Which Regenerative Injectable is Right for You?   

Regenerative injectables are a type of skincare that work on a deeper level than your cleansers and retinols, and are continuously rising in popularity. These treatments work by promoting natural repairs beneath the surface, and creating that sought-after youthful glow.

There are a lot of different options out there when it comes to regenerative skincare, and as a result it can be difficult to know where to start. So what is regenerative skincare, and how do you know which is the right option for you?

What are regenerative injectables in skincare? 

Regenerative aesthetics refer to skincare that improves appearance by promoting repair, and are an option that plays up to the increasing demand for alternatives to filler.

Rising concerns around skin health make now the perfect time for regenerative skincare treatments to shine. While many of us still seek that young, healthy appearance, regenerative injectables make this possible without freezing muscles, adding fillers or creating incisions. Instead, they typically promote the production of collagen, elastin, and other natural repair mechanisms that improve your skin's structural firmness. 

What are the types of regenerative injections? 

There are several types of regenerative injections available, but if this is a path that you're considering, then it's important to acknowledge each has its own strength. You'll want to consider their differences and choose the one best in line with the area you're wanting to treat, and the result you're looking to achieve.

Polynucleotides  

Polynucleotides are filtered, sterilised, natural fractions taken from salmon sperm. They're highly biocompatible with human DNA and work by boosting the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn gives the skin a more plump, youthful appearance. At their core they're also an antioxidant, meaning they reduce skin inflammation. This also makes them a great option for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Due to their plumping nature, polynucleotide injections are typically used to affect wrinkle-prone areas such as the under-eyes and neck. However, their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties also lend them to be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and scarring. While the best non-surgical wrinkle treatment is undeniably Botox, polynucleotides offer an alternative option that focuses on repair, rather than freezing the muscles.

Sculptra 

Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic material that has been used in medicine for many years. Rather than working like a traditional filler, it acts as a framework beneath the skin that encourages the body to rebuild its own collagen over time. This gradual process helps improve firmness, structure, and volume loss, making it a good option for people who want subtle, longer-lasting rejuvenation rather than instant fullness.

Sculptra is typically used in larger areas of the face affected by collagen loss, such as the cheeks, temples and jawline, where it can restore support and soften wrinkles and folds. Because the results build gradually, it's often chosen for age-related hollowing or sagging rather than for very delicate areas such as the under-eyes.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a collagen-stimulating injectable made from calcium hydroxylapatite, a biocompatible mineral-like substance that is naturally found in the body. Unlike a traditional skin booster, Radiesse works in two ways: the gel carrier provides an immediate lifting and smoothing effect, while the calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres act as a scaffold beneath the skin to stimulate new collagen and elastin over time. This makes it a good option for patients who want both instant definition and longer-term improvement in skin firmness, structure and quality.

Due to its more structural nature, Radiesse is typically used in areas affected by deeper volume loss or reduced support, such as the cheeks, jawline, lower face and the backs of the hands. It is often chosen to soften moderate to severe folds and restore contour, rather than to treat very delicate areas where a lighter product may be more appropriate. One to three sessions are usually recommended for this treatment type.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses very fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help improve firmness, smoothness and overall skin texture over time. Because it works by encouraging the skin to repair itself, microneedling is often seen as a regenerative treatment.

Microneedling is typically used to treat concerns such as fine lines, acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores and mild skin laxity. It’s often chosen by patients who want to improve overall skin quality and stimulate gradual renewal, rather than add volume or alter facial structure.

Exosomes 

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids and signalling molecules used in cell-to-cell communication. Similarly to polynucleotides, they're being explored in regenerative skincare for their ability to support repair, regulate inflammation, and encourage the processes involved in collagen and tissue renewal. This makes them particularly appealing for skin that looks tired, stressed or inflamed, although it's important to note that the clinical evidence for exosomes is still developing. 

Exosomes are commonly used to target concerns such as fine lines, redness, uneven texture, acne scarring and post-treatment recovery. They enhance healing and overall skin quality, rather than being used simply to add volume in the way a filler would.

Exosomes can, however, only be delivered when paired with microneedling. When used as an additional treatment to microneedling, exosomes accelerate the healing process and further stimulate collagen production beneath the skin.

Profhilo structura 

Profhilo Structura is a high-concentration hyaluronic acid injectable designed to do more than hydrate the skin. It is formulated to work with the superficial fat compartments of the face, helping to restore support in areas where ageing has caused flattening, hollowing and loss of contour. This gives a more structural, regenerative effect, making it a good option for patients who want a natural-looking improvement without obvious added volume.

Profhilo skin boosters are most commonly used in the mid-face and lateral cheek area, where age-related fat loss can make the face appear heavier, flatter or less defined. By improving support in these compartments, it can help soften sagging, restore facial shape and improve skin laxity without creating an overly augmented look.

Comparing regenerative skincare options 

The best regenerative injection by skin concern

Choosing the right regenerative injectable depends on what your skin needs most. If the concern is crepey, fragile or sensitive skin, polynucleotides are often the best fit. They're particularly well suited to delicate areas such as the under-eyes and neck, where the aim is to improve skin quality, support repair and reduce inflammation rather than add volume.

Microneedling also sits firmly in the skin-quality category, and has the strongest evidence base for collagen production and improving skin texture and/or scarring. However, the results of microneedling can be boosted further by administering exosomes as an additional treatment. This combination is typically chosen when treating dullness, redness, uneven texture, acne scarring and post-treatment recovery. Exosomes can be a useful option for skin that appears stressed or depleted, although treatments are less standardised and outcomes can vary more between clinics.

Where the issue is deeper collagen loss, facial hollowing or age-related structural change, Sculptra is usually a more suitable choice. Rather than giving an instant result, it works gradually by stimulating collagen production over time, making it particularly effective for areas such as the cheeks, temples and lower face.

Radiesse works similarly in that it stimulates collagen over time. It has a slightly different appeal, however, by providing this alongside instant support. It may therefore better suit patients where both immediate and long-term effects are important, and who are seeking treatment for areas such as the cheeks, jawline and lower face.

Profhilo Structura sits slightly differently again. It is usually the best choice for patients beginning to notice mid-face flattening, loss of support or early sagging, but who still want a very natural result. In that sense, it bridges the gap between a skin booster and a more structural treatment.

Regenerative skincare cost comparison

Cost for each skincare treatment can vary significantly depending on the clinic, the practitioner’s experience, the area being treated and how many sessions are recommended. However, as a general guide, polynucleotides tend to be the most accessible starting point.

UK clinic pricing shows that polynucleotide treatments can start from around £135 for the eye area, and around £200 for larger areas such as the face or neck. Courses of three are commonly priced between roughly £365 and £540.

Microneedling is also usually positioned at the more affordable end of the market, although prices can vary depending on the size of the treatment area and whether you are booking a single session or a course. Prices in the UK range from around £150 per session at some clinics to around £210 to £265 per session at others, with courses of three commonly costing from around £675. Exosomes are difficult to price consistently, but the cost for this treatment on top of microneedling is typically around the £300 mark.

Profhilo Structura generally sits in the mid-range. Some clinics price the initial course at around £500 for two appointments, with maintenance from around £250. However, others do list single-session prices from roughly £225 to £410 depending on the treatment plan.

Radiesse is often a step up from here price-wise, as it is usually priced according to the amount of product needed, and more than one syringe may be recommended depending on the area being treated. Some UK clinics list Radiesse from around £500 per treatment, but your total cost will vary largely based on how much skin area is being treated.

Sculptra is often the biggest overall investment because it is usually priced per vial, and more than one vial may be needed. The average cost in the UK for this treatment sits at around £430 for one vial, while some clinics advertise more comprehensive treatment plans from around £2,400.

Facial injection downtime 

When it comes to recovery, these popular options are all considered to have relatively low downtime. Most patients can expect some temporary swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising at the treatment site. Polynucleotides, Radiesse and Profhilo Structura may leave small visible bumps for a short period while the product settles, whereas Sculptra requires patience, as results appear gradually over a course of treatment.

Exosome downtime only tends to take up to 48 hours, but remember that this is a combined treatment, and after microneedling it can take 7-14 days for the skin to fully settle.

Once your skin's recovered and you can see the results, Sculptra results will last for several months, but Radiesse tends to last the longest. This does, however, depend on your course of treatment. Polynucleotides and Profhilo Structura usually require maintenance treatments to preserve the end appearance, while microneedling and exosome treatments can be effective for improving skin quality, but are generally a little less predictable in how long results will last.

Choose your treatment plan with Save Face 

Regenerative injectables can offer a more subtle, skin-first approach to rejuvenation, but there's no single treatment that is right for everyone. The best option will always depend on your skin quality, the degree of structural change, your personal treatment goals, and how your practitioner recommends approaching them.

Whatever results you're looking for, choosing the right practitioner is the most important step. Finding someone with the right expertise means they’ll be able to analyse your skin and advise the most suitable treatment plan to address your concerns.

A thorough consultation with a qualified professional will help you understand which treatment is going to best target your concerns, and what results are realistic. To find a trusted, accredited practitioner, use the Save Face database and search for a medical aesthetics professional in your area.