Polynucleotides vs Skin Boosters: How Rejuran Differs
Polynucleotides and skin boosters are both treatments that improve skin quality without changing the shape of your face, but they work in different ways. Polynucleotides such as Rejuran focus on skin repair and regeneration, while hydration-focused skin boosters focus on deep moisture and radiance. At Privée Clinic in Darlinghurst, we help clients across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs decide which approach, or which combination, suits their skin.
Key Takeaways
- Rejuran is a polynucleotide treatment made from wild salmon-derived polynucleotides (PN). It supports fibroblast activity and collagen and elastin production.
- Hydration-focused skin boosters, such as our deep skin hydration treatment, aim to improve hydration, tone, texture and luminosity without adding volume.
- At Privée Clinic, a Rejuran course is usually 3 treatments spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart, then one treatment every 6 to 12 months. Deep skin hydration is usually 2 sessions 4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6 months.
- The two can work together in a long-term skin quality plan.
- All treatments are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians using TGA-approved products and devices. Results vary and a consultation is always required first.
Introduction: Regeneration vs Hydration in Modern Skin Treatments
Skin quality treatments focus on how your skin looks and feels, including its texture, tone, hydration and resilience, rather than on volume or contour. Polynucleotides and skin boosters are two of the main options in this category. Polynucleotides are chosen mainly for their regenerative effect, while hydration-focused boosters are chosen mainly to restore moisture and glow.
Privée Clinic was established in 2010 by Nurse Practitioner Natalie Abouchar, and our approach to skin quality is evidence-led and personalised. Understanding how each treatment works makes it easier to choose the right one for your concerns.
What Are Polynucleotides? (Including Rejuran)
Polynucleotides are skin treatments made from purified DNA fragments that support the skin's own repair processes. Rejuran, the polynucleotide treatment we offer at Privée Clinic, is made from wild salmon-derived polynucleotides. It works by stimulating fibroblast activity, which supports collagen and elastin growth.
At Privée Clinic, we consider Rejuran for:
- Skin texture and tone
- Elasticity and hydration
- Fine lines
- Oil production and pore size
- Acne scars
Results build gradually because the treatment encourages the skin to repair itself. To learn more about where Rejuran comes from, read our article on the salmon-derived Rejuran treatment, or visit our Rejuran treatment page.
What Are Skin Boosters? (Hydration-Focused treatments)
Hydration-focused skin boosters are treatments that improve skin hydration, tone, tightness, texture and luminosity without adding volume. They differ from facial volumising treatments, which are used to restore volume and contour.
At Privée Clinic, our deep skin hydration treatment is placed superficially in the upper layer of the skin at 10 points across the lower face, from the cheeks down, and spreads gently from each point. It is also used on the neck, décolletage and hands. Results usually appear after a few days, with the best results after the second session.
Mechanisms Compared: How Polynucleotides and Skin Boosters Work in the Skin
The main difference is the goal of each treatment. Polynucleotides are primarily regenerative, while hydration-focused skin boosters are primarily hydrating.
- Polynucleotides (Rejuran): encourage fibroblast activity, supporting collagen and elastin growth and gradual improvement in texture, elasticity and tone.
- Hydration-focused skin boosters: restore moisture in the skin for a smoother, more luminous look, with the added benefit of supporting collagen and elastin production.
Put simply, one helps strengthen the structure of the skin, while the other improves how hydrated and luminous it looks. Many clients benefit from both at different stages.
Skin Concerns: When to Consider Polynucleotides vs Skin Boosters
Polynucleotides tend to suit concerns about texture and repair, while skin boosters tend to suit concerns about dryness and dullness. Your clinician will recommend the best fit after assessing your skin.
Polynucleotides may suit you if your main concerns are:
- Uneven or rough texture
- Loss of elasticity
- Fine lines that remain even when your skin is well moisturised
- Acne scars
- Thin, crepey skin under the eyes
A hydration-focused booster may suit you if your main concerns are:
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- A dull complexion that lacks luminosity
- Crepiness on the neck, décolletage or hands
- Keeping your skin looking fresh between other treatments
Eye Area and Dark Circles: Role of Rejuran I and Boosters
The skin under the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, so it needs a gentle, specific approach. At Privée Clinic we use Rejuran I, a lower-viscosity version of Rejuran designed for the eye area, to target dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
Our case study on Rejuran for dark circles under the eyes explains this treatment in more detail. Improvement around the eyes is gradual, and the best results usually come from combining in-clinic treatment with good skincare and daily sun protection.
Acne Scars, Texture and Regeneration-Focused Plans
Polynucleotides can play a useful role in treating acne scars because they support the skin's own repair processes. Rejuran is one of the treatments we consider for acne scarring at Privée Clinic, often alongside other options such as skin needling or resurfacing within a staged plan.
Hydration-focused boosters are less targeted for scarring, but they can improve hydration and smoothness in the surrounding skin. Improvement in scarring is gradual and usually takes several sessions, and results vary between individuals.
Treatment Courses: How Many Sessions and How Often?
Both treatments work best as a course rather than a single session. At Privée Clinic, our usual schedules are:
- Rejuran: a course of 3 treatments spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart, then one treatment every 6 to 12 months for maintenance.
- Deep skin hydration: 2 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments every 6 months. Results can last up to a year with maintenance.
The right number of sessions for you depends on your skin, your concerns and how you respond, and we reassess at each visit.
Procedure Experience and Technique
Both treatments involve a series of small, precise placements into the skin, carried out by an AHPRA-registered clinician at our Darlinghurst clinic. A consultation is required before your first treatment, where we assess your skin and discuss your goals.
Placement depends on the product and the area being treated. Deep skin hydration, for example, is placed at set points across the lower face, while Rejuran I is used specifically around the eyes. Your clinician will explain each step before beginning.
Downtime, Sensations and Post Treatment Care
Downtime for both treatments is usually minimal, although some temporary effects are normal.
- Rejuran: redness, swelling and small marks or bumps, which usually resolve within a few days. Antihistamines and cool compresses may help.
- Deep skin hydration: small, mosquito-bite-like bumps at the treatment points, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Bruising is possible.
We provide clear aftercare instructions after every appointment, and you are welcome to contact us with any questions.
Results and Timelines: What to Expect and When
Hydration-focused boosters usually show results sooner, while polynucleotide results build more gradually. With deep skin hydration, results usually appear after a few days, with the best results after the second session. With Rejuran, changes in texture, elasticity and tone build across the course of treatment as the skin repairs itself.
Everyone responds differently. We set realistic goals with you during your consultation and review your progress at each visit.
Safety, Suitability and Individual Assessment
Both treatments are medical procedures, so a full assessment is needed before we proceed. At Privée Clinic, we review your medical history, current medications and previous treatments, and we ask you to tell us about any health conditions.
All our procedures are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians using TGA-approved products and devices, and we discuss possible side effects with you before any treatment.
Integrating Polynucleotides and Skin Boosters into a Broader Aesthetic Plan
Polynucleotides and hydration-focused boosters can complement each other within a long-term skin quality plan. For example, a course of Rejuran may be used to address texture and scarring, with deep skin hydration added for ongoing glow. Rejuran I may also be used around the eyes alongside hydration treatment elsewhere on the face.
Spacing and order are planned around your skin, and your plan can change over time as your skin responds and your priorities shift.
Choosing Between Polynucleotides and Skin Boosters at Privée Clinic
The right choice depends on whether your priority is repair or hydration. Polynucleotides tend to suit people focused on texture, elasticity and repair, while hydration-focused boosters tend to suit people focused on moisture and luminosity. Sometimes we recommend both.
During your consultation, we examine your skin, listen to what you would like to change and recommend a plan that suits you. The aim is always gradual, natural-looking improvement rather than dramatic change.
Why Privée Clinic for Polynucleotides and Skin Boosters
Privée Clinic was established in 2010 by Nurse Practitioner Natalie Abouchar, with a focus on personalised, non-surgical care. All procedures are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians using TGA-approved products and devices.
Every treatment begins with a consultation, followed by a personalised treatment plan, the treatment itself and aftercare follow-up. Our Darlinghurst clinic is close to Paddington, Surry Hills, Woollahra and the wider Eastern Suburbs. Results vary between individuals, and there are no guaranteed outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better if I am new to skin treatments?
The best starting point depends on your main concern. If your goal is hydration and glow, a hydration-focused booster is often a comfortable first step. If texture, scarring or early loss of elasticity concerns you most, we may suggest polynucleotides. Your clinician will recommend the option that best matches your skin.
Can I have these treatments if I have sensitive skin or active acne?
Sensitive skin does not automatically rule out either treatment, but active, inflamed breakouts may affect the timing of your treatment. We assess your skin on the day and adjust the plan if needed.
Will people be able to tell I have had treatment?
Both treatments are designed to improve skin quality rather than change your features, so the results are subtle. You may have small bumps or redness for a short time afterwards, but once these settle, most people simply look fresher.
Can I combine these treatments with peels or lasers?
Yes, both can be part of a plan that includes other skin treatments. Spacing matters, so please speak with your clinician before booking other treatments to avoid irritating the skin.
How do I book a consultation?
Call Privée Clinic on 0428 170 420 or email bookings@privee.com.au. Your clinician will assess your skin, review your medical history and recommend whether polynucleotides, a hydration-focused booster or a combination suits you best.