Understanding Skin Aging and How Polynucleotides or Hyaluronic Acid Injections Can Help Delay and Reverse It
- Kevin Micheal Daus, M.D.
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
Aging skin is a natural process that everyone experiences, but the visible signs can be distressing. Wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dullness often make us look older than we feel. What if there were ways to slow down, and even partially reverse, these changes? Recent advances in skincare treatments, particularly injections with polynucleotides and high-level hyaluronic acid, offer promising results. Before turning to fillers or Botox, addressing skin health at a deeper level can provide a stronger foundation for youthful skin.
Close-up of skin texture highlighting fine lines and hydration
How Skin Ages: The Science Behind Visible Changes
Skin aging happens due to a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, our skin cells slow down their renewal process, collagen and elastin production decreases, and the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes. Externally, sun exposure, pollution, smoking, and lifestyle choices accelerate damage.
Key Changes in Aging Skin
Collagen breakdown: Collagen provides structure and firmness. With age, collagen fibers thin and degrade, causing sagging and wrinkles.
Loss of elastin: Elastin allows skin to bounce back after stretching. Reduced elastin leads to less elasticity and more sagging.
Reduced hydration: Natural moisturizing factors decline, making skin dry and rough.
Slower cell turnover: Dead skin cells accumulate, dulling the complexion.
Thinning of the epidermis: The outer skin layer becomes thinner, making skin more fragile.
These changes combine to create the visible signs of aging. Understanding this helps us see why treatments that target these root causes can be more effective than those that only mask symptoms.
Polynucleotides and Their Role in Skin Rejuvenation
Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. When used in skin treatments, they act as powerful biostimulators.
How Polynucleotides Work
Stimulate cell regeneration: Polynucleotides encourage skin cells to renew faster, improving texture and tone.
Promote collagen and elastin production: They activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing these essential proteins.
Enhance hydration: Polynucleotides improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture by supporting the extracellular matrix.
Protect against oxidative stress: They help reduce inflammation and protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Benefits of Polynucleotide Injections
Smoother, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles
Improved skin elasticity and resilience
Brighter, more even complexion
Long-lasting skin health improvement rather than temporary masking
In clinical studies, patients receiving polynucleotide injections showed significant improvement in skin quality after a series of treatments, with effects lasting several months.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: More Than Just a Filler
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in the skin that holds water and keeps it plump and hydrated. While many know HA as a filler to add volume, high-level or polynucleotide-enriched HA injections offer deeper benefits.
How Hyaluronic Acid Helps Aging Skin
Deep hydration: HA attracts and holds water molecules, boosting skin moisture from within.
Supports collagen synthesis: Hydrated skin encourages fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
Improves skin elasticity: Well-hydrated skin is more elastic and less prone to wrinkles.
Stimulates tissue repair: HA can help repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation.
Differences Between Regular Fillers and HL Hyaluronic Acid
Regular HA fillers primarily restore volume and smooth out wrinkles by physically filling spaces. HL (high-level) HA injections focus on improving skin quality by hydrating and stimulating skin cells. This approach treats the underlying causes of aging rather than just the symptoms.
Why Treat Skin Quality Before Fillers and Botox
Many people seek fillers or Botox first to address wrinkles and volume loss. However, starting with treatments that improve skin health can enhance and prolong the results of these procedures.
Advantages of Prioritizing Skin Rejuvenation
Stronger foundation: Healthier skin responds better to fillers and Botox.
Longer-lasting effects: Improved collagen and hydration slow down further aging.
Natural appearance: Skin looks more vibrant and elastic, reducing the need for heavy filler use.
Reduced risk of complications: Well-hydrated and resilient skin heals faster and tolerates injections better.
By addressing skin aging at the cellular level first, patients can enjoy more natural, balanced, and lasting results.
Practical Steps to Incorporate Polynucleotide or HA Treatments
If you are considering these treatments, here are some practical tips:
Consult a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner: They can assess your skin condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Start with a series of injections: Typically, 3 to 5 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart show the best results.
Maintain skin health with daily care: Use sunscreen, moisturizers, and gentle cleansers to protect and support your skin.
Combine with healthy lifestyle habits: Balanced diet, hydration, sleep, and avoiding smoking enhance treatment outcomes.
Plan fillers or Botox after skin quality improves: This sequence maximizes the benefits of all treatments.
Real-Life Example
A 45-year-old patient noticed early signs of aging: fine lines around the eyes, dull skin, and slight sagging. Instead of immediately opting for fillers, she started polynucleotide injections. After four sessions, her skin felt firmer and more hydrated. The fine lines softened, and her complexion brightened. Six months later, she received a small amount of filler to restore volume. The results looked natural and lasted longer than previous treatments she had tried.
Taking care of your skin’s health before focusing on volume or muscle relaxation treatments can change how your skin ages and how you look and feel.