Article 10
Two of the most commonly discussed regenerative treatments in aesthetics right now are exosomes and polynucleotides. Both work with your skin's own biology rather than against it. Both produce gradual, natural-looking results. And both are treatments I offer at Dr Alluris Aesthetics. But they work through different mechanisms, suit different concerns, and are not always interchangeable. This article sets out the key differences clearly so you can approach a consultation with a better sense of what you are looking for.
Exosomes and polynucleotides are both injectable regenerative treatments. Neither adds volume in the way a dermal filler does, and neither relaxes muscle in the way an anti-wrinkle treatment does. Instead, both work by influencing biological processes within your tissue, encouraging your skin to repair, renew, and strengthen itself over time.
Results from both treatments are gradual. They develop over weeks to months rather than appearing immediately after the session. A course of treatments is standard for both. And both are well tolerated across a range of skin types with minimal downtime.
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, tiny structures produced by cells that carry biological messages between them. In an aesthetic context, the exosome preparations I use contain concentrated growth factors, proteins, and signalling molecules that instruct your skin cells to repair, regenerate, and produce collagen and elastin more actively.
Think of exosomes as sending a highly specific set of instructions to your skin. The skin then acts on those instructions, producing a biological response that improves texture, hydration, radiance, and overall cellular health. The effect is noticeable from around three to four weeks after the first session and continues to develop over the course.
Exosomes are particularly strong for:
A standard course involves three to four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, with maintenance typically every four to six months depending on how your skin responds.
For a detailed explanation of how exosome therapy works, the following article goes further:
Polynucleotides are long, highly purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon or trout sperm, that work at a structural level within the tissue. When injected, they stimulate fibroblasts directly, encouraging collagen and elastin production, improving the extracellular matrix, reducing localised inflammation, and supporting deeper tissue hydration.
Where exosomes work primarily through signalling, polynucleotides work by providing the biological raw material that supports cellular repair and tissue rebuilding. The distinction is subtle but meaningful in terms of where each treatment delivers the most value.
Polynucleotides are particularly strong for:
A standard course involves three sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. The peak result is typically visible at around 12 weeks after the final session, with maintenance treatment recommended every six to twelve months.
I use CE-marked polynucleotide formulations including Plinest, chosen for their clinical evidence base and safety profile. More detail on this treatment is in the dedicated article:
The honest answer is that the right choice depends on what your skin actually needs, which is something I assess at consultation rather than deciding in advance. That said, these general patterns are a useful starting point:
Neither treatment is universally better than the other. They work through different mechanisms and serve different priorities. In some cases, a plan that incorporates both over time produces a more complete result than either alone.
When we discuss regenerative treatments at consultation, I look at your skin condition, the specific areas of concern, your medical background, and what you are realistically hoping to achieve. I explain which treatment or combination I think is appropriate for your situation, what a course looks like in practice, and what you can reasonably expect from the result.
I also consider how regenerative treatments sit within your broader treatment plan, whether that includes anti-wrinkle treatments, dermal fillers, or other options. These treatments do not exist in isolation, and the best outcomes tend to come from plans that have been thought through as a whole.
If you are considering a regenerative treatment and want a clear, unhurried explanation of which approach suits your skin best, a consultation is the right starting point.
WhatsApp Dr Adam directly on 07721 390017, or book online at drallurisaesthetics.co.uk or via the online booking page.
Consultations are available at SkinTouch, 77 Church Road, Crystal Palace SE19 2TA and at 58 South Molton Street, Mayfair W1K 5SL.
Results vary between individuals. No treatment outcomes can be guaranteed. All treatments are subject to a clinical consultation to assess suitability.