Would you try salmon sperm injections? The latest in regenerative skin treatments
How far would you go to turn back the clock? Regenerative aesthetics are promoting a more gradual and sustainable approach to fighting the signs of ageing, but there’s something fishy about this unexpected beauty treatment.
In a world where unconventional beauty treatments have become normalised, it takes a lot to raise eyebrows. But there’s a new beauty treatment that’s currently making a splash in the beauty community.
Salmon sperm injections first garnered mainstream attention last year when Jennifer Aniston revealed she had tried the controversial treatment to the Wall Street Journal. But first, the actor had a few questions, “Are you serious? How do you get the salmon’s sperm?” It’s a fair question, albeit one you’d rather not think about. But it prompts another question, why get the salmon sperm at all?
First developed in Korea in 2015, salmon sperm injections like Rejuran were officially approved for use in Australia in July 2023. Research published in the journal Pharmaceuticals in 2021 suggests that polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is derived from salmon sperm cells, can boost healing and reduce inflammation in wounds. The treatment also claims to improve skin health by increasing elasticity, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
From enhancing skin texture and elasticity, to hydrating and brightening uneven skin tones, it’s claimed that salmon DNA can address a wide array of skin concerns by promoting the long-term growth of elastin and collagen, which are both crucial for skin vitality. It’s even said to help diminish the appearance of acne scars.
But salmon sperm injections are part of a broader trend in the beauty space. Regenerative aesthetics, one of the biggest emerging beauty trends of 2024, is behind the popularity of biostimulators. What are biostimulators? They’re a group of injectables that are fast becoming the new frontier in anti-ageing treatments. Rather than adding volume to the face through traditional dermal filler, these preventive treatments help to slow down the superficial ageing process by stimulating collagen production and elasticity — resulting in a fresh faced appearance over a filled one.
Dr Stephen Crimson, Medical Director of All Saint Clinic, agrees. “There is a paradigm shift in skincare that is injected into the mid to deep dermis to promote tissue restoration and reconstruction,” he says. Instead of overly filling faces to create lift through adding volume, the new wave of skin treatments aims to rejuvenate the complexion instead.
However, regenerative treatments, like salmon sperm injections, do far more than your run-of-the-mill skin booster. “While traditional skin booster treatments primarily focus on hydration and superficial rejuvenation, the new regenerative skincare made from bio-compatible polynucleotides (an injectable bio stimulator) target deep skin regeneration stimulating collagen production from within, leading to longer-lasting and more significant improvements in skin texture and elasticity,” explains Dr Crimston. Treatments like these reflect the move to a long-game approach to anti-ageing, through more gradual and sustainable rejuvenation.
It’s no secret that there’s been a noticeable shift in our perception of cosmetic treatments over the past few years. And it feels like we’ve finally moved away from the time when the cyborian “Instagram face”, a term coined by writer Jia Tolentino in 2019, reigned supreme. Who could forget the unnecessary heat that Kylie Jenner faced earlier this year, simply because her face appeared ‘puffier than usual’ after landing in Paris for the couture shows. Despite there being numerous reasons for Kylie’s slightly puffy appearance – like the long-haul flight to Paris – it ignited a debate about the consequences of going too far when it comes to beauty treatments. Many claimed that she was suffering from ‘filler face’ which describes the effects on long-term use of dermal filler.
The latest treatments, although more unconventional (and sometimes fishy), are focused on prioritising skin quality and skin integrity over everything. And with the growth of biostimulators aligning with the rise in preventive wellness and cellular anti-ageing, it feels as though the regenerative treatments of today are bringing our expectations somewhat back to basics when it comes to beauty treatments.
Always consult with a qualified professional for any inquiries regarding cosmetic treatments, and seek their advice before undergoing any cosmetic procedures or treatments.
