Profhilo or polynucleotides: which skin booster is right for you? Two boosters, two jobs

Your skin is not "bad". It just does not bounce back like it used to. Make-up sits in fine lines by lunchtime, your jawline looks softer in photos, and the skin under your eyes looks thinner and more tired than you feel. Somewhere along the way, every friend and every feed started talking about Profhilo and polynucleotides.

Both are skin boosters. Both are injected in tiny amounts. Both improve the quality of your skin rather than changing your features. But they are not the same treatment, and picking the right one first saves you time and money.

What is Profhilo?

Profhilo is an injectable made of a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, the moisture-holding molecule your skin makes less of as you age. It is placed at a few points on each side of the face and spreads under the skin. It does not add volume or change your shape. Instead it hydrates deeply and helps skin that has lost its firmness look smoother and more lifted.

It suits you if your main concern is laxity: a softer jawline, crepey cheeks, a neck that has started to show your age, or skin that looks dehydrated however much moisturiser you use.

What are polynucleotides?

Polynucleotides are a purified, fish-derived ingredient placed just under the skin to support its own renewal. At Mirabell we use Vitaran, a polynucleotide treatment. They do not add volume either. They improve the look of skin that is thin, crepey, tired or uneven in texture.

They suit you if your main concern is skin quality, especially in delicate areas: the under-eye area, crepey skin around the eyes, early lines and tired-looking skin that has lost its glow. Because they add no weight, they are one of the most popular choices for under the eyes.

One important rule: polynucleotides are not suitable if you have a fish or salmon allergy.

Profhilo vs polynucleotides: what is the difference?

Results vary from person to person. These are typical timelines, not promises.

Which one should you choose?

Start with the concern that bothers you most in the mirror.

Choose Profhilo first if:

• Your skin feels dry and looks dull, even with a good routine.
• Your lower face and jawline look softer than they used to.
• Your neck shows more crepiness than your face.

Choose polynucleotides first if:

• The skin under your eyes looks thin, dark or tired, even after sleep.
• You have fine crepey lines around the eyes.
• Your skin looks tired and uneven in texture, and you want it to look healthier rather than plumper.

Not sure? That is exactly what a consultation is for. We look at your skin in good light, ask about your routine and your budget, and tell you which to start with. If neither suits you, we will say so.

Can you have Profhilo and polynucleotides together?

Yes, and many women do. A common plan is polynucleotides for the under-eye area and Profhilo for the face and neck, or one course of each spread over the year. We plan the order and the gaps with you, so treatments in the same area are spaced safely.

If collagen and firmness are your focus, Profhilo can sit in the same plan as RF microneedling. If tired eyes are the problem, a Vitaran under-eye course pairs well with a hydrofacial for overall glow.

How much do Profhilo and polynucleotides cost in Dublin?

A 2026 Irish price guide puts Profhilo at roughly €250 to €350 a session, and polynucleotides at roughly €250 to €400 a session. Published Dublin prices we checked sit in that range: Profhilo at €275 to €300 a session at several clinics, and polynucleotides from €195 at a national chain up to about €300 at others.

At Mirabell, Profhilo is €250 for one session or €680 for a course of 3. Vitaran polynucleotides start from €150 for the under-eye area and €200 for the face, with course prices shown live on our polynucleotides page. Your deposit comes off your final price.

What does treatment feel like, and what is the downtime?

Most clients feel quick pinches. Numbing cream goes on first. Appointments take about 30 minutes for the under-eye area and about 50 minutes for the face. Expect small bumps for 24 to 48 hours, some redness and sometimes a bruise. Most women go back to work the next day.

Skip make-up for 24 hours, retinol and acids for 2 to 3 days, and facials, peels or laser on the same area for about 2 weeks. If you have a big event, book at least two weeks before.

What else could help instead?

Skin boosters improve skin quality. They do not lift heavy skin, fill deep hollows or replace a good daily routine with SPF. If your concern is lost volume in the cheeks or hollows under the eyes, a different treatment may suit you better. See our under-eye treatments and all our skin boosters, or ask at your consultation.

Ready to find yours? Book a free consultation and we will match the booster to your skin.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Every injectable treatment starts with a consultation and a health check.