Most skin boosters in Seoul fall into two families: polynucleotides such as Rejuran, and hyaluronic acid boosters such as Skinvive or Profhilo. Here is how to pick the right family for your skin.
Polynucleotide (PN) boosters, such as Rejuran Healer, use purified salmon DNA fragments to support skin repair, elasticity and calm, and are best for thin, sensitive or tired skin over a series of about three sessions. Hyaluronic acid (HA) boosters, such as an HA skin booster, Skinvive or Profhilo, draw water into the skin for hydration, smoothness and glow, often with visible results within one to two weeks. Choose PN for repair, HA for hydration, or combine both. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 and HA boosters from ₩99,000, excluding 10% VAT.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Polynucleotide vs HA skin boosters: what is the difference?
Skin boosters are injectables that improve skin quality rather than shape. In Korea, most fall into two ingredient families.
- Polynucleotides (PN) are long chains of DNA building blocks purified from salmon. They are associated with supporting the skin's repair environment, which is why PN boosters are linked with improved elasticity, thickness and calmer, less reactive skin. The best-known example is Rejuran Healer, with Rejuran Eye for the thin under-eye area.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a water-binding molecule found naturally in skin. HA boosters place it directly into the skin, so it attracts water and makes skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant. Examples at Dernia include the HA skin booster, Skinvive, Profhilo and the Chanel injection.
A simple way to remember it: PN helps the skin repair itself, HA helps the skin hold water. Read more in our skin boosters explained guide.
What do polynucleotide boosters do best?
PN boosters are a favorite in Korea for skin that feels fragile, sensitized or worn out. Commonly reported benefits over a full series include:
- Calmer skin that reacts less to products, weather and treatments
- Better elasticity and a thicker, bouncier feel
- Softer fine lines and smoother texture
- Support for recovery after lasers or other procedures
The change is gradual. Most people notice it after the second session, and the standard plan is three sessions two to four weeks apart, with maintenance about every six months.
What do HA skin boosters do best?
HA boosters are the quickest route to hydrated, glowing skin. Once small bumps settle, skin usually looks plumper and more luminous within about one to two weeks. The main differences between HA products are how long they last and how they are injected:
- HA skin booster(non-cross-linked): lasts about one to three months; often a short series.
- Chanel injection (NCTF 135HA): non-cross-linked HA with vitamins and amino acids; best as three sessions.
- Skinvive: lightly cross-linked microdroplets for smoothness and glow; usually one session lasting about six months.
- Profhilo: high-concentration stabilized HA for hydration and firmness; two sessions about four weeks apart.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Polynucleotide (PN) | Hyaluronic acid (HA) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Supports repair environment | Binds water in the skin |
| Best for | Sensitive, thin, tired skin; elasticity | Dull, dry, dehydrated skin; glow |
| When you see it | Gradually, often after session 2 | About 1–2 weeks |
| Typical plan | 3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart | 1–3 sessions depending on product |
| How long it lasts | Maintenance about every 6 months | About 1–6 months depending on product |
| Comfort | Tends to sting more | Usually milder |
| Allergy note | Tell the doctor about fish allergy | Tell the doctor about lidocaine allergy if relevant |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Your doctor confirms what suits your skin.
Which should you choose?
Choose polynucleotides if
- Your skin is sensitive, red or easily irritated
- It feels thin, fragile or less elastic
- You are recovering from lasers or harsh products
- You can commit to a series
Choose hyaluronic acid if
- Your skin looks dull, dry or dehydrated
- You want visible glow within a couple of weeks
- You have time for only one session (Skinvive)
- You want a smoother makeup base
Many people in Seoul use both: PN to strengthen the skin and HA to add glow. A doctor will usually stage them or combine them in a single plan. See dehydrated skin and crepey, thinning skin for related options.
Age and lifestyle also play a part. People in their twenties and early thirties often start with HA boosters for glow and hydration, while those noticing thinner, less resilient skin in their late thirties and beyond often find PN boosters more rewarding. Frequent flyers, people in dry climates and those who use strong actives such as retinoids may benefit from the calming side of PN. None of these are strict rules, which is why an in-person skin check matters more than any general guide.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor examines your skin, asks about allergies, sensitivity and recent treatments, and recommends a PN, HA or combined plan with a confirmed price.
- Numbing. Topical numbing cream for about 30 minutes.
- Injection. Small amounts are placed across the treatment area. Profhilo is the exception, using five points per side.
- Soothing. Cooling or a calming mask settles redness.
- Aftercare. Written English instructions and a contact for questions.
Concerned about pain? See does Rejuran hurt for what PN injections feel like.
Are skin boosters safe? Risks and side effects
Both families are widely used in Korea and generally well tolerated when performed by trained doctors. Expected effects are redness, small raised bumps, mild swelling and occasional bruising, usually settling within one to three days. Less common issues include persistent lumps, infection and allergic-type reactions. Any injection near blood vessels carries a small risk of vascular complications; with HA products, the gel can usually be dissolved with an enzyme if needed.
- Tell the doctor about any fish or salmon allergy before PN boosters.
- Wait during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and postpone if you have an active skin infection, cold sore or eczema flare.
- Mention blood thinners and supplements that increase bruising.
For what is normal afterward, see is there downtime after skin boosters.
How much do PN and HA skin boosters cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Booster at Dernia | Type | Starting plan | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejuran Healer | PN | 2cc, full face | ₩259,000 |
| Rejuran Eye (Rejuran I) | PN | 1cc, both under-eyes | ₩189,000 |
| HA skin booster | HA | 2cc, light full face | ₩99,000 |
| Chanel injection | HA | 3ml, full face | ₩220,000 |
| Skinvive | HA | 1 syringe, both cheeks | ₩290,000 |
| Profhilo | HA | 2ml, face | ₩390,000 |
Prices are per session and exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund in 2026. See our full 2026 price list.
When comparing value, consider how many sessions each product needs and how long it lasts. A cheaper booster that needs three sessions may cost more over a year than a single longer-lasting treatment, and vice versa.
Planning skin boosters around your Seoul trip
- Short trip: Skinvive or a single HA booster session fits easily. One PN session still helps, with more on a return visit.
- Longer stay: a PN series of three sessions fits a stay of four to eight weeks.
- Give bumps a day or two before important photos.
- Avoid your arrival day so flight delays do not affect your appointment.
- Location: Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Book ahead through our consultation form.
Flying home tomorrow? Most people can fly the day after a skin booster. Keep skin hydrated in the cabin and avoid pressing on the area. See flying after Botox, fillers and boosters.
Frequently asked questions
Are polynucleotides better than hyaluronic acid?
Neither is better for everyone. Polynucleotides suit sensitive, thin or tired skin that needs repair, while hyaluronic acid suits dull, dehydrated skin that needs hydration and glow.
Is Rejuran a polynucleotide?
Yes. Rejuran Healer is a polynucleotide booster made by Pharma Research in Korea, with PN derived from salmon DNA.
Which works faster?
HA boosters usually show within one to two weeks. PN boosters work more gradually, often noticeably after the second session.
Can I combine PN and HA boosters?
Yes. Many people combine or alternate them, and your doctor will advise on timing.
Is there downtime?
Minimal. Small bumps and mild redness usually settle within one to three days.
What are the prices at Dernia?
Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 for 2cc, and HA boosters start from ₩99,000 for 2cc, excluding 10% VAT.
Repair, hydration or both?
Tell us your skin concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains PN and HA boosters in English and confirms your plan and price.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.