Few aesthetic treatments have attracted as much attention from one celebrity comment as the so-called “salmon sperm facial.”
When Kim Kardashian revealed in 2024 that she had undergone a salmon-derived injectable facial treatment, the unusual description quickly caught the attention of beauty publications, social media and people searching for new ways to improve skin quality. The treatment she was referring to is commonly associated with polynucleotide injections, an increasingly discussed category of injectable skin treatments.
Despite the dramatic nickname, polynucleotide treatment is very different from simply applying salmon sperm to the face.
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, polynucleotide treatments are available following consultation and suitability assessment for clients interested in concerns such as skin texture, hydration, elasticity, fine lines and overall skin quality.
So what exactly are polynucleotides, what does the research say, and why have treatments such as PhilArt generated so much interest?
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are long chains made from nucleotides, the biological building blocks of DNA.
In aesthetic medicine, injectable polynucleotide products contain highly purified DNA-derived polymers. They are generally positioned as treatments focused on skin quality, rather than traditional fillers designed primarily to add volume or reshape facial features.
Croma Pharma, the manufacturer behind the PhilArt range, describes its polynucleotide-based skin boosters as injectable treatments intended to improve skin quality, hydration, texture, firmness and elasticity. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, these treatments are not primarily designed to contour or add facial volume.
That distinction is important.
If someone wants to dramatically change the shape or volume of their lips or cheeks, a polynucleotide treatment is not intended to work in the same way as a conventional volumising filler.
The goal is generally more subtle and focused on the appearance and condition of the skin itself.
Why Are They Called the “Salmon Sperm Facial”?
The nickname comes from the biological source used in some polynucleotide products.
The material used in injectable aesthetic products is processed and purified before being formulated for professional use. It is therefore misleading to imagine that raw biological material is simply injected into the skin.
“Salmon sperm facial” became the media-friendly phrase, especially after Kim Kardashian discussed her treatment publicly, but polynucleotide treatment is the more accurate term.
The unusual nickname may attract attention, but clients should make treatment decisions based on the actual product, evidence, practitioner assessment and their own skin goals rather than the celebrity headline.
Why Did Kim Kardashian Make Polynucleotides So Popular?
Kim Kardashian has a long history of generating interest in aesthetic and skincare treatments.
In 2024, she revealed during The Kardashians that she had undergone a salmon-derived injectable facial. Her comment quickly spread through international beauty media and helped introduce polynucleotides to a much wider audience.
However, there is an important distinction between:
a celebrity trying a treatment
and:
scientific proof that the treatment works for everyone.
Kim did not publicly establish that a specific polynucleotide product created a particular result for her.
Her experience is useful as cultural context, not clinical evidence.
How Do Polynucleotides Work?
Polynucleotide treatments are described as biostimulatory or skin-quality injectables.
Croma states that its polynucleotide products bind water, support hydration and provide conditions associated with fibroblast activity and tissue elasticity.
Fibroblasts are cells involved in producing structural components of the skin, including collagen.
This is why polynucleotides are often discussed in relation to skin quality and ageing.
But the scientific picture is still developing.
A systematic review published in 2025 examined nine studies involving 219 patients. The authors reported promising findings for wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity, but also emphasised that the studies were only low to moderate quality and that treatment techniques varied considerably.
Another review found that while some studies reported improvements in elasticity, hydration and facial appearance, others found more limited benefits.
So the most accurate statement is:
Polynucleotides are promising skin-quality treatments, but they should not be marketed as a guaranteed skin-regeneration miracle.
What Skin Concerns May Polynucleotides Be Considered For?
Depending on the product, treatment area and individual assessment, clients may explore polynucleotides for concerns including:
- fine-line appearance
- dull-looking skin
- dehydrated-looking skin
- uneven texture
- reduced firmness
- reduced elasticity
- crepey-looking skin
- under-eye skin quality
- general signs of skin ageing
Croma lists skin firmness, tone, elasticity, scars and signs of ageing or photoageing among the areas for which its polynucleotide skin boosters may be considered.
Results should still be discussed as individual and gradual.
PhilArt Polynucleotides at Hello Skin Clinic
Hello Skin Clinic offers treatments using the PhilArt polynucleotide range.
PhilArt was developed by Croma Pharma as part of its polynucleotide-based skin booster portfolio. Croma describes the range as focused on skin revitalisation, hydration, texture and elasticity.
At Hello Skin Clinic, your practitioner will discuss which product and treatment area may be appropriate based on your individual concerns and suitability.
PhilArt Eye
The eye area is one of the most popular areas associated with polynucleotide treatment.
Clients may be concerned about:
- fine lines
- crepey-looking skin
- tired-looking under-eye skin
- reduced elasticity
- general skin quality around the eyes
The skin around the eyes is delicate, which is why product selection and practitioner technique matter.
Not every dark circle or under-eye concern is caused by poor skin quality. Pigmentation, vascular visibility, facial anatomy and volume loss can all contribute to the appearance of the area.
Assessment comes first.
PhilArt Face
Polynucleotide treatments may also be considered for larger facial or skin areas when the aim is general improvement in skin quality rather than adding significant volume.
Potential treatment goals may include:
- hydration
- texture
- fine-line appearance
- elasticity
- radiance
- overall skin quality
The correct treatment pattern depends on the product and the client’s individual plan.
Polynucleotides vs Dermal Fillers
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
Dermal fillers
Traditional fillers are typically used when the goal involves:
- adding volume
- restoring volume
- creating definition
- altering facial contours
- supporting particular structural areas
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotide treatment is generally more focused on:
- skin quality
- hydration
- texture
- elasticity
- fine-line appearance
Croma explicitly differentiates its polynucleotide skin boosters from dermal fillers used for contouring and reshaping.
Neither category is automatically better.
They simply have different purposes.
Polynucleotides vs Skin Boosters
The terminology can become confusing because polynucleotides themselves are often described as a type of skin booster.
Many other injectable skin boosters are based primarily on hyaluronic acid.
Polynucleotide products contain DNA-derived polymers and work through a different formulation and proposed biological mechanism.
Someone mainly concerned about dehydration may therefore have several potential options available.
That is why treatment should start with:
What is the concern?
rather than:
Which trending injectable should I choose?
What Happens During a Polynucleotide Appointment?
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, treatment begins with consultation.
Your practitioner will discuss:
- your main concerns
- treatment goals
- relevant medical history
- previous aesthetic treatments
- allergies
- medication
- the area you are considering treating
- realistic expectations
If polynucleotides are suitable and you decide to proceed, the chosen product is administered using a series of injections according to the relevant treatment protocol.
Temporary reactions following injectable treatments may include:
- redness
- swelling
- tenderness
- small raised areas at injection points
- bruising
Individual response varies.
Your practitioner should explain expected recovery and provide treatment-specific aftercare.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
You may see standard courses advertised online, but there is no sensible reason to promise that every client needs exactly the same number of appointments.
Treatment plans can depend on:
- product
- treatment area
- skin concern
- individual response
- desired outcome
- manufacturer protocol
Published research also uses varying treatment schedules, which is one of the limitations identified in systematic reviews of polynucleotide therapy.
Your plan should therefore be discussed during consultation.
When Can You Expect Results?
Polynucleotides are generally positioned as gradual skin-quality treatments rather than instant facial transformations.
Research has reported potential improvements in areas including wrinkles, texture and elasticity over time, although outcomes and timelines vary.
Do not expect your final result immediately after the injections.
Any temporary swelling immediately following treatment should also not be confused with the intended longer-term outcome.
Are Polynucleotide Injections Safe?
No injectable aesthetic treatment should be described as completely risk-free.
Polynucleotide products have been reported as generally well tolerated in published aesthetic studies, but the research base is still relatively small.
Potential risks depend on the product, treatment area, injection technique and individual client.
This is why appropriate consultation, product selection, practitioner training and aftercare matter.
If you have allergies or relevant medical conditions, disclose them during your consultation.
Why Choose Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham?
Celebrity interest may be what first makes someone curious about polynucleotides.
It should not be the reason they automatically proceed.
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, we take a consultation-led approach.
We focus on:
Understanding Your Concern
We begin with what you would actually like to improve.
Assessing Suitability
Not every treatment is appropriate for every client.
Personalised Treatment Planning
The product and treatment area should match your goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Realistic Expectations
We explain potential benefits without promising guaranteed regeneration or dramatic transformation.
Practitioner-Led Care
Your treatment is carried out according to the selected product and treatment protocol.
Are Polynucleotides Worth the Celebrity Hype?
Kim Kardashian certainly helped make the treatment famous.
But the real story is more interesting than the celebrity headline.
Polynucleotide injections represent an emerging category of skin-quality treatments with promising evidence around texture, wrinkles and elasticity. At the same time, systematic reviews make clear that larger, higher-quality studies are still needed.
For the right client, they may be worth considering.
For someone else, microneedling, skin boosters, HydrO2, chemical peels or another treatment may make more sense.
The right question is not:
“Kim Kardashian had it, so should I?”
It is:
“Does this treatment match my skin concern and goals?”
Considering Polynucleotide Injections in Birmingham?
If you are interested in polynucleotides for fine lines, hydration, texture, under-eye skin quality or general skin rejuvenation, start with a consultation.
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, we can assess your concerns, explain the treatment and discuss whether a PhilArt polynucleotide treatment is an appropriate option for you.
Explore Polynucleotide Treatment in Birmingham
Polynucleotide treatment is subject to consultation and individual suitability. Potential benefits, downtime and results vary between individuals.
