injections can genuinely make a difference as an acne scar treatment.

What Are Polynucleotide Injections?

Polynucleotides are DNA and RNA pieces. In your body, they help your skin repair itself. In the clinic, dermatologists use polynucleotide injections, also called salmon sperm facials, to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and hydrate skin. They might also help with redness. This makes them popular for people wanting better skin.

Most dermatologists use polynueclotide injections to help boost collagen and repair skin as an anti-aging treatment. This suggests they could help with acne scars. Acne scars happen when collagen and skin tissue are damaged. But do polynucleotide injections really help as an acne scar treatment?

The Science Behind Polynucleotide Injections for Skin Improvement: Can the Salmon Sperm Facial Act as an Acne Scar Treatment?

So, what does the science say about how these polynucleotide injections actually work on your skin? Most studies have focused on things like skin texture, hydration, how stretchy your skin is, and whether they can reduce wrinkles. Basically, they’re looking at general skin improvements and anti-aging. They’ve found that polynucleotide injections can help your skin feel more elastic and hydrated. Think of it as giving your skin a big drink of water, which can make it look smoother. Additionally, people who have tried these treatments tend to be pretty happy with how their overall skin quality improves. Of course, everyone’s experience was a little different depending on their age and what skin issues they’re dealing with.

There is also some evidence that PN injections can help with facial redness. But when it comes to those deeper acne scars, the kind that really dig into your skin, the research just isn’t there yet. We still need more studies to know if they make a significant difference. Lastly, a study showed that fillers combined with polynucleotides can improve skin thickness, tone, and wrinkles. That suggests they have some potential for skin repair. But again, it’s more about general skin improvement and less about a targeted acne scar treatment.

So Do Polynucleotide Injections Work for Acne Scars?

All of these studies show that polynucleotide injections can improve skin. But there’s little direct proof that they are an effective acne scar treatment. Acne scars often mean less collagen and uneven skin. Treatments that boost collagen (like microneedling and lasers) are more tried and true than polynucleotide injections. So, while a salmon sperm facial might be a good option to help with skin repair and hydration, it is not yet a go-to treatment for deep acne scars.

Comparing Polynucleotide Injections to Other Popular Acne Scar Treatments

If you’re thinking about polynucleotide injections for acne scars, compare them to other treatments:

TreatmentHow It WorksEffectiveness for Acne Scars
Polynucleotide InjectionsHydrates skin, improves elasticity, makes collagenRemoves damaged skin and makes new skin
Microneedling with RFCreates small injuries to make collagenProven for acne scars
Laser Therapy (CO₂, Fraxel, PDL)It might improve texture, but it is not proven for deep scarsVery effective for deep scars
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) FillersFills in scars temporarilyIt might improve texture, not proven for deep scars
Chemical PeelsRemoves skin, makes new cellsMild to moderate improvement for surface scars

Many dermatologists use polynucleotide injections in combination with other treatments. When they are used this way, they might help with acne scars. But they’re not a standalone acne scar treatment.

Final Verdict: Are Polynucleotide Injections a Good Acne Scar Treatment?

Polynucleotide injections promise to improve overall skin quality, but no strong scientific evidence proves they are an effective standalone treatment for acne scars. They may help boost hydration, improve skin texture, and support collagen production, which could contribute to a smoother appearance. However, for deep, atrophic scars, treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels remain the gold standard.

If you’re looking for an acne scar treatment, polynucleotide injections or a salmon sperm facial might be a beneficial add-on, but they should not be your first-line option. Always consult with a dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner to determine the best treatment plan for your skin type and scarring severity.

Would you consider polynucleotide injections as part of your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments!

References

Araco A, Araco F, Raichi M. Clinical efficacy and safety of polynucleotides highly purified technology (PN-HPT®) and cross-linked hyaluronic acid for moderate to severe nasolabial folds: A prospective, randomized, exploratory study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Jan;22(1):146-155. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15064. Epub 2022 May 26. PMID: 35531796; PMCID: PMC10084116.

Cavallini M, Bartoletti E, Maioli L, Massirone A, Pia Palmieri I, Papagni M, Priori M, Trocchi G; As Members of The Polynucleotides HPT™ Priming Board, Collegio Italiano delle Società Scientifiche di Medicina Estetica (Italian College of the Aesthetic Medicine Scientific Societies) – SIME, AGORÀ, SIES. Consensus report on the use of PN-HPT™ (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Mar;20(3):922-928. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13679. Epub 2020 Sep 21. PMID: 32799391; PMCID: PMC7984045.

Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Dec 8:e16721. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16721. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39645667.

Lee D, Choi H, Yoo K, Park YJ, Park HJ, Oh SM, Ji GH, Rah GC, Shin DW. Assessment of current practices and perceived effectiveness of injectable polynucleotide for enlarged facial pores among cosmetic physicians: A survey-based evaluation. Skin Res Technol. 2024 Sep;30(9):e13738. doi: 10.1111/srt.13738. PMID: 39233467; PMCID: PMC11375025.

Lee DK, Oh M, Kim MJ, Oh SM. Clinical effects of polynucleotide with hyaluronic acid intradermal injections on facial erythema: Effective redness treatment using polynucleotides. Skin Res Technol. 2024 Sep;30(9):e70034. doi: 10.1111/srt.70034. PMID: 39258788; PMCID: PMC11388635.

Lee D, Kim MJ, Park HJ, Rah GC, Choi H, Anh ST, Ji GH, Kim MS, Kim G, Shin DW, Oh SM. Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Sep;29(9):e13466. doi: 10.1111/srt.13466. PMID: 37753681; PMCID: PMC10485387.

Lee KWA, Chan KWL, Lee A, Lee CH, Wan J, Wong S, Yi KH. Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jul 27;25(15):8224. doi: 10.3390/ijms25158224. PMID: 39125793; PMCID: PMC11311621.

Lim TS, Liew S, Tee XJ, Chong I, Lo FJ, Ho MJ, Ong K, Cavallini M. Polynucleotides HPT for Asian Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024 Feb 13;17:417-431. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S437942. PMID: 38371328; PMCID: PMC10874187.

Park KY, Seok J, Rho NK, Kim BJ, Kim MN. Long-chain polynucleotide filler for skin rejuvenation: efficacy and complications in five patients. Dermatol Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;29(1):37-40. doi: 10.1111/dth.12299. Epub 2015 Nov 2. PMID: 26814448.

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 Apr;23(4):1243-1252. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16125. Epub 2023 Dec 13. PMID: 38093498.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *