Polynucleotides Under Eyes: How They Treat Dark Circles and Crepey Skin

The under-eye area is different

The skin beneath the eyes is among the thinnest on the body. It has fewer oil glands, less supporting fat and less collagen than the rest of the face, which is why it is often the first place to show tiredness, dehydration and ageing. Fine crepey lines, a hollow or shadowed look and persistent dark circles are some of the most common concerns we see in clinic.

For a long time, the main options were concealer, eye creams or tear trough filler. Polynucleotides offer a different approach. Rather than filling or covering, they work to improve the quality of the skin itself.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are chains of purified DNA fragments, most commonly derived from salmon or trout. When injected into the skin, they act as a biostimulator. In simple terms, they encourage the skin’s own repair processes.

They do this by supporting the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Polynucleotides also help the skin hold on to moisture and have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect. The result is skin that gradually becomes thicker, firmer, smoother and more resilient.

This is why polynucleotides are often described as regenerative. They are not about changing your features. They are about restoring the health of the skin.

How polynucleotides help the under-eye area

The under-eye area responds particularly well to this kind of regenerative treatment. Patients typically see improvements in:

• Crepey texture. Fine, crinkled lines soften as the skin becomes denser.
• Dark circles. Where darkness is caused by thin skin allowing the blood vessels beneath to show through, strengthening the skin can reduce that shadowed appearance.
• Dullness and fatigue. Better hydration and skin quality give the area a brighter, fresher look.
• Firmness. Improved collagen support helps the skin look smoother and more supported.

It is worth noting that dark circles have several causes, including genetics, pigmentation and structural hollowing. Polynucleotides are most effective where thin, fragile skin is a significant factor. Your practitioner will assess the cause of your concerns before recommending treatment.

Polynucleotides vs tear trough filler

Tear trough filler uses hyaluronic acid to add volume to a hollow beneath the eye. It can be very effective for the right patient, but it is not suitable for everyone. Where the skin is very thin or there is puffiness, filler can sometimes make the area look heavier.

Polynucleotides work differently. They do not add volume. Instead, they improve the skin’s structure and quality. For many patients, they are a gentler first step, and some choose to combine both treatments for a more complete result.

Polynucleotides vs Profhilo and other skin boosters

Profhilo and other hyaluronic acid skin boosters are designed to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its bounce. They work well across the face and neck.

Polynucleotides go a step further in terms of repair. Rather than primarily delivering hydration, they stimulate regeneration at a cellular level. This makes them particularly well suited to the delicate under-eye area, where the skin needs strengthening as well as moisture.

What happens during treatment?

Your appointment begins with a consultation to understand your concerns and check that the treatment is suitable. A topical numbing cream is usually applied to keep you comfortable.

Your practitioner then makes a series of tiny injections, or uses a fine cannula, to place the product under the eyes. The treatment itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

You may notice small raised bumps immediately afterwards. These settle quickly, usually within a few hours to a day. Some patients experience mild swelling or a small bruise, which fades within a few days.

How many sessions will you need?

Polynucleotides work best as a course. Most patients have two to three sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. This allows the skin’s regenerative response to build progressively.

Once your course is complete, a maintenance session every six to twelve months helps sustain the results.

When will you see results?

This is a gradual treatment. Some patients notice brighter, more hydrated skin within a couple of weeks of their first session, but the real improvement develops as collagen production increases. The most noticeable results usually appear around eight to twelve weeks after starting a course.

If you would like to see the difference by Christmas or the new year, now is the ideal time to begin.

Am I suitable for polynucleotides under the eyes?

Polynucleotides are suitable for most adults who want to improve the quality of the skin around their eyes. They are particularly popular with people who:

• Have thin, crepey under-eye skin
• Want a natural improvement without added volume
• Are not suitable for, or not ready for, tear trough filler
• Want to improve skin quality before or alongside other treatments

The treatment is not suitable for anyone with a fish or seafood allergy, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or where there is an active infection in the area. Your practitioner will review your medical history in full at consultation.

Real results, carefully planned

At Hannah London, every under-eye treatment begins with an in-depth assessment. Because the causes of dark circles and hollowness vary so much, we take time to understand what is driving your concerns before recommending a plan. For some patients, that plan is polynucleotides alone. For others, it combines regenerative treatment with skin boosters, filler or medical-grade skincare.

Our medical team, led by Dr Kaywaan Khan, treats patients at our Harley Street and Colindale clinics. If tired-looking eyes are holding you back, book a consultation and let us help you find the right approach.