The phrase “salmon sperm facial” might sound like another unusual celebrity beauty trend, but behind the headline is a treatment that has attracted growing attention in aesthetic practice: polynucleotides.
Interest increased significantly after celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston revealed that they had tried salmon-derived skin treatments. Kim Kardashian confirmed in 2024 that she had undergone a salmon sperm facial involving injections into her face, although she did not say whether she noticed a particular result.
So what exactly are polynucleotides, why are people talking about them, and could they be an option if you are looking to improve the appearance of your skin?
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, polynucleotide treatment is available following consultation and individual suitability assessment.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are chains made from nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA.
Products used in aesthetic treatments contain highly purified DNA-derived material, commonly sourced from salmonid fish.
Rather than being used primarily to add facial volume, as traditional dermal fillers can be, polynucleotides are generally explored as a skin-quality treatment.
Current research suggests that injectable polynucleotides may have potential to support improvements in areas such as skin texture, elasticity and wrinkle appearance. However, the evidence is still developing, and published studies vary considerably in treatment technique, treatment area and quality.
That is why we prefer to talk about realistic treatment goals rather than presenting polynucleotides as a miracle solution.
Why Is It Called the “Salmon Sperm Facial”?
The nickname comes from the origin of some of the DNA used to produce polynucleotide treatments.
Certain polynucleotide products use highly purified DNA-derived material obtained from salmonid fish.
The aesthetic treatment does not simply involve applying raw salmon sperm to the face. The material goes through manufacturing and purification processes before being formulated into the product used during treatment.
So while “salmon sperm facial” has become the headline-friendly name, polynucleotide treatment is the more accurate way to describe it.
Why Did Kim Kardashian Make Polynucleotides So Popular?
Celebrity interest helped bring the treatment into mainstream beauty conversations.
Kim Kardashian revealed on The Kardashians in July 2024 that she had tried a salmon sperm facial involving injections.
Jennifer Aniston had also previously spoken publicly about trying a salmon-derived facial treatment.
Neither celebrity experience should be taken as evidence that the treatment will produce the same result for somebody else. Kardashian did not publicly describe whether the treatment worked for her, while Aniston had previously expressed uncertainty about whether she noticed a benefit.
Celebrity trends can introduce people to new treatments, but suitability should always come down to your own skin, concerns and treatment goals.
What Can Polynucleotides Help With?
Polynucleotides are most commonly considered by clients interested in improving the overall appearance and quality of their skin.
Depending on the product, treatment area and individual assessment, they may be explored for concerns such as:
- fine lines
- dull-looking skin
- dehydrated-looking skin
- uneven texture
- reduced elasticity
- crepey-looking skin
- tired-looking under-eye skin
- general skin-quality concerns
Research reviews have reported promising results for measures including skin texture, elasticity and wrinkle appearance, although researchers also emphasise that larger and higher-quality studies are still needed.
Polynucleotides for the Under-Eye Area
One of the areas generating the most interest is around the eyes.
The skin here is naturally thinner and more delicate than many other areas of the face.
Clients may explore polynucleotides when concerned about:
- fine lines
- crepey-looking skin
- dehydration
- tired-looking skin
- overall under-eye skin quality
However, not every under-eye concern has the same cause.
Dark circles, pigmentation, volume loss, visible blood vessels and changes in skin texture can sometimes look similar while requiring very different treatment approaches.
A consultation therefore matters before deciding whether polynucleotides are appropriate.
Polynucleotides vs Dermal Fillers
Polynucleotides and dermal fillers are both injectable aesthetic treatments, but they are used for different purposes.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers may be considered when the goal involves:
- restoring or adding volume
- enhancing facial contours
- supporting facial proportions
- addressing specific areas of volume loss
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are generally considered when the focus is more on:
- skin quality
- texture
- elasticity
- hydration
- fine-line appearance
Polynucleotides are therefore not simply another type of filler.
One treatment is not automatically better than the other. The appropriate option depends on what you are actually trying to improve.
Polynucleotides vs Skin Boosters
Skin boosters and polynucleotides can also cause confusion because both are often discussed in relation to skin quality.
Many skin boosters contain hyaluronic acid and are primarily designed around supporting hydration and overall skin appearance.
Polynucleotide products contain DNA-derived polymers and have a different composition.
Both can sit within the broader category of injectable skin-quality treatments, but they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Your practitioner may consider factors such as:
- your main skin concern
- skin condition
- treatment area
- previous treatments
- desired outcome
- individual suitability
before discussing which route may be more appropriate.
What Does the Research Say About Polynucleotides?
There is growing scientific interest in polynucleotides, but the evidence needs to be interpreted carefully.
A systematic review examining injectable polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine identified nine studies involving 219 patients. The authors reported promising findings for wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity, but rated the available studies as low to moderate quality and noted considerable variation between treatment protocols.
Another review found that some studies reported improvements in skin elasticity and hydration while others showed limited or no benefit.
The fairest conclusion at the moment is therefore:
Polynucleotides are promising, but research is still developing.
That is a much more useful way to approach the treatment than relying purely on celebrity headlines or exaggerated before-and-after claims.
What Happens During a Polynucleotide Treatment?
At Hello Skin Clinic, the process starts with consultation.
Your practitioner will discuss your concerns, treatment goals, relevant history and previous treatments before assessing whether polynucleotides may be suitable.
If you decide to proceed, the treatment area is prepared and small amounts of the chosen product are administered through a series of injections.
The precise technique varies depending on:
- treatment area
- product used
- skin condition
- treatment goals
- practitioner assessment
Temporary redness, small raised areas, swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur following injectable treatments.
Recovery varies between individuals.
Does Polynucleotide Treatment Hurt?
Polynucleotides involve injections, so some discomfort is possible.
How the treatment feels depends on the area being treated and individual sensitivity.
Before your appointment, your practitioner can explain the process and discuss what to expect during treatment.
How Many Polynucleotide Treatments Will I Need?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone.
Treatment protocols vary depending on:
- the particular polynucleotide product
- treatment area
- your skin
- treatment goals
- practitioner recommendation
Some products are used as part of an initial treatment course followed by review or maintenance, but your individual schedule should be discussed during consultation.
Avoid assuming that a fixed number of sessions will guarantee a specific result.
When Might I Notice a Difference?
Polynucleotide treatment is generally considered a gradual skin-quality treatment rather than something designed to create a dramatic instant change.
Depending on the individual and treatment plan, people may be looking for improvements in areas such as:
- skin hydration
- texture
- elasticity
- radiance
- fine-line appearance
Results and timing vary.
Age, lifestyle, skin condition, treatment area and the product used can all influence the outcome.
Are Polynucleotides Safe?
No injectable cosmetic procedure is completely risk-free.
Temporary reactions following treatment may include:
- redness
- swelling
- tenderness
- small raised areas at injection points
- bruising
Other risks and contraindications depend on the particular product, treatment area, technique and individual medical history.
This is why consultation and suitability assessment are important.
You should tell your practitioner about relevant medical conditions, medicines, allergies, previous reactions to treatments and any current skin problems before proceeding.
What If I Have a Fish Allergy?
Because many polynucleotide products are derived from fish sources, anyone with a known fish allergy should tell their practitioner before treatment.
Suitability depends on the specific product being considered, its manufacturer guidance and your individual medical history.
Do not assume that the purification process automatically makes an allergy irrelevant.
Polynucleotide Aftercare
After treatment, follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner.
General guidance may include:
- keeping the treated area clean
- avoiding unnecessary touching
- treating the area gently
- following advice regarding makeup and skincare
- following guidance around exercise, heat and other activities
- using appropriate sun protection as part of your normal skincare routine
Contact the clinic if you experience anything that concerns you or falls outside the recovery discussed during your appointment.
Why Choose Hello Skin Clinic for Polynucleotides in Birmingham?
Choosing an injectable treatment should involve more than following a celebrity trend.
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, we start by understanding why you are considering the treatment.
Consultation First
We discuss your concerns, expectations and suitability before recommending treatment.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Treatment recommendations are based on the individual rather than using exactly the same approach for everyone.
Clear Expectations
We explain what the treatment may help with, what it cannot guarantee and what you may experience afterwards.
Practitioner-Led Treatment
Treatments are provided by trained practitioners following appropriate treatment protocols.
Ongoing Guidance
Where appropriate, your practitioner can review your progress and discuss the next stage of your treatment plan.
Are Polynucleotides Worth the Celebrity Hype?
The “salmon sperm facial” nickname certainly helped put polynucleotides in the spotlight.
But Kim Kardashian trying a treatment should not be the reason you decide to have it.
The better question is:
Is polynucleotide treatment appropriate for my skin and what I want to improve?
Current research suggests potential benefits for areas of skin quality including texture and elasticity, but the evidence is still developing.
For some clients, polynucleotides may be worth considering.
For others, a different treatment may make more sense.
That is exactly why the consultation comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polynucleotides actually made from salmon sperm?
Some polynucleotide products contain highly purified DNA-derived material obtained from salmonid fish. “Salmon sperm facial” is an informal nickname rather than the technical treatment name.
Did Kim Kardashian really have a salmon sperm facial?
Yes. Kim Kardashian publicly said in 2024 that she had tried a salmon sperm facial involving injections. She did not publicly state whether she noticed a particular benefit from it.
Do polynucleotides add volume like filler?
They are not primarily used as traditional volumising fillers. Polynucleotides are generally considered as treatments focused on skin quality.
Can polynucleotides be used under the eyes?
Certain polynucleotide products and protocols may be considered for the under-eye area in suitable clients. Your specific concern should be assessed before treatment.
How quickly do polynucleotides work?
The treatment is generally associated with gradual changes rather than an immediate dramatic transformation. Timing and results vary between individuals.
Is there downtime after polynucleotides?
Temporary redness, swelling, small raised areas, tenderness or bruising may occur following treatment. Recovery varies.
Are polynucleotides better than Profhilo?
They are different treatments with different formulations and treatment approaches. Neither is universally better. The right option depends on your skin concerns, goals and suitability.
Are polynucleotides the same as skin boosters?
Not exactly. Many traditional skin boosters contain hyaluronic acid, while polynucleotide products use DNA-derived polymers. Your practitioner can explain which treatment may better match your goals.
Interested in Polynucleotide Treatment in Birmingham?
Celebrity beauty trends can be interesting, but your treatment decision should be about you.
If you are concerned about skin texture, fine lines, hydration, elasticity or general skin quality, we can help you understand whether polynucleotides are an appropriate option.
At Hello Skin Clinic Birmingham, every treatment journey starts with consultation and suitability.
Learn more about our Polynucleotide Treatment in Birmingham.
Book a consultation to discuss your skin and treatment options.
Treatment is subject to consultation and individual suitability. Potential benefits, recovery and results vary between individuals.
