August 1st 2023
The 3 P’s – Polynucleotides (PNs), Profhilo® & Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
Long gone are the days of looking at an aesthetics clinics treatment menu and deciding what toxin and dermal fillers to try. My own display of benefits has quadrupled just this year at Atanga Aesthetics. But what are they all good for? What’s the difference between all these skin boosters and are they basically overly invasive injectable moisturisers? I’m going to focus on the 3 P’s and discuss the new trending Polynucleotides (PNs) and some old favourites Profhilo® and Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP).
Polynucleotides
We all have at least a rough idea of what PNs are by now but here’s a recap. PNs are a type of bioactive compound derived from the DNA of salmon, yes it really does come from their sperm however the DNA is extracted in a laboratory and not mashed up and drawn into a syringe. Dr Bob Khanna first taught me about them and how the DNA of salmon was the closest match to humans. Recently the UK aesthetic clinics have been all over these new fishy friends however PNs have been used in biomedicine for the past 50 years. In the context of aesthetic treatments, PNs are used for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and promoting tissue regeneration. They can be administered topically or through injectables like mesotherapy. PNs are proven to stimulate the cells to promote collagen production, enhance skin elasticity, improve overall skin texture and be used for hair loss.
Profhilo®
Profhilo® is a specialised injectable treatment composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the skin known for its ability to retain moisture. Since its launch in 2015 in Italy It’s proven ‘molto popular’ around the globe. The formulation is a unique hybrid complex that delivers both high and low molecular weight HA. Profhilo® is designed to provide intense hydration and stimulate collagen and elastin production, leading to improved skin quality. At Atanga Aesthetics we provide not only Profhilo® but also Profhilo® Body which can be used on a variety of areas and includes skin patches and body cream to be used at home which enhance and speed up the treatment benefits.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) also know more dramatically as the Vampire Facial, is a treatment that uses the patient’s blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors. Over the past 70 years PRP has been used in medicine and in 1986 dermatologists caught on and started to use it for wound healing. The patient’s plasma components are then injected back into specific areas of the skin to promote tissue repair, stimulate collagen synthesis, and enhance overall skin rejuvenation. PRP is also used on the scalp to regenerate hair growth.
So what are the differences between the 3 P’s
Polynucleotides stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration through DNA-derived bioactive compounds.
Profhilo® provides intense hydration and collagen stimulation through its unique hyaluronic acid complex. Great if you’re a vegan and don’t wish to use marine sourced DNA.
PRP utilises growth factors from the patient’s blood to promote tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Great if you are hypersensitive and prone to allergies, as your using your own bodies natural resources.
So in summary Polynucleotides and Profhilo® are commonly used for overall skin rejuvenation and improving skin texture and elasticity. They usually require a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. PRP is often used for targeted treatments, such as acne scars, stretch marks, hair loss and specific areas with signs of aging. PRP treatments may also require multiple sessions, depending on the specific condition being treated.
The 3 P’s all aim to improve skin quality, but the extent of improvement may vary based on individual factors, including age, skin condition, and treatment adherence. I hope this has benefited you in making an informed decision on which treatment to choose however free consultations are always offered first at Atanga Aesthetics to ensure that you’re sure on the best options available to you.