Reel Beauty: Why salmon sperm facials are the new skincare catch
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- From famous celebrities to skincare gurus, social media videos about salmon sperm facials have been topping the charts on the internet. Now Oregon has a few skincare professionals providing the service. We wanted to know the science behind the new trend.
While you might see it as salmon sperm on social media, the scientists refer to it as Polydeoxyribonucleotide.
What is PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)?
PDRN, also called Polynucleotide, is a natural substance derived from salmon sperm, known for its powerful anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing properties.
Harley True, Master Advanced Esthetician, CEO and Owner of True Beauty in southeast Portland has practiced for over a decade. He’s one of the first to provide this treatment in the Portland metro area.
“This is a relatively new service, but it's very similar to stem cell therapy,” he said. “Stem cells are able to mimic healthy cells, but also replace damaged cells. So PDRN, although it is not a stem cell, when you're looking at it through a genetic scope, it's actual structure is a perfect double helix shape, very similar to our own DNA – and like a LEGO, it actually plugs into our DNA, helps to stop the known delaying of our telomeres, which is basically the reason that we age.”
PDRN is collected in a cruelty-free way during salmon mating season without harming the fish.
“Fish hatcheries across the nation have been upgraded with filters added into the ponds, which is going to filter out this melt,” he said. “Then we take the melt and it goes through an exuberant refinement process.”
What’s actually used?
Contrary to the hype, it’s not sperm that’s used, but a purified DNA extract from the sperm, free from any harmful substances.
“The spermatozoa is highly filtered and refined, and we take a small fraction of that DNA, similar to extracting hyaluronic acid or other small molecules that go into skincare products,” True said.
This DNA closely resembles the structure of human DNA and works well with our body to repair damaged skin and DNA. Currently, PDRN needs to be injected or applied via microneedling.
Is it vegan-friendly?
There's a plant-based (Ginseng-derived) alternative, though the salmon version is shown to be more effective.
How does it differ from other treatments?
- Not a SkinBooster: SkinBoosters use hyaluronic acid mainly for hydration.
- Not a filler: Fillers just "fill" areas, but don’t improve skin health.
- PDRN goes deeper, helping the skin regenerate by boosting collagen and fibroblast activity.
“The polynucleotides are excellent for stimulating collagen, hydrating the skin, wound repair, also excellent for acne, sunburns, dry skin, any kind of skin affliction – even good eczema, psoriasis,” True said.
Benefits of PDRN:
- Brightens pigmentation
- Reduces fine lines
- Restores volume
- Thickens thinning hair
- Firms and hydrates skin
- Safe to use in sunny climates (unlike many treatments)
Studies show PDRN helps grow more hair (not just thicker) when used with microneedling, and outperforms PRP/PRF treatments in hair count results.
Bottom line, True said, PDRN is safe, effective, and a game-changer for skin and hair health.
“This is not just the future of facials, but even facial injectables,” he said. “PDRN is going to be replacing hyaluronic acid, whether that's again, injectables or serums, even the future of sunscreens.”
True Beauty is offering KOIN 6 viewers who schedule microneedling or micro channeling to get the PDRN added at no additional cost, which is a $150 value.