I began translating tech news around the same time the cultural milestone, the animated series “Rick and Morty,” was released. Now, with the first episode of the eighth season behind us, today’s news seems to echo the series’ spirit. A trend is sweeping Hollywood, involving the use of salmon sperm for rejuvenation. Let’s explore the scientific basis of these micro-injections.
Rejuvenation and Salmon Sperm
The popularity of salmon sperm facial treatments surged in August 2023, following actress Jennifer Aniston’s admission in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that she underwent such a procedure. Notably, the interview omitted any mention of the method’s effectiveness. Aniston confirmed this on Jimmy Kimmel Live, shortly after Kim Kardashian also publicly stated she had tried it. This sparked a viral sensation, making the procedure a trendy “miracle cure.”
Impact of Salmon Sperm on Skin Health
Let’s delve deeper. What does a salmon sperm facial involve? Surprisingly, it doesn’t entail applying fish semen to the face. Instead, it involves micro-injecting polynucleotides into the skin. Polynucleotides, or PNs, are DNA or RNA fragments derived from salmon sperm. The regenerative properties claimed for PNs aren’t just cosmetic talk by dermatologists and celebrities—there seems to be scientific backing. It’s a different form of biohacking than I usually discuss.
In 2022, a review published in a Chinese journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery [1] demonstrated the efficacy of PNs and the benefits of polynucleotide-deoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), mainly extracted from salmon sperm cells. The study outlined the advantages of PDRN therapy:
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Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Increased skin elasticity and firmness through enhanced collagen production.
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Repair of damage caused by chronic inflammation or prolonged sun exposure.
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Scar reduction.
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Improved skin hydration.
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Overall enhancement of skin quality.
A couple of years later, in 2024, the Journal of Dermatological Treatment [2] published a study examining the effectiveness of Rejuran, a skincare brand using salmon sperm, in treating burns and scars. Researchers found that Rejuran, with PDRN as its active ingredient, provided notable improvements, including scar visibility reduction. The study presented a series of eight case studies where patients with scars received treatment, resulting in less prominent skin imperfections, whether from trauma, burns, or surgeries.
How Does It Work?
Research indicates that PDRN activates the adenosine receptor A2A, inhibiting oxidative stress-induced signaling pathways, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals, and stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals. Curiously:
[Translator’s Note] A ready solution exists in the form of cordyceps, the fungus that serves as the apocalyptic catalyst in “The Last of Us.” Its cordycepin effectively interacts with the same adenosine receptors and is already used as supportive therapy [End of Note].Moreover, activating these receptors promotes collagen synthesis—a vital protein providing skin structure and aiding tissue repair. Activation of the adenosine receptor A2A also enhances skin recovery by encouraging new blood vessel formation from existing ones.
[Translator’s Note] The synthesis of beneficial compounds depends not on external input but on how well our metabolism produces necessary elements. Adequate sleep and a balanced hormonal state are likely more effective than injections of salmon sperm particles [End of Note].Conclusion: Is Salmon Sperm Effective for Rejuvenation?
Based on available research and explanations of its mechanisms, the procedure is accessible, but its results remain questionable. Comparable effects can be achieved through more accessible and less radical means.
The verdict is clear: it’s a hyped method, with marketing far more invested than the research itself. Despite celebrity endorsements, it’s not advisable to use it.
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