Polynucleotide treatments are becoming increasingly popular for improving skin quality, hydration and overall skin health. While the treatment works beneath the skin to support its natural regenerative processes, the aftercare you follow afterwards is just as important for keeping your skin comfortable during recovery.

One of the most common questions patients ask is:

"What should I do after polynucleotide treatment?"

Quick answer

Following polynucleotide treatment, keep your skincare routine simple.

✔ Apply a gentle, barrier-supporting aftercare product recommended by your practitioner such as AfterMED Finish.

✔ Keep the treated area clean.

✔ Avoid touching or rubbing the skin unnecessarily.

✔ Stay hydrated.

✔ Protect your skin from unnecessary irritation.

For the first 72 hours, it's recommended to avoid active skincare ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, as well as strenuous exercise, excessive heat and unnecessary sun exposure.

Always follow the aftercare advice provided by your practitioner.

What is normal after polynucleotide treatment?

It's completely normal to experience some temporary reactions after treatment, including:

✔ Mild redness

✔ Small injection-site bumps

✔ Slight swelling

✔ Tenderness

✔ Tightness

These effects are usually temporary and begin settling over the following hours or days, depending on the treatment area and your individual response.

If you experience anything that concerns you or seems unusual, contact your practitioner for advice.

Why is aftercare important?

Polynucleotides work by supporting the skin's natural repair processes. Immediately after treatment, the skin barrier is temporarily more sensitive while the treated area begins to recover.

During this time, the skin can lose moisture more easily and may feel warm, tight or delicate. Using gentle, hydrating aftercare helps maintain comfort while supporting the skin barrier during this recovery period.

What should you apply after polynucleotide treatment?

Choose products that help to:

• Support the skin barrier

• Hydrate the skin

• Help minimise transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

• Soothe visible signs of redness

• Nourish delicate post-treatment skin

Look for ingredients known for their barrier-supporting and hydrating properties, such as squalane, oat-derived ingredients, jojoba oil, phytosphingosine and Antileukine 6®. These ingredients are found within AfterMED Finish, which was developed specifically for post-procedure skin.

What should you avoid?

During the first 72 hours, it's generally advisable to avoid:

• Retinol and retinoids

• AHAs and BHAs

• Physical exfoliating scrubs

• Alcohol-based toners

• Highly fragranced skincare if it causes irritation

• Heavy makeup immediately after treatment

• Swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms

• Strenuous exercise

Keeping your skincare routine simple gives your skin the best opportunity to recover comfortably.

A simple aftercare timeline

Immediately after treatment

✔ Apply practitioner-recommended aftercare such as AfterMED Finish.

✔ Avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily.

✔ Keep the skin clean.

First 24 hours

✔ Use gentle skincare only.

✔ Avoid strenuous exercise.

✔ Avoid excessive heat, swimming and saunas.

✔ Stay hydrated.

24-48 hours

✔ Continue using barrier-supporting skincare.

✔ Wear a broad-spectrum SPF if advised by your practitioner.

✔ Most redness and swelling should begin settling.

After 3-5 days

Your skin should feel more comfortable. Continue following your practitioner's advice and gradually return to your usual skincare routine if recommended.

Frequently asked questions

How long do polynucleotide bumps last?

Small injection-site bumps are completely normal and usually settle within a few hours to 48 hours, depending on the product used and the treatment area.

Can I wear makeup after polynucleotides?

Many practitioners recommend avoiding makeup immediately after treatment to minimise unnecessary irritation. Always follow the advice given by your practitioner.

Can I exercise after polynucleotides?

It's generally recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours, as increased body temperature and sweating may increase temporary redness and sensitivity.

Should I wear SPF after polynucleotides?

Yes. Once advised by your practitioner, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF every day helps protect newly treated skin from UV exposure.

Professional polynucleotide aftercare

Professional aftercare products are specifically formulated for skin following aesthetic procedures.

AfterMED Finish was developed with UK cosmetic chemists specifically for post-procedure skin following treatments including polynucleotides, microneedling, skin boosters, dermal filler and laser procedures.

Its unique anhydrous formulation combines carefully selected barrier-supporting ingredients to help:

• Soothe visible signs of redness

• Deliver an immediate cooling and comforting sensation

• Help minimise transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

• Support the skin barrier through hydration

• Nourish delicate post-treatment skin

Available in both 50ml and 15ml sizes, AfterMED Finish provides a professional aftercare solution for both in-clinic application and at-home use.

Final thoughts

Polynucleotide treatment is an investment in your skin, and the aftercare you choose is an important part of achieving a comfortable recovery.

Keeping your skincare routine simple, using gentle barrier-supporting products and following your practitioner's advice can help your skin feel hydrated, comfortable and cared for while it naturally settles.

If you're looking for a dedicated post-treatment aftercare solution, AfterMED Finish has been developed specifically for aesthetic procedures, helping practitioners provide professional aftercare from the treatment room to home.