As “tweaks” become more popular among young consumers as they seek to emulate the beauty standards seen on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, UK-based trend forecasting firm LS:N Global has released the results of its latest survey on the growing popularity of tweaks, revealing that cosmetic injectable polynucleotides are currently creating a lot of buzz.
What does a polynucleotide contain?
A polynucleotide is multiple strands of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA).
These are typically derived from salmon sperm, which are very similar to human sperm, and after extraction, they are distilled and purified before being mixed with water and used as cosmetic injectables.
Polynucleotides are hyaluronic acid based and are different from fillers or boosters that physically plump the skin. Instead, Polynucleotides act as a “biostimulant” to increase the body’s levels of fibroblasts and therefore collagen and elastin without imparting excess volume.
The end result is smoother wrinkles and fine lines and improved skin hydration.
“Polynucleotides are the latest conditioning agent to grow in popularity, with Google searches for this new skin regenerator increasing 2,446% year-over-year,” said Rodrigo Tovar Pereira, creative visionary editor at LSN Global.
“This skin-enhancing injection works in a similar way to injectable moisturizing treatments such as Profhilo, but the polynucleotide has the added benefit of stimulating collagen and elastin production, leading to reduced wrinkles and improved skin tone,” he explained.
How do polynucleotides affect the skin?
“More specifically, polynucleotides are injectable biostimulants that act at the cellular level to promote skin rejuvenation,” Pereira continued.
“It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly effective in treating dark circles around the eyes, an area where traditionally you’d have to turn to dermal fillers.”
Pereira went on to expand on Gen Z’s desire for fine-tuning.
“Gen Z is well known for championing inclusivity and appearance acceptance,” she explained, “but growing up online, with apps like TikTok and Instagram creating new standards of perfection that are harder to reach naturally.”
According to the results of a trend forecaster’s survey, he said, “Minimally invasive ‘tweaks’ such as Botox and fillers will become more popular in 2024.”
“A survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that there has been a 75% increase in patients under the age of 30 seeking injectables and surgery,” he continued.
“These ‘tweaks’ will be made public online – the hashtag #tweakments has already garnered more than 6.2 million views on TikTok.”
Are Botox and other injectables becoming more popular?
Minimally invasive treatments such as microneedling, radiofrequency treatments and light therapy also seem to be growing in popularity.
LSN Global said that analyzing data from the past three months, the biggest spike in Google searches was for polypeptides at 49%, followed by advanced facials (29%), skin peel facials (26%), and microneedling and dermaplaning (both 22%).
“Other notable year-over-year growth included Exosomes (132%), LED red light therapy (129%) and Tyxel (125%),” Pereira concluded.
