By tf-lawyer.com In the ever-evolving beauty industry, a rather unexpected trend has surfaced: salmon sperm facials. This unconventional treatment has also piqued the interest of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston. Kardashian created quite a stir on her reality show, The Kardashians, when she announced, “I got a salmon sperm facial,” revealing that it involved injecting salmon sperm directly into her skin. Aniston also shared her thoughts in a 2023 interview with the Wall Street Journal, humorously pondering, “How do you get salmon’s sperm?” and admitting she wasn’t sure about the treatment’s efficacy.
Curious about this intriguing beauty trend, I decided to consult experts for clarity. Dr. Richard Westreich, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City, shed light on what salmon sperm facials actually entail. He referred to these treatments as “polynucleotide treatments,” a term that sounds much more polished than it might at a typical family gathering. Essentially, these procedures use small fragments of DNA and RNA that can improve skin health by promoting the development of new blood vessels, collagen, and skin cells, leading to a plumper, more hydrated look. According to Dr. Westreich, it’s like giving your skin a revitalizing boost.
While polynucleotide treatments have gained traction in Europe and Korea since around 2015, they are still awaiting FDA approval for injections in the United States. Here, practitioners mostly apply these treatments topically after a microneedling session to enhance absorption. The costs can vary, ranging from around $500 for topical applications to over $900 for injections.
So, why the focus on salmon sperm? Dr. Westreich explains that the nucleotides found in salmon DNA closely mimic human DNA, reducing the likelihood of inflammation. A biochemist pointed out that salmon testes have a higher concentration of DNA, making extraction easier and more cost-effective for manufacturers.
But do these facials truly work? A 2024 review on polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine painted a mixed picture: some studies indicated substantial improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, while others noted minimal to no effects. Dr. Lauren Taglia, a dermatologist, cautions that more research is needed before she can confidently recommend these treatments to her patients.
Dr. Westreich emphasizes that individual reactions to the treatment can vary greatly. While most people will see some improvement, results can differ widely—with a small percentage experiencing no noticeable benefits. The procedure is generally safe, although some may experience side effects like bruising, inflammation, and mild swelling or redness due to microneedling. The results typically last between six to nine months.
On the subject of animal rights, organizations like PETA have taken to social media with memes addressing this trend. And if you’re contemplating what to do with $500 instead, the options are plentiful—consider snagging a new guitar, booking a roundtrip flight from Boston to Reykjavik, or even purchasing a quirky sushi rice stool cover for just $13.99.
