Polynucleotide Skincare Explained: What It Is, How It Works & How to Use It
Polynucleotide skincare — a clear guide to anti-ageing, skin quality and routines you’ll actually keep up
If you’ve been looking into polynucleotide skincare, you’ve probably noticed two extremes: a lot of hype, or a lot of jargon.
We’ll explain what polynucleotides are (without the biotech waffle), what they’re typically used for in skincare, and—most importantly—how to build a routine that feels realistic on a normal day.
Pure Tone Aesthetics is a UK-based brand with product development and production in the Republic of Korea — combining UK standards with the formulation innovation Korea is known for. The goal is simple: ingredient-led skincare that fits into real life, including when you use tools like Radiance Pod or the Pure Tone Glow LED Face Mask.
Quick Links
- What are polynucleotides in skincare?
- What do they actually do?
- Polynucleotides vs hyaluronic acid vs peptides
- Who is this routine for (and who should keep it simpler)?
- Route 1: Standalone routine (cleanse, treat, seal)
- Route 2: With Radiance Pod (and why the order matters)
- Route 3: With LED (simple layering that stays comfortable)
- Comparison table: which route suits you best?
- What results are realistic—and when?
- FAQs
What are polynucleotides in skincare?
Polynucleotides are an ingredient category most often used in routines focused on skin quality.
That phrase can sound vague, so let’s define it properly. When people talk about “skin quality”, they usually mean things like:
- Skin that holds hydration better (less tightness by lunchtime)
- Skin that looks smoother and more even up close
- Skin that looks a bit more “rested” and elastic over time
- A routine that supports the barrier rather than constantly stressing it
In other words: this isn’t an overnight peel effect. It’s a steady, supportive approach that’s designed to be maintained.
What do polynucleotides actually do in a routine?
Most people don’t choose polynucleotides because they want their skin to feel “stripped” or aggressively resurfaced. They choose them because they want their skin to feel more comfortable and look healthier over time.
In a well-built routine, polynucleotides are typically used to support:
- Hydration support (so skin stays comfortable, not just temporarily plumped)
- Barrier comfort (especially if skin is stressed by weather, travel, actives, or devices)
- Texture and elasticity appearance (gradual, realistic changes—not instant transformation)
And if your main goal is anti-ageing, that same “skin quality” focus matters. When skin is well hydrated, comfortable and supported, it often looks smoother and more supple — which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time (especially the dehydration lines that make skin look more creased or tired).
That’s why we built a simple system around them: a cleanser that prepares the skin properly, a treatment serum, and a moisturiser that seals and supports.
Polynucleotides vs hyaluronic acid vs peptides
These ingredients get grouped together, but they don’t do the same job.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is best thought of as a hydration-support ingredient. It helps the skin hold water and feel more comfortable. Many people love it because it gives a fresh, hydrated feel quickly — and when skin is properly hydrated, fine lines often look less obvious.
Peptides
Peptides are typically positioned around supporting firmness and the look of smoothness. There are many types of peptides, so formulas vary, but the “lane” is usually firmness/lines/texture support.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are usually used in routines aimed at long-term skin quality—comfort, hydration stability, and the appearance of elasticity over time. They’re often chosen by people who want a more “dermatology-minded” approach rather than constant rotation of strong actives.
In practice, many strong formulas combine these categories because they work well together—hydration, comfort and support are connected.
Who is this routine for—and who should keep it simpler?
This range is designed for people who want a routine they can stick to—without treating skincare like a second job.
It’s usually a good fit if you:
- Prefer ingredient-led skincare with a calm, credible tone
- Want a routine that supports skin comfort and quality over time
- Are building an age-defying routine focused on hydration, elasticity appearance, and the look of smoother skin
- Use tools (Radiance Pod / Glow LED Face Mask) and want skincare that fits around them
- Have tried complex routines before and didn’t keep them up
When to keep it extra simple
If your skin is currently irritated, very reactive, or you’re starting multiple new products at once, go slowly. Introduce one new product at a time and patch test if you’re unsure.
If you’d like a personalised suggestion, use the Interactive Skin Assessment.
Route 1: Standalone routine (cleanse, treat, seal)
This is the baseline routine. It’s the one you can do in a few minutes and still feel like you’ve done something genuinely useful for your skin.
Step 1 — Cleanse properly (especially at night)
Use the Foaming Facial Cleansing Gel on damp skin. Dispense a pea-sized amount into damp hands, work into a light lather, then massage gently over the face for around 30–45 seconds.
Why it matters: if you don’t remove SPF, makeup and daily build-up, your serum sits on top of that layer rather than on clean skin. Evening cleansing is usually the difference between “I have skincare” and “my skincare actually works.”
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Don’t rub.
Step 2 — Serum (your treatment step)
Apply 1–2 pumps of Polynucleotide Serum to clean skin. If your skin is slightly damp, it can help spread more evenly and feel more comfortable.
How to apply: press and smooth gently. You don’t need to scrub it in. Give it 30–60 seconds to settle before the next step.
If you’re building an anti-ageing routine, this is your consistent “treatment step” — the bit you keep stable while everything else (actives, devices, masks) can vary depending on your skin and your schedule.
Step 3 — Moisturiser (seal and support)
Finish with Polynucleotide Moisturising Cream. Use an almond-sized amount and spread evenly over face and neck.
Why it matters: moisturiser seals in hydration and supports the barrier. Even if your skin is oily, skipping moisturiser can leave skin dehydrated—ironically making it look shinier and feel less comfortable.
For many people, this is also where the “age-defying” feel comes from day to day: skin that stays comfortable and hydrated tends to look smoother, with fine lines and wrinkles appearing less pronounced (particularly the lines that look deeper when skin is dry or stressed).
Route 2: Using polynucleotide skincare with Radiance Pod (and why the order matters)
If you use Radiance Pod, the routine doesn’t become complicated—but it does become more structured.
The key difference is that device technology relies on consistent contact and proper glide. That’s why you use conductor gel before your session, then return to skincare afterwards.
Step 1 — Cleanse first (no SPF, no residue)
Start with a proper cleanse using the Foaming Facial Cleansing Gel. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Why it matters: devices should never be used over sunscreen, makeup, or heavy skincare layers. Clean skin means better contact and a more comfortable session.
Step 2 — Apply Conductor Gel correctly
Apply a generous, even layer of Innocera Face-Up Anti-Ageing Conductor Gel to the area you’re treating.
Why it matters: conductor gel helps create reliable glide and supports safe transmission of the device’s energy. If the gel layer is too thin, the device can drag and the session can feel unpleasant.
Step 3 — Complete your device session
Use Radiance Pod as directed. Move steadily rather than rushing. If the gel begins to dry, add more—dry gel increases drag.
Comfort rule: start at a lower intensity if you’re new to devices and increase gradually as you learn what your skin tolerates comfortably.
Step 4 — Return to skincare (serum, then moisturiser)
Once your session is complete, remove excess gel with a soft damp cloth if needed.
Then apply Polynucleotide Serum followed by Polynucleotide Moisturising Cream.
Why this order works: you’ve done your device session on clean, well-prepped skin, then you’re finishing with supportive skincare that locks in comfort and hydration.
If your goals include anti-ageing, this structure is also helpful because it avoids “competing layers” on device days. You’re keeping the routine supportive and focused—often the best approach when you’re targeting fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Device-day simplicity: on Radiance Pod days, keep your routine supportive. Avoid layering strong exfoliating acids or introducing multiple new actives on the same night.
Route 3: Using polynucleotide skincare with Glow LED Face Mask (simple layering that stays comfortable)
LED Face Mask routines work best when the skin is clean, comfortable, and not overloaded with heavy layers.
The goal is a routine you can repeat without thinking—because consistency is where LED delivers value.
Step 1 — Cleanse
Cleanse first to remove any residue that could interfere with comfort. Use the Foaming Facial Cleansing Gel, rinse thoroughly, then pat dry.
Step 2 — Apply a light, even layer of serum
Apply 1–2 pumps of Polynucleotide Serum and let it settle briefly.
Tip: you don’t need a thick layer. A light, even layer is usually more comfortable and easier to stick with.
If “age-defying” is your aim, the important bit is repetition. LED sessions done consistently alongside a stable routine are typically more useful than doing everything intensely for a week and then stopping.
Step 3 — Pure Tone Glow LED Face Mask session
Use your LED mask for the full session. Sit comfortably and let it run without rushing. LED is a “small things done often” technology.
Step 4 — Moisturise
Finish with Polynucleotide Moisturising Cream to lock in hydration and support the barrier.
Well-supported skin often looks smoother and more supple — which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, especially if dryness makes lines look more pronounced.
If your skin is sensitive, keep the serum layer light and avoid introducing new actives on the same day as LED until your routine feels stable.
Comparison table: which route suits you best?
Swipe to compare: On mobile, scroll sideways to read the full table. The top row and first column stay visible so it still makes sense as you swipe.
| What you’re choosing | Standalone routine | With Radiance Pod | With Glow LED Face Mask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Anyone who wants the simplest, repeatable routine that supports skin quality without devices. | People who already use Radiance Pod and want skincare that fits around device use without adding extra complexity. | People using LED face masks consistently and wanting a routine that stays comfortable and easy to repeat. |
| What the routine feels like | Quick, clean, easy. The “default” routine that most people can stick to daily. | Structured. You prep properly with gel, do the session, then return to skincare. | Light layering. Cleanse, serum, LED, moisturise—designed for repeat sessions. |
| Key rule | Don’t skip evening cleansing. That’s where most routines fail. | Use enough conductor gel for consistent glide; avoid strong acids on device nights. | Keep layers comfortable; avoid changing multiple products at once. |
| How to start | Start here for 2–4 weeks, then decide if you want to add a device. | Start lower intensity, build gradually. Comfort first. | Start with a light serum layer; keep sessions consistent rather than sporadic. |
| Recommended if you’re unsure | Use the Interactive Skin Assessment for a routine suggestion based on your skin and goals. | ||
What results are realistic—and when?
Here’s a practical way to think about results: comfort tends to improve first, then texture, then overall skin quality.
A realistic timeline (guide, not a guarantee)
- Days to 2 weeks: skin often feels more comfortable and hydrated (less tightness, fewer “dry by midday” days).
- 3–6 weeks: a smoother-looking surface and more consistent “good skin” days (often when fine lines look a little softer simply because skin is better hydrated and supported).
- 6–12 weeks: clearer improvements in overall skin quality and elasticity appearance (the kind of change that supports an age-defying routine and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time).
If you do one thing well: keep the evening routine consistent.
FAQs
What makes polynucleotides different from hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is primarily hydration support—it helps skin hold water and feel more comfortable.
Polynucleotides are usually used in routines focused on overall skin quality—comfort, hydration stability, and the appearance of elasticity over time.
They’re not “either/or”. Many strong routines combine both categories because hydration and barrier comfort go hand in hand (and hydrated skin often looks smoother, with fine lines appearing less obvious).
Can I use polynucleotide serum every day?
Yes. Most people use it once or twice daily as their core treatment step.
If you’re already using strong acids or retinoids, introduce gradually and monitor comfort. The goal is steady support, not overload.
Is this suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin prefer barrier-supportive routines, but tolerance is individual.
Patch test if you’re unsure and avoid introducing multiple new products at once. If your skin is currently irritated, keep your routine minimal until it settles.
Can I combine this with retinol?
Yes. Many people use polynucleotide routines alongside retinol to help support comfort and hydration.
If you’re new to retinol, consider alternating nights initially rather than layering everything at once.
How much serum should I actually use?
Usually 1–2 pumps for face and neck is enough. Using more doesn’t necessarily improve results and can make layering feel heavy.
Do I really need moisturiser if my skin is oily?
Often, yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated.
Rather than skipping moisturiser, use a smaller amount. A thin layer can help the barrier stay comfortable and can reduce that “tight but shiny” feeling.
Can I use polynucleotide skincare with Radiance Pod?
Yes—and order matters because device sessions rely on proper contact and glide.
Cleanse first, then apply a generous layer of Conductor Gel. Complete your session, remove excess gel if needed, then apply serum and finish with moisturiser.
On device days, keep the rest of your routine supportive and avoid adding strong acids on the same night.
Can I use polynucleotide serum with an LED face mask?
Yes. After cleansing, apply a light, even layer of serum, complete your LED session, then moisturise.
The key is comfort: keep layers light and repeatable so you don’t start skipping sessions.
How long should I try the routine before deciding if it’s working?
Give it at least 6 weeks if your goal is texture and skin quality improvements. Hydration and comfort can improve sooner, but the more visible “quality” changes are usually slower and linked to consistency.
If your focus is anti-ageing, think in steady improvements to smoothness and elasticity appearance over time rather than “overnight wrinkle removal”.
Where are Pure Tone polynucleotide products made?
Developed by Pure Tone Aesthetics in the UK and produced in the Republic of Korea—combining UK standards with Korean formulation expertise.
Final Thoughts
If you want an overnight “before and after”, this probably isn’t the right category.
If you want a structured routine that supports comfort, hydration and the appearance of elasticity over time—without unnecessary complexity—polynucleotide skincare makes sense.
And if your goals are anti-ageing and age-defying: consistent hydration, barrier support and steady routine habits are often what make fine lines and wrinkles look less pronounced over time.
Start simple. Stay consistent. Adjust only when you actually need to.
Ready to build your NEW at-home skincare routine?
Use the routine that fits your real life—then keep it up. If you want a personalised recommendation, take the Skin Assessment Quiz.
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