PRP and exosomes have gotten most of the attention in regenerative aesthetics over the past few years. Polynucleotides are a third approach with a different mechanism — and two of our boosters, Skinmark and X-DNA Gel, are built around them.
| QUICK TAKE • PRP uses growth factors concentrated from your own blood. • Exosomes are cell-signaling vesicles that carry regenerative messages between cells. • Polynucleotides are regenerative molecules that support the skin’s own repair and hydration processes through a distinct mechanism. • All three fall under the umbrella of regenerative treatments, but they aren’t interchangeable. |
PRP: Your Own Growth Factors
Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of your own blood, spun down to concentrate the growth factors within it. Delivered into the skin during microneedling, those growth factors stimulate collagen and elastin production over time — a well-established, patient-specific approach with a long track record in aesthetic medicine.
Exosomes: Cell-to-Cell Signaling
Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells use to communicate with each other, carrying proteins and genetic material that can influence how nearby cells behave. In aesthetic treatments, exosomes are typically sourced from lab-processed cell cultures rather than your own blood, and they’re used to amplify the skin’s regenerative signaling following microneedling or laser treatments.
Polynucleotides: A Different Regenerative Mechanism
Polynucleotides are fragments that support the skin’s own repair and hydration processes through a mechanism distinct from both PRP and exosomes — rather than delivering growth factors or signaling molecules, they provide a scaffold-like support that encourages tissue repair and moisture retention. Our Skinmark booster combines X-DNA polynucleotides with organic silicon, chlorella vulgaris, and darutoside specifically to restructure acne scars, body scars, and stretch marks. X-DNA Gel uses a lighter, 3% polynucleotide concentration aimed at general skin recovery — most often used to support healing after ablative laser treatments like CO2 or HALO.
Choosing Between Them
If you’re addressing broad collagen loss or overall skin quality, PRP’s structural, patient-derived approach has the longest track record. If you’re looking to amplify a laser or microneedling session’s regenerative signaling, exosomes are built for that role. If your primary concern is scar or stretch mark restructuring, or you’re recovering from an ablative laser and want to support that healing process specifically, Skinmark or X-DNA Gel’s polynucleotide approach is the more targeted tool. These aren’t mutually exclusive — your provider can combine approaches depending on what your skin needs.
Bottom Line
PRP, exosomes, and polynucleotides are three different regenerative tools, not three versions of the same thing. Which one (or combination) makes sense depends on whether you’re rebuilding collagen broadly, amplifying a treatment’s signaling, or restructuring specific scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polynucleotides better than PRP?
Neither is universally ‘better’ — they work through different mechanisms and are suited to different concerns. Your provider can help you choose based on your specific goals.
Do polynucleotide treatments require a blood draw like PRP?
No — Skinmark and X-DNA Gel are pre-formulated boosters, not derived from your own blood, so there’s no blood draw or processing step involved.
Can I combine polynucleotides with PRP or exosomes?
In many cases, yes. Ask your provider whether combining regenerative approaches fits your treatment plan and skin.
Do polynucleotide treatments work on the body as well as the face?
Yes — Skinmark in particular is formulated to treat body scars and stretch marks in addition to facial concerns.
Curious Which Regenerative Approach Fits You?
Ask your provider about PRP, exosomes, or polynucleotides at your next appointment, or start with a complimentary 30-minute consultation at SMooth Solutions Medspa in Naperville, IL.
SMooth Solutions Medspa — Naperville — 1867 Bay Scott Cir #111, Naperville, IL 60540 · (630) 381-8952