Polynucleotides Aftercare: Ten Dos and Don’ts

What are the side effects of a polynucleotide treatment?

Most people have very little issue or downtime with polynucleotide injections, but this is varies from person to person. But you may want to time your treatments carefully around events, as you are likely to look a little reptilian/bruised/swollen for a short time!

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Some of the visible side effects you might experience include:

• Redness and swelling: this is a natural inflammatory response to the injections. The treated area may become red and swollen. This usually resolves within a few days.
  
  To help reduce swelling, ice the area, avoid too much salt, alcohol, too much heat or exercise.
  
• Bruising: any time needles are placed in your skin, there is a chance you'll bruise. Some people are more prone to brusing than others and the more delicate the skin, the more likely it is to bruise. Whilst unsightly, bruising is usually harmless and fades within a week. A great, full coverage concealer is your friend here!
  
  To reduce the risk of bruising, avoid alcohol before and after your treatment.
  
  Avoid taking vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil.
  
  Consider taking an arnica supplement before and after your treatment and avoid exercise for a couple of days after your treatment.
  
• Tenderness or itching: Itching is a common side effect of polynucleotide injections and is usually a sign that your body is responding to the treatment and repairing the skin. This usually subsides without any intervention within a couple of days.
  
  If the itching is bothering you, you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
  
  If the itching is intense, and you're concerned, contact your practitioner.
  
• Lumps or nodules: Once you've had the treatment, you will look a little reptilian! The product is injected into the skin, which forms small, firm lumps. These will dissapear on their own within a few days as the polynucleotides spread into the skin.
  
  Do not rub or massage these. Just leave them be!
  

So what are the main dos and don'ts after polynucleotides?

To get the best out of your polynucletide treatment and give your skin the best chance of healing optimally, you need to follow some key advice:

• DO Hydrate Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal and stay hydrated.
• DON'T go heavy on the booze This will prolong your healing time and will make bruising and swelling worse.
• DO use gentle skincare Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser. Treat your skin gently. Avoid active ingredients like acids and retinoids - give your skin some TLC.
• DON'T rub, pick, squeeze or prod You will likely be puffy and lumpy for a few days. Leave your face alone!
• DO dodge the sun Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for at least one week..preferably always! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
• DON'T wear makeup Whilst you're looking a little lizard-like, you may be wondering "How long after polynucleotides can I war make up?"...it's advised that you avoid wearing makeup for 24 hours after the treatment. Grubby makeup brushes and fresh needle holes in your face are NOT a great combo!
• DO keep cool Avoid high heat situations like saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours.
• DON'T exercise Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours to keep sweat and bacteria away from the injection sites and to keep your swelling to a minimum.
• DO get in touch with your practitioner aIf you have any concerns, reach out to your practitioner. They will be the very best person to advise and guide you.
• DON'T go overboard with other treatments Avoid electrolysis, peels, waxing, bleaching, depilatory creams, other injectables and laser hair removal for at least 14 days. Literally, let the polys do their thing!

Practitioner Perspective

We asked Dr Caroline Warden, NHS GP and aesthetic doctor, Dr Caroline Warden Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, Hale, Altrincham for her insight. Here's what she said:

‘Aftercare advice for polynucleotides hasn’t changed, but the treatment experience has. Research from late 2025 shows that delivering polynucleotides via cannula is just as effective as the traditional needle technique, and because a cannula uses a single entry point and glides under the skin rather than making multiple punctures, downtime is now even shorter. Patients tend to see less bruising and swelling. That said, the golden rules still stand. Stay hydrated, keep away from heat, alcohol and heavy exercise for the first 48 hours, and above all leave those little bumps alone. Polynucleotides are regenerative, so the real work happens quietly over the following weeks as your skin repairs itself from within.”

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You can check out her Glowday profile here and her website here

If you're interested in finding out more about polynucleotides, check out this treatment guide.

If you're looking for a fabulous qualified, trained and insured practitioner, find one near you on Glowday.com