Why everyone’s talking about salmon sperm.
In the ever-evolving world of aesthetics, where yesterday’s vampire facial is today’s passé indulgence, a new contender has slithered (or swum?) onto the scene: the salmon sperm facial. From Beverly Hills to Bondi, from Kim Kardashian’s surgically sculpted visage to Jennifer Aniston’s perennially plump glow, this peculiar treatment is being whispered about in hushed, reverent tones.
So, what exactly is this piscine potion promising to do for our complexions?
First, let’s clear up a key misconception: no one is slathering raw fish spawn across their cheeks. The so-called salmon sperm facial relies on polynucleotides – small, purified fragments of DNA extracted from salmon sperm. Once injected beneath the skin (via a needle), these polynucleotides work their magic: binding moisture; encouraging collagen and elastin production; stimulating new blood vessels; and scavenging free radicals. In short, they’re multitasking molecular miracle-workers for tired, thirsty skin.
Originating in South Korea – a country known for being lightyears ahead in skincare innovation – polynucleotide treatments have been quietly transforming complexions since around 2015. But only now, thanks to celebrity endorsement and the inevitable TikTok frenzy, are they hitting the mainstream. Globally, and now including New Zealand, clinics are offering various iterations: Rejuran, Ameela, “salmon DNA therapy” – different names for the same fishy fable.
Originating in South Korea – a country known for being lightyears ahead in skincare innovation – polynucleotide treatments have been quietly transforming complexions since around 2015.
The results? Don’t expect an overnight glow-up. Unlike filler, which plumps instantly, polynucleotides play the long game. Subtle improvements – dewier skin, softened fine lines, a fresh-from-holiday radiance – emerge gradually over several weeks. A course of two to three treatments spaced a couple of weeks apart is typically recommended, with top-ups every four to six months. Devotees rave about reduced fine lines, improved skin hydration and texture, reduced under-eye hollowness, and a certain indefinable je ne sais quoi that no highlighter stick can mimic.
The downsides? First, the cost: expect to part with upwards of $650 per session for a full face. Then, the discomfort: even with numbing cream, the sensation has been described (eloquently, one might add) as “tolerable, but deeply unpleasant”. But a little pain in pursuit of perfection is practically a rite of passage.
In terms of downtime, the treatment is surprisingly low-key. You might experience some redness, swelling or puffiness for 24 to 48 hours – perhaps not ideal for a same-day soirée, but nothing that requires hiding under a hat for a week.
Injecting fish DNA into your face does raise a few ethical eyebrows. Most formulations source the sperm as a by-product of the fishing industry, meaning no fish are harmed specifically for beauty purposes. Some brands go further, ensuring traceable, sustainable harvesting practices for those with a more conscious approach to skincare.
Perhaps most fascinating of all is how this treatment straddles the divide between science and nature. For those uneasy about synthetic fillers or neuromodulators, salmon sperm injectables offer a curious compromise: a natural substance, bio-compatible with human DNA, coaxing our skin to regenerate and rejuvenate itself.
Ultimately, salmon sperm injectables may be one of the more peculiar paths to radiant skin – but in the world of beauty, stranger things have earned their place.
Words — Milly Nolan
