In the scheme of out-there skin treatments, a salmon-sperm facial sounds up there.
The skin-rejuvenating injectable treatment is gaining much chatter right now thanks to Kim Kardashian, 43, who recently revealed on an episode of her Hulu reality show ‘The Kardashians’ she had undergone the procedure.
“I got a salmon sperm facial with salmon sperm injected into my face,” she told mother Kris Jenner in a recent episode.
Jennifer Aniston, 55, is another star who has embraced the aesthetic treatment in the pursuit of refreshed, deeply hydrated skin.
Before you brush off the idea as an unsubstantiated whim of the rich and famous, don’t forget Kardashian was also an early adopter of the ‘Vampire Facial,’ a now-popular skin treatment known as PRP (Platelet- Rich Plasma), where plasma is isolated from a patient’s blood and then re-injected via microneedling with the aim of stimulating skin healing, improving skin’s texture and minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
So what is this famous fish-related new treatment and how does it promise to improve the complexion?
What is the ‘salmon sperm facial?’
It turns out even though you may not have heard of it, it’s not as rare as it sounds. The salmon-sperm facial refers to a regenerative skin treatment originating in South Korea that appears to be quickly growing in popularity.
Using salmon sperm DNA has been a growth area in topical Korean skincare products and was flagged by consumer data analyst Spate in 2022 as a K-Beauty trend to watch.
However using the ingredient was initially developed for use the medical field, and has now been co-opted as an injectable facial treatment where a salmon sperm extract is delivered directly into skin.
Research around an extract of sperm from salmon, known as salmon PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) has investigated how it may help with wound healing, regenerating skin and treating inflammation.
Like other injectables designed to prompt your own skin to make more of the good stuff like collagen and elastin, the appearance treatment is known as a ‘biostimulator.’ Unlike many well-known injectable fillers, injectable PDRN does not add additional volume or contouring to the face. Instead it aims to improve skin quality, helping kick start your own skin into boosting its collagen production, and increasing cellular turnover. The idea is that this in turn results in a plumper, firmer and smoother complexion.
Who developed the treatment?
Rejuran is the brand name for an injectable treatment using PDRN, that sees microdroplets of the product delivered into the skin of the face with a needle. It was developed in South Korea by PharmaResearch Co. where it is said by the brand to have been used for several years.
While lesser-known, Rejuran is already available in selected clinics in New Zealand and Australia. Unlike other similar treatments, it doesn’t contain hyaluronic acid, but polynucleotides, molecules derived from highly purified and sterile salmon DNA. It is said to treat pigmentation, fine lines, increase elasticity, and improve acne scarring.
Growing interest in the product reflects what has been suggested by experts as a wider move away from plumping and freezing treatments, towards growing interest in appearance options that aim to boost the body’s own regenerative systems. For example, options for ‘skin booster’ injectables are growing and another example is the use of Exosome treatments in skin, being developed overseas.
How will the ‘salmon sperm facial’ work for me?
While you might be surprised the treatment is already available and attention around the salmon sperm facial is growing, if you are interested, it’s absolutely essential to seek an experienced and approved provider.
All injectable skin treatments come with risks and potential side effects, so it’s absolutely key to understand the suitability of any treatment for your skin and health. Each product has a different risk profile and all potential issues, as well as your full health history, should be discussed with you during a full consultation and informed consent process from a reputable provider.
It’s also key to note that like many biostimulator treatments, you shouldn’t expect a dramatic ‘before and after’ result. The product is designed to stimulate your skin’s natural processes which takes time, meaning visible improvement can take a number of weeks or months. Depending on your age, the results you are hoping to achieve and the condition of your own skin, you may need more than one treatment.
