Trending now: polynucleotides (AKA the ‘salmon sperm facial’)
As more young consumers turn to ‘tweakments’ in a bid to mimic beauty standards seen on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the UK-based trend forecaster LS:N Global has unveiled its latest research about the tweakments that are growing in popularity and revealed that the cosmetic injectable polynucleotides is creating a lot of buzz right now.
What are in polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are multiple chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA).
They are usually derived from salmon sperm, which closely mimics that of humans, which is distilled and purified after extraction before being mixed with water and used as a cosmetic injectable.
Polynucleotides are different to fillers and boosters, which are hyaluronic acid-based and physically plump the skin. Instead, they act as a ‘biostimulant’ – boosting the body’s fibroblast cells and therefore collagen and elastin levels, without adding any extra volume.
The end result is smoothed-out wrinkles and fine lines, along with improved skin hydration.
“Polynucleotides is the latest tweakment growing in popularity and the new skin reviver has grown 2,446% year on year in Google searches," shared LSN Global’s creative foresight editor Rodrigo Tobal Pereira.
“This skin-boosting injection acts similarly to injectable moisture treatments, such as Profhilo. However, polynucleotides possess the additional benefit of stimulating collagen and elastin production, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and improved tone,” he explained.
What do polynucleotides do to the skin?
“More specifically, polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators, which means they work at a cellular level to trigger the skin to rejuvenate itself,” continued Pereira.
“They’re anti-inflammatory, too, and are particularly good for treating dark circles around the eyes – an area where we’ve traditionally had to rely on dermal filler."
Pereira went on to explain more about Gen Z’s appetite for tweakments.
"Gen Z are best known for championing inclusivity and unapologetic body acceptance,” he explained. “However, growing up online, apps such as TikTok and Instagram have created a new standard of perfection which is tough to reach naturally.”
He shared that “Minimally invasive 'tweakments' such as Botox and filler are going to grow in popularity in 2024,” according to the trend forecaster’s findings.
"A study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found a 75% increase in patients under 30 seeking injectables or surgery,” he continued.
“These 'tweakments' are going to be documented openly online. Already the hashtag #tweakments has over 6.2 million views on TikTok."
Are Botox and other injectables booming?
It appears that minimally invasive options like microneedling, radiofrequency treatments, and light therapy are all experiencing a rise in popularity, too.
When analysing the data for just the past three months, LSN Global said that polynucleotides has seen the biggest surge in Google searches at 49%, followed by advanced facials (29%), skin peeling facials (26%), and microneedling and dermaplaning (both at 22%).
“Other notable year-over-year growth includes exosomes (132%), LED red light therapy (129%), and tixel (125%)," concluded Pereira.
