What Is a Salmon Sperm Facial? How It Works, Benefits, Risks, and Where to Get One

When you think of 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 the pink-fleshed fish.

The salmon sperm facial, a treatment that originated in South Korea, has been billed as an option to address skin issues like dryness, dullness, and signs of skin aging.

“This is rich in nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and thought to stimulate cellular regeneration, boost collagen and elastin, and repair damaged skin,” says Eric Anderson, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Impressions Chicago.

Here’s what to know if you’re thinking about getting a salmon sperm facial (aka a PDRN treatment).

How Does a Salmon Sperm Facial Work Exactly?

The salmon sperm facial is an anti-aging facial treatment and is similar to others that focus on skin rejuvenation and collagen production, such as a vampire facial, Dr. Anderson says.

The salmon sperm facial uses PDRN, or externally sourced nucleotides, Anderson says. In South Korea, where the PDRN therapy technique was developed, PDRN is injected into the skin. However, in the United States, it’s typically applied topically, he adds.

Be wary of any treatment that simply applies PDRN topically without first creating microchannels, as it’s likely a waste of time and money, Anderson warns.

Your salmon sperm facial will typically go like this, according to Anderson:

1. Your skin-care provider will assess and clean the skin.
2. A numbing cream will be applied.
3. Either microneedling or a CO₂ laser will be used to create microchannels to enhance the absorption of the product.
4. PDRN will be applied.
5. A moisturizing barrier product will be applied post treatment.

The treatment takes 45 to 60 minutes and is safe to repeat every three to six months, Anderson says.

The Potential Benefits of Getting a Salmon Sperm Facial

Most of the purported benefits of the salmon sperm facial are based on anecdotal evidence and a small number of evidence-based studies, Anderson says.

Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York, adds that many of the claims are based on the injectable forms of PDRN, and the data supporting cosmetic topical use is limited.

“Current evidence is largely preclinical or observational, and there’s a lack of high-quality, randomized controlled trials assessing anti-aging or skin texture improvement in humans,” she says.

In other words, while early results are encouraging, the benefits are not yet fully confirmed. Many salmon sperm facials also use other ingredients that could potentially improve and rejuvenate skin, Dr. Kobets adds.

That said, the limited evidence does suggest that salmon sperm facials may:

• Boost collagen: By stimulating the skin’s collagen production, PDRN may offer anti-aging benefits, including a firmer and more elastic skin texture. The 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.

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• Offer 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 PDRN inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), or enzymes that can decrease elastin and lead to wrinkling.

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  Research has shown that applying a mixture of PDRN, vitamin C, and niacinamide (a type of vitamin B3 that’s used as a skin-care ingredient to promote strong, smooth, and bright skin) after microneedling decreased destruction of collagen and elastin fibers by MMPs and therefore led to decreased skin pigmentation and increased skin elasticity.

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• Control inflammation: PDRN blocks the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins that control inflammation in the body) and stimulates the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, according to one review.

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  Inflammation is bad for the skin, as it can contribute to signs of aging.

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• Improve skin texture: PDRN also may have the ability to repair tissue and increase blood flow, which can help with wound healing and tissue growth and development.

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  Additionally, by regenerating skin cells, PDRN can improve the skin barrier.

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Who Should Not Get a Salmon Sperm Facial and Why

Although PDRN seems to help in healing, it has still not been tested or shown to benefit anyone who has active skin infections, open wounds, sunburn, or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis flares, Kobets says. “These individuals should avoid treatment until their skin is fully healed or more clinical studies show its safety and efficacy," she adds.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid the treatment because of a lack of research supporting the safety in this population, Anderson says.

Also keep in mind that PDRN is often combined with other ingredients, so people with sensitive skin or known allergies should check the ingredients in the formulations — especially if the product includes preservatives or fragrances, Kobets says.

“Interestingly, people who have an allergy to fish or seafood have received PDRN treatment with no issues,” Anderson says. “This is likely because the process to derive PDRN from the raw product, which is salmon sperm, removes many of the proteins or allergens.”

If microneedling was used, expect a one-day recovery period, and about three days if a CO₂ laser was used, Anderson says.

Finally, you’ll want to focus on keeping the skin hydrated and protected for a few days afterward. “During the first three days after treatment, it’s very important to apply a hydrating post-treatment barrier such as Vaseline,” Anderson adds. “Avoid any 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 Performs Them?

You’ll find salmon sperm facials offered at med spas and some doctors’ offices around 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. The salmon sperm facial typically costs $500 to $1,000; avoid getting the treatment if the price is considerably cheaper than that, as the service or provider may not be legit.

The Takeaway

• A salmon sperm facial, also known as PDRN treatment, uses an ingredient that’s 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 to note, but research on the benefits of this treatment is thin, and more research needs to be done before we can be sure of the benefits.