Exosomes vs Polynucleotides: What Your Skin Really Needs

Ever wondered why your skin sometimes looks dull or feels tight no matter how many serums you apply?

At Kim Pinnuck Aesthetics, we’re always seeking the most advanced, evidence-based treatments to support your skin’s natural renewal processes—especially as it matures, faces environmental stressors, and experiences collagen loss. Two of the most exciting regenerative therapies currently revolutionising modern aesthetics are exosomes and polynucleotides.

Both treatments aim to revive and restore the skin by stimulating cellular repair, hydration, and rejuvenation. However, their mechanisms, sources, and targeted benefits are quite different.

If you’re curious about which of these skin boosters is right for your skin concerns, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and how to choose the best one for your needs—or why a combination of both might give you the glow-up your skin has been waiting for.

What Are Exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles—basically microscopic “messenger bubbles”—that are released by stem cells. Their job? To deliver growth factors, peptides, lipids, and RNA directly to your skin cells, encouraging them to repair, regenerate, and renew.

These vesicles act as a sophisticated communication system between cells, sending signals that initiate healing, inflammation reduction, and collagen production.

Exosomes can be applied topically, often after procedures like microneedling or laser treatments, or delivered deeper into the skin via injection or infusion.

Top Benefits of Exosomes for the Skin:

  • Stimulate collagen and elastin production

  • Reduce redness and inflammation

  • Accelerate skin healing after aesthetic treatments

  • Improve hydration, texture, and tone

  • Calm sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea

  • Enhance recovery after procedures like microneedling, radiofrequency, or fractional laser

Who Are Exosomes Best For?

Exosome therapy is ideal for:

  • Ageing or thinning skin

  • Red, irritated, or inflamed skin

  • Dull, lacklustre complexions

  • Clients undergoing aesthetic treatments

  • Those struggling with skin sensitivity or rosacea

What Are Polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments derived from salmon or trout sperm cells—a source that might sound unusual, but offers a highly bioavailable structure remarkably similar to human DNA. These powerful molecules act as a bioregenerative treatment, stimulating cell repair, hydration, and collagen synthesis at a DNA level.

They activate fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin), enhance microcirculation, and reduce oxidative stress—meaning they’re not just rejuvenating the skin's surface, but transforming it from the inside out.

Polynucleotides are often delivered via injectable mesotherapy, which allows the molecules to work deep within the dermis.

Top Benefits of Polynucleotides for the Skin:

  • Improve skin firmness and elasticity

  • Enhance hydration and restore skin volume

  • Visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Minimise pigmentation, scarring, and sun damage

  • Speed up tissue repair after trauma, acne, or aesthetic procedures

  • Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection

Who Are Polynucleotides Best For?

Polynucleotide therapy is best suited for:

  • Dehydrated, dry, or flaky skin

  • Skin with fine lines, sagging, or signs of ageing

  • Areas with acne scarring or post-inflammatory pigmentation

  • Clients wanting to improve overall skin quality and resilience

Exosomes vs Polynucleotides: What's the Difference?

While both treatments stimulate cellular regeneration, they work through different biological pathways. Here's a simple breakdown:

Feature

Exosomes

Polynucleotides

Source

Stem cell-derived vesicles

Salmon/trout DNA fragments

Action

Cellular communication and signalling

DNA-level repair and fibroblast activation

Primary Focus

Inflammation reduction, collagen boost

Deep hydration, elasticity, tissue repair

Anti-Inflammatory Strength

Strong

Moderate

Best For

Sensitive, red, post-procedure skin

Dry, ageing, pigmented, or scarred skin

Application

Topical or injectable

Injectable only


In essence:

  • Exosomes are the communicators—they tell your skin to heal and produce collagen.

  • Polynucleotides are the builders—they help your skin structurally regenerate and plump from within.

Can You Combine Exosomes and Polynucleotides?

Absolutely—and in many cases, this is where the magic happens.

At Kim Pinnuck Aesthetics, we often create bespoke treatment plans that combine both therapies for layered skin rejuvenation. They can be alternated across sessions or even applied together depending on the skin concern.

Combination Example 1:

After microneedling, exosomes may be applied to reduce redness, speed healing, and enhance collagen production.

Combination Example 2:

For clients with ageing, dehydrated, or sun-damaged skin, a series of polynucleotide injections can deeply restore hydration and firmness over several weeks.

When used in harmony, these treatments offer multi-dimensional results—accelerating healing, rebuilding skin structure, and leaving your skin more radiant, resilient, and youthful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are exosome or polynucleotide treatments painful?
Most clients report minimal discomfort. Treatments are typically performed with microinjections or after microneedling, and a numbing cream can be applied beforehand to reduce sensitivity.

How many sessions do I need to see results?
You may notice an improvement after one treatment, but for best results, a course of 3–4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart is often recommended. Maintenance treatments every few months can help sustain results.

Can I get these treatments if I’ve had Botox or fillers?
Yes! Exosomes and polynucleotides are safe to use alongside injectables. In fact, they can improve skin quality and prolong the effects of other cosmetic treatments.

How soon can I wear makeup after treatment?
You should wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup to allow the skin to heal. Your clinician will give specific post-care instructions based on your treatment.

Are there any side effects?
Mild redness, swelling, or bruising can occur, especially with injectable methods, but these typically resolve within a few days. Both treatments have excellent safety profiles when performed by a qualified professional.

If you’re wondering whether exosomes or polynucleotides are better, the real answer is: it depends on your skin.

Exosomes are powerful for calming, healing, and rejuvenating inflamed or post-treatment skin. Polynucleotides are ideal for hydrating, firming, and repairing long-term damage or signs of ageing.

At Kim Pinnuck Aesthetics, we guide you through this decision with a tailored treatment plan, combining the best of both worlds when needed.

✨ Ready to discover the power of regenerative aesthetics?

Book your consultation at Kim Pinnuck Aesthetics today and let’s design your roadmap to radiant, resilient skin—no filters needed.

Book a skin consultation today!


Disclaimer

This information is for general skincare education and does not replace professional medical advice. Skincare products vary in formulation, and results may differ from person to person. Book a consultation with Kim Pinnuck Aesthetics for personalized advice and specific skin concerns.

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