Salmon sperm DNA facials: The celebrity-approved beauty trend revolutionising skincare

Sushi, salads, bisques—salmon is the delectable main character in many a meal. Add sperm and facial to the equation, and you have yourself a whole different picture. To a lot of ‘sane’ people, a salmon sperm facial sounds outlandish. But, those ‘insane’ few who have kept up with the Kardashians long enough would tell you that when it comes to innovation, beauty treatments leave no stone unturned. And the salmon sperm facial is no different.

Diving Deep

Before letting your imagination run wild, hold your seahorses! The ‘it’ procedure of the year isn’t exactly what you think it is. “The salmon sperm DNA facial harnesses the power of polynucleotides (PNs), which are extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm,” explains Dr Swetha Dilip, aesthetic physician at The White Door in Mumbai. Contrary to popular belief, these polynucleotides are what is injected into the skin rather than the semen itself. Like most facials, the idea of this one too is to rejuvenate the skin. According to Dr Chytra V Anand, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma, the salmon sperm closely resembles human DNA, which allows it to deeply penetrate through the skin and rejuvenate it. “This treatment leverages the DNA- rich extract from salmon sperm, known for its remarkable skin-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating benefits,” she adds. “It is packed with DNA, proteins, and peptides. The procedure targets multiple skin concerns—dullness, ageing, pigmentation, and fine lines—which is what makes it different from other facials.”

Getting To Work

Describing polynucleotides as nature’s little repairman, Dr Dilip states that they dive deep into the dermis and work tirelessly to mend skin damage and boost elasticity. Unlike traditional skin boosters that primarily focus on hydrating or plumping the skin, polynucleotides focus on revitalising the skin’s architecture from within, resulting in a more natural and youthful appearance.

What makes this injectable different from fillers and Botox? Firstly, unlike the popular cosmetic duo, the salmon sperm facial doesn’t fill or relax your muscles. It thickens thin and crepey skin, making it soft and supple. According to Dr Kiran Sethi, MD and Founder, ISYA Aesthetics, studies have shown a 48 per cent improvement in collagen, 38 per cent improvement in elasticity, 55 per cent increase in skin thickness, and 110 per cent increase in skin hydration. Unlike most injectables, however, she says that the salmon sperm facial is also ideal for thin and sensitive skin, damaged vessels, the under-eye area, and neck crepiness.

Lunchtime Quickie

The procedure takes approximately an hour, with little to no downtime, except for a little bruising or redness from being injected. Explaining the process in detail, Dr Anand says, “After prepping the skin with a deep cleanse and exfoliation, the salmon sperm extract is applied either in serum form, and combined with microneedling, a derma roller, or an infusion device to enhance penetration into the deeper layers of the skin.”

After Effects

While the results are almost immediate, the magic of the salmon sperm facial lies in the repair one continues to experience at a cellular level after the treatment. For optimal results, however, experts recommend four sessions spaced a month apart, followed by maintenance treatments every three months. This allows for more long-term benefits. “I suggest getting this in your 40s, 50s, and 60s when skin becomes thinner with less collagen and elastin,” recommends Dr Sethi. “You can even opt for it if you’re looking for that glow as it improves the vessels, making skin more rosy.” Those with severe seafood allergies or hypersensitivity, however, should steer clear or consult with their healthcare provider before taking the plunge. Unconventional? Yes. Effective? Yes. Love it, hate it, or grossed out by it—with multiple skin benefits rolled into one treatment, you definitely cannot ignore it. Evidently, the salmon sperm procedure isn’t as unpalatable as it’s made out to be, and truth be told, it’s only here to stay.

Lead Image: Tom Schirmacher

This piece originally appeared in the December print edition of Harper's Bazaar India

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