When you think about your skin, the last thing you probably think of is salmon sperm. In fact, you’ve probably never thought about salmon sperm. But believe it or not, the latest trendy beauty treatment for those seeking younger-looking skin involves genetic material from pink-fleshed fish. The salmon sperm facial, a treatment that originated in South Korea, has been promoted as an option to address skin concerns such as dryness, dullness, and signs of skin aging. Don’t worry: what is used is not real salmon sperm. Rather, the active ingredient is polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm. nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and are believed to stimulate cell regeneration, increase collagen and elastin, and repair damaged skin,” says Eric Anderson, MD, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Impressions Chicago. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about getting a salmon sperm facial (also known as PDRN treatment). How It Works How exactly does a salmon sperm facial work? The salmon sperm facial is an anti-aging facial and is similar to others that focus on skin rejuvenation and collagen production, such as the vampire facial, says Dr. Anderson. They both follow a similar step-by-step process, where the skin is prepped with microneedling (which uses tiny needles to stimulate and rejuvenate the skin) and then the product is applied. The sperm facial uses PDRN, or externally sourced nucleotides, says Anderson. In South Korea, where the PDRN therapy technique was developed, PDRN is injected into the skin. However, in the United States, it is typically applied topically, he adds. Microneedling or CO 2 laser (which uses light to remove the outer layer of skin to stimulate new growth) is necessary before the facial for the product to work effectively. “These techniques create controlled microchannels in the skin, so that when the product is applied topically it achieves excellent penetration down to the level of the dermis and potentially deeper to truly provide a cellular benefit,” says Anderson. Be wary of any treatment that simply applies PDRN topically without first creating microchannels, as it is likely a waste of time and money, warns Anderson. According to Anderson, your salmon sperm facial will typically go like this: Your skin care provider will evaluate and cleanse your skin. An anesthetic cream will be applied. Microneedles or a CO 2 laser will be used to create microchannels to improve product absorption. PDRN will apply. A moisturizing barrier product will be applied after the treatment. The treatment lasts 45 to 60 minutes and is safe to repeat every three to six months, Anderson says. Benefits The potential benefits of getting a salmon sperm facial Most of the purported benefits of salmon sperm facials are based on anecdotal evidence and a small number of evidence-based studies, says Anderson. One review noted that while some studies found significant improvements as a result of polynucleotides (PDRN is a type of polynucleotide), others showed no benefit. Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York, adds that many of the claims are based on injectable forms of PDRN, and data supporting topical cosmetic use is limited. “Current evidence is largely preclinical or observational, and high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating anti-aging or skin texture improvement in humans are lacking,” he says. In other words, although the first results are encouraging, the benefits are not yet fully confirmed. Many salmon sperm facials also use other ingredients that could potentially improve and rejuvenate the skin, adds Dr. Kobets. That said, limited evidence suggests that salmon sperm facials can: Increase collagen: By stimulating the skin’s collagen production, PDRN may offer anti-aging benefits, including firmer, more elastic skin texture. Polynucleotides may promote collagen production by increasing the binding of the molecule adenosine to certain receptors in the brain, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Offers anti-aging effects: Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is one of the other main purported benefits of a salmon sperm facial. This may occur as a result of inhibition of PDRN matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), or enzymes that can decrease elastin and cause wrinkles. Applying a mixture of PDRN, vitamin C and niacinamide (a type of vitamin B3 used as a skin care ingredient to promote strong, smooth and glowing skin) after microneedling has been shown to decrease the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers by MMPs and therefore led to a decrease in skin pigmentation and an increase in the skin. elasticity.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629de0efd8d-a51d-49ac-beef-869fa54a1fc9 Controls inflammation: PDRN blocks the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins that control inflammation in the body) and stimulates the release of anti-inflammatories. cytokines, according to a review.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a752788a-10bb-4d38-8dc0-881df908c5e8 Inflammation is bad for the skin, as it can contribute to the appearance of signs of aging.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e1db2687-4f15-413e-b0df-23a3eab23367 Improve skin texture: PDRN may also have the ability to repair tissue and increase blood flow, which can help with wound healing and tissue growth. development.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a752788a-10bb-4d38-8dc0-881df908c5e8 In addition, by regenerating skin cells, PDRN can improve skin. barrier.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762966a513f8-8de7-4ea9-a1bc-821107296c30 When to avoid Who should not get a salmon sperm facial and why Although PDRN appears to help in healing, it has not yet been tested or proven to benefit anyone who have active skin infections, open wounds, sunburns, or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis flares, says Kobets. “These people should avoid treatment until their skin is completely healed or until further clinical studies demonstrate its safety and effectiveness,” he adds. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid the treatment due to a lack of research supporting safety in this population, Anderson says. Also note that PDRN is often combined with other ingredients, so people with sensitive skin or known allergies should check the ingredients in formulations, especially if the product includes preservatives or fragrances, says Kobets. “Interestingly, people allergic to fish or shellfish have received PDRN treatment without problems,” says Anderson. “This is probably because the process to obtain PDRN from the raw product, which is salmon sperm, removes many of the proteins or allergens.” In general, the treatment has few side effects.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291b261706-fc4a-46f7-afd6-623cf2db07ee However, the skin may be a little red and irritated immediately after the treatment, which may be attributed to how they were created the microchannels compared to the PDRN itself. Anderson says. If microneedling was used, expect a recovery period of one day and about three days if a CO 2 laser was used, Anderson says. Finally, you’ll want to focus on keeping your skin hydrated and protected for a few days afterward. “During the first three days after treatment, it is very important to apply a post-treatment moisturizing barrier such as Vaseline,” adds Anderson. “Avoid the sun, retinoids, exfoliants, or strong active skin care products for about three to five days.” How much does it cost to get a salmon sperm facial and who does it? You’ll find salmon sperm facials at medical spas and some doctor’s offices across the country. Look for a qualified provider, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, as well as a facility with a good reputation, Anderson suggests. A salmon sperm facial typically costs between $500 and $1,000; Avoid receiving treatment if the price is considerably cheaper than that, as the service or provider may not be legitimate. The takeaway salmon sperm facial, also known as PDRN treatment, uses an ingredient that is extracted from salmon sperm and applied to the skin after microchannels are created. This treatment is said to offer anti-aging effects, control inflammation and improve skin texture. There aren’t many risks of note, but research on the benefits of this treatment is scarce and more research needs to be done before we can be sure of its benefits.
What is a salmon sperm facial? How it works, benefits, risks and where to get one
