Cited by 2Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery TechniquesDermatologic Treatments and ResearchWound Healing and Treatments

Expert perspectives: evidence-based applications of polynucleotides (PNs) in aesthetic medicine and dermatology

Open access
Rho, Nark-Kyoung, Chilukuri, Suneel, Chan, Gavin, Kim, Michael, Shin, Jihye, Suwanchinda, Atchima·2026·Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

Abstract

Abstract: Polynucleotides (PNs) are increasingly used in aesthetic dermatology, supported by emerging clinical evidence and growing interest in restorative approaches to skin treatment aiming to improve skin conditions. This expert opinion article brings perspectives from an international panel of dermatologists and aesthetic physicians on the use of PNs (Rejuran ® , PharmaResearch, South Korea) across dermatological indications. The proposed mechanism of action of PNs involves the formation of a hydrophilic, scaffold-like matrix that may support tissue remodeling and hydration. This article highlights the clinical applications of PNs across four indications: skin hydration and rejuvenation; structural support through deep-plane injections; barrier repair in rosacea and eczema; and scar remodeling. For each, the authors provide suggested treatment protocols based on real-world use, including guidance on injection techniques and anatomical targets. PNs have demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no reported cases of granuloma or vascular occlusion in the literature to date. Their biocompatibility and tolerability make them a promising option, particularly for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. However, the current evidence base remains limited, and further studies, including randomized trials and histological validation, are needed. This article provides practical clinical guidance while highlighting areas for future research and standardization in the aesthetic use of PNs. Keywords: polynucleotides, skin rejuvenation, ligament strengthening, skin structural support, scar remodeling

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.2147/ccid.s557226

Cites

1 of 1 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 37

  1. [1]Choi SY, Koh YG, Yoo KH, Han HS, Seok J, Randomized KBJA. Participant- and evaluator-blinded, matched-pair, prospective study comparing the safety and efficacy between polycaprolactone and polynucleotide fillers in the correction of crow’s feet. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025; 24(1): e16576. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16576 39313949 PMC11754925 · DOI · Paper page
  2. [3]Marques C, Porcello A, Cerrano M, et al. From Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) to Polynucleotides (PNs): bridging the gap between scientific definitions, molecular insights, and clinical applications of multifunctional biomolecules. Biomolecules. 2025; 15(1). doi: 10.3390/biom15010148 PMC11764130 39858543 · DOI · Paper page
  3. [4]Yi KH, Winayanuwattikun W, Kim SY, et al. Skin boosters: definitions and varied classifications. Skin Res Technol. 2024; 30(3): e13627. doi: 10.1111/srt.13627 38481069 PMC10938033 · DOI · Paper page
  4. [5]Lee D, Kim MJ, Park HJ, et al. Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians. Skin Res Technol. 2023; 29(9): e13466. doi: 10.1111/srt.13466 37753681 PMC10485387 · DOI
  5. [6]Lee KWA, Chan KWL, Lee A, et al. Polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine: a review of current practices and perceived effectiveness. Int J Mol Sci. 25(15). doi: 10.3390/ijms25158224 PMC11311621 39125793 · DOI · Paper page
  6. [7]Kim JH, Jeong JJ, Lee YI, et al. Preventive effect of polynucleotide on post-thyroidectomy scars: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2018; 50: 755– 9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22812 29574803 · DOI · Paper page
  7. [8]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; 29(1): 37– 40. doi: 10.1111/dth.12299 26814448 · DOI · Paper page
  8. [9]Lee YJ, Kim HT, Lee YJ, et al. Comparison of the effects of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid fillers on periocular rejuvenation: a randomized, double-blind, split-face trial. J DermatolTreat. 2022; 33(1): 254– 260. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1748857 32248707 · DOI
  9. [10]Oranges CM, Brucato D, Schaefer DJ, Kalbermatten DF, Harder Y. Complications of nonpermanent facial fillers: a systematic review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2021; 9(10): e3851. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003851 34703713 PMC8542164 · DOI
  10. [11]Rho NK, Kim HS, Kim SY, Lee W. Injectable “skin boosters” in aging skin rejuvenation: a current overview. Arch Plast Surg. 2024; 51(6): 528– 541. doi: 10.1055/a-2366-3436 39544509 PMC11560330 · DOI · Paper page
  11. [12]Kim MJ, Park HJ, Oh SM, Yi KH. Polynucleotide injection treatment for iatrogenic fat atrophy in two patients: potential for safe volumization in aesthetic medicine. Skin Res Technol. 2023; 29(8): e13439. doi: 10.1111/srt.13439 37632185 PMC10423761 · DOI · Paper page
  12. [13]Kim MJ, Park HJ, Jung RJ, et al. High-resolution 3-D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of DOT(TM) polynucleotides (PN): unique scaffold characteristics and potential applications in biomedicine. Skin Res Technol. 2024; 30(4): e13667. doi: 10.1111/srt.13667 38558437 PMC10982675 · DOI · Paper page
  13. [14]Hayashi K, Yanagisawa T, Kishida R, Ishikawa K. Effects of scaffold shape on bone regeneration: tiny shape differences affect the entire system. ACS Nano. 2022; 16(8): 11755– 11768. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03776 35833725 PMC9413413 · DOI
  14. [15]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– 1252. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16125 38093498 · DOI · Paper page
  15. [16]Araghi F, Dadkhahfar S, Pourani MR, Gheisari M. The importance of facial retaining ligaments’ preservation during the subcision. Aesthet Surg J. 2022; 42(1): NP87– NP88. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab332 34478495 PMC8697340 · DOI
  16. [17]Ryu MH, Khoo LS, Lee JO, Li D. Reframing the etiology of facial sagging from a facelift perspective. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018; 6(7): e1831. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001831 30175011 PMC6110683 · DOI
  17. [18]Bartus CL, Sattler G, Hanke CW. The tower technique: a novel technique for the injection of hyaluronic acid fillers. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011; 10(11): 1277– 1280. 22052308
  18. [19]Mirontsev A, Andruschenko O, Vasil’ev Y, et al. Clinical anatomy of the ligaments of the face and their fundamental distinguishing features. Medicina. 2024; 60(5). doi: 10.3390/medicina60050681 PMC11123269 38792865 · DOI
  19. [20]Huang P, Li CW, Yan YQ. Efficacy evaluation of True Lift ® a nonsurgical facial ligament retightening injection technique: two case reports. World J Clin Cases. 2022; 10(27): 9783– 9789. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i27.9783 36186192 PMC9516912 · DOI
  20. [21]Suwanchinda A, Webb KL, Rudolph C, et al. The posterior temporal supraSMAS minimally invasive lifting technique using soft-tissue fillers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018; 17(4): 617– 624. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12722 30091260 · DOI
  21. [22]Sahawatwong S, Sirithanabadeekul P, Patanajareet V, Wattanakrai P, Thanasarnaksorn W. A novel technique of supra superficial musculoaponeurotic system hyaluronic acid injection for lower face lifting. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016; 9(2): 58– 62. 27047633 PMC4771391
  22. [23]Cavallini M, Bartoletti E, Maioli L, et al. Consensus report on the use of PN-HPT (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 20(3): 922– 928. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13679 32799391 PMC7984045 · DOI · Paper page
  23. [24]Darlenski R, Kazandjieva J, Tsankov N, Fluhr JW. Acute irritant threshold correlates with barrier function, skin hydration and contact hypersensitivity in atopic dermatitis and rosacea. Exp Dermatol. 2013; 22(11): 752– 753. doi: 10.1111/exd.12251 24112695 · DOI
  24. [25]Addor FA. Skin barrier in rosacea. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. 2016; 91(1): 59– 63. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163541 26982780 PMC4782648 · DOI
  25. [26]Zhou M, Xie H, Cheng L, Li J. Clinical characteristics and epidermal barrier function of papulopustular rosacea: a comparison study with acne vulgaris. Pak J Med Sci. 2016; 32(6): 1344– 1348. doi: 10.12669/pjms.326.11236 28083023 PMC5216279 · DOI
  26. [27]Ha YJ, Tak KH, Jung JM, et al. The effect of polynucleotide-hyaluronic acid hydrogel in the recovery after mechanical skin barrier disruption. Skin Res Technol. 2024; 30(9): e70068. doi: 10.1111/srt.70068 39300806 PMC11413333 · DOI · Paper page
  27. [28]Rho NK, Park HJ, Kim HS. Clinical efficacy and safety of a highly purified polynucleotide for dry and chapped lips: a prospective, multicenter study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025; 24(5): e70224. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70224 40402866 PMC12097517 · DOI
  28. [29]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; 30(9): e70034. doi: 10.1111/srt.70034 39258788 PMC11388635 · DOI
  29. [30]Galeano M, Bitto A, Altavilla D, et al. Polydeoxyribonucleotide stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in the genetically diabetic mouse. Wound Repair Regen. 2008; 16(2): 208– 217. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00361.x 18318806 · DOI
  30. [31]Jin H, Seo J, Eun SY, et al. P2Y2 R activation by nucleotides promotes skin wound-healing process. Exp Dermatol. 2014; 23(7): 480– 485. doi: 10.1111/exd.12440 24816122 · DOI
  31. [32]Kim MJ, Wan J, Oksana L, et al. Polynucleotide-based treatments for various facial scars including combat injuries. J DermatolTreat. 2024; 35(1): 2426626. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2426626 39561983 · DOI
  32. [33]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): NP866– NP874. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjab125 33755110 · DOI
  33. [34]Rho N-K, Chung S. Treatment of a full-thickness laceration scar on the forehead using a 1,064-nm fractional picosecond laser and polynucleotide gel injection. Med Lasers. 2018; 7: 88– 90. doi: 10.25289/ML.2018.7.2.88 · DOI
  34. [35]Cavallini MB, Maioli E, Palmieri L, Papagni M, Priori M, Trocchi G. Value and benefits of the polynucleotides HPT™ dermal priming paradigm a consensus on practice guidance for aesthetic medicine practitioners and future research. Clin Exp Dermatol or Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 2024; 9.doi: 10.29011/2575-8268.100224. · DOI
  35. [36]Thanasarnaksorn W, Limsuchaiwat N, Sirithanabadeekul P, Charoensuksira S, Suwanchinda A, Meephansan J. Polynucleotides as a novel therapeutic approach in androgenetic alopecia: an analysis of effectiveness and safety. Arch Dermatol Res. 317(1): 399. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-03908-6 39951159 · DOI
  36. [37]Leone A. Polynucleotides versus platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a case series. JOJ Dermatol Cosmet. 2025; 6.doi: 10.19080/JOJDC.2025.06.555699. · DOI
  37. [38]Gulfan MCB, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Wongdama S, Jantanapornchai N, Yan C, Rakchart S. Efficacy and Safety of Using noninsulated microneedle radiofrequency alone versus in combination with polynucleotides for the treatment of melasma: a pilot study. Dermatol Ther. 2022; 12(6): 1325– 1336. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00728-8 PMC9209614 35538360 · DOI

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Rho, N.-K., Chilukuri, S., Chan, G., Kim, M., Shin, J., & Suwanchinda, A.
Affiliations
  • Baylor College of Medicine (US)
  • Thammasat University (TH)
Corresponding author
Suwanchinda, Atchima
Venue
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology
Published
2026-01
Volume
Volume 19
Pages
1-9
ISSN
1178-7015 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W7123571177
Cited by
2
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
13.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatologic Treatments and Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Wound Healing and Treatments
Keywords
polynucleotides, skin rejuvenation, skin hydration, scar remodeling, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, skin barrier repair, tissue remodeling, injection technique, treatment protocols, safety and tolerability

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review