Exosomes, Polynucleotides, and Skinboosters - What’s the Difference?
Exosomes vs Polynucleotides vs Skinboosters - What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been exploring skin treatments lately, you’ve probably come across terms like exosomes, polynucleotides, and skinboosters. They all promise brighter, healthier, more youthful skin — but they work in very different ways.
In my practice, I often see patients confused or even hesitant because these terms sound technical and sometimes get used interchangeably. So let’s break it down simply — what each does, how they differ, and how they can complement each other beautifully.
Skinboosters - Hydration and Radiance
Let’s start with the one most people have heard of.
Skinboosters are hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables that deeply hydrate the skin from within. Unlike fillers, which add structure or volume, skinboosters are lightweight, fluid formulations placed very superficially in the skin. Their purpose is to improve moisture levels, texture, and overall glow.
They work by:
- Attracting and retaining water in the skin
- Improving elasticity and fine lines
- Strengthening the skin barrier
Think of skinboosters as an injectable moisturizer — perfect for restoring dewiness and plumpness, especially for dry, dull, or tired skin.
Polynucleotides (PN) - Regeneration and Repair
Polynucleotides are derived from purified DNA fragments, often from salmon, and are known for their ability to repair and rejuvenate skin at a cellular level.
They don’t add hydration like HA or volume like fillers. Instead, they stimulate your own fibroblasts, increasing collagen and elastin production over time.
Benefits include:
- Improved skin elasticity and thickness
- Reduced redness and inflammation
- Enhanced healing and recovery after other treatments
- Better texture and radiance
Think of polynucleotides as “nutrients” for your skin cells — helping them regenerate, repair, and function optimally.
Exosomes - Cellular Communication and Healing
Exosomes are one of the newest innovations in regenerative aesthetics. They’re not cells themselves, but tiny messengers released by stem cells that deliver powerful growth factors, peptides, and signals to your skin cells.
Their role is to enhance cell-to-cell communication, telling your skin to repair, regenerate, and calm inflammation.
Exosomes are often used post-laser, microneedling, or energy-based treatments to:
- Accelerate recovery
- Reduce redness and downtime
- Improve texture and tone
- Support collagen remodeling
Think of exosomes as a messenger system, helping your skin’s repair processes happen faster and more effectively.
How They Work Together
While they sound similar, these treatments each work on different levels of the skin’s ecosystem:
| Treatment | Main Action | Layer of Action | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skinbooster | Deep hydration | Superficial dermis | Dull, dry, or crepey skin |
| Polynucleotide | Cellular regeneration | Superficial to Mid-dermis | Aging, thin, or sensitive skin |
| Exosome | Communication + healing | Epidermal–dermal interface | Recovery, redness, texture repair |
Used in combination, they can amplify each other’s effects — hydrating, repairing, and renewing your skin from surface to depth.
The Right Combination for You
Not everyone needs all three. The best choice depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and goals.
- For dull, dehydrated skin → Start with skinboosters
- For aging or fragile skin → Polynucleotides may provide deeper regeneration
- For post-treatment recovery or sensitivity → Exosomes can calm and accelerate healing
At Journey Aesthetics, treatment plans are tailored to your unique skin rhythm — combining science and subtlety to bring out your skin’s natural vitality.
Final Thoughts
Exosomes, polynucleotides, and skinboosters all share one goal — to restore healthy, luminous skin. They just take different paths to get there.
The most beautiful results often come not from one product, but from thoughtful layering and timing, guided by your skin’s needs.
With care,
Dr. Chia Min Shan
