For about a year, Lauryn has been getting Salmon Semen Facials.
You read that right. And let’s just say, she is obsessed with the results. It improves skin texture, gives you this glassy look and shrinks your pores.
So what exactly is a SALMON SEMEN FACIAL?
It is essentially a microneedling treatment that consists of deeply filtered stem cells extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm. In a nutshell.
But we need WAY MORE information than that, right? Lucky us we have Lauryn’s facialist Jamie from Imaje Skin Ritual here to answer all our questions about this unique procedure that’s gaining popularity in North America. Even Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston have tried it.
Jamie is here to tell us all about the origin, benefits and science behind salmon semen facials, even giving us a step by step of what getting one with her looks like. And if you want to actually SEE the process, be sure to watch Lauryn’s video of her experience. She really takes you along for the ride so you can know exactly what to expect.
So if you’re into lifted, glassy, tight, smooth skin, this post is for you. It can also help with acne scars, tighten pores, improve brightness and tone, honestly, all the things. Without further ado, let’s welcome Jamie to the blog.
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Introduce yourself to The Skinny Confidential audience.
Jamie Hiyama: My name is Jamie Hiyama, and I am a licensed Esthetician practicing in Austin, TX. I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii to a Korean mother and Japanese father. At the age of 18, I moved to Los Angeles, CA, and in 2014, I relocated to Austin, TX to further my former career in tech, specializing in customer experience. In 2019, I switched industries, opened up my own studio in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and have been focused on bringing Korean skincare and East Asian facial practices to Austin for the last five years.
Can you tell us about the salmon semen facial you give Lauryn and all the steps involved? What can someone expect when they come see you for one?
JH: The “Salmon Semen Facial” is Lauryn’s fabulous nickname for what is known as PDRN/PN treatment, or in Korea, “Rejuran Healer.” PDRN and PN are acronyms for “Polydeoxyribonucleotide” and “Polynucleotide,” often labeled as “Sodium DNA.”
PDRN and PN are naturally occurring molecules used in skin rejuvenation treatments. These regenerative, bio-stimulating therapies originated in South Korea and have gained global popularity for their ability to improve skin health at a cellular level.
They are considered among the best advanced skincare treatments available today due to their exceptional regenerative properties. These treatments stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, while promoting the repair of damaged skin cells and accelerating wound healing.
Both PN and PDRN are used to achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin by improving elasticity, tone, and texture, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and enhancing the skin’s natural barrier.
Not all PN/PDRN is created equal, as it is not always extracted from the same marine organism sources. It is derived from DNA fragments of various species, including Keta Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Chinese Sturgeon.
The original use and studies of PDRN focused on medical applications (cellular regeneration, wound healing, etc.) before it eventually made its way into cosmetic use.
My personal protocol for this treatment involves a cocktail of multiple stem cells that are both human and animal-based. We deliver the cocktail into the skin topically and mechanically using microchanneling/microneedling.
STEP 1, Deep Clean: We start with extensive cleansing, resurfacing, and decongesting of the skin. We want to ensure there’s very little between the skin and the treatment, especially dead skin and buildup.
STEP 2, Treatment Prep: We degrease the face with a single pass of alcohol, then layer the face with numbing cream for 30-40 minutes to ensure minimal discomfort.
STEP 3, Treatment: We microchannel/microneedle for 15+ minutes, depending on how many regions of your body we’re treating (Lauryn likes to treat the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands).
STEP 4, Post Care: We then go over the extensive and very specific post-care instructions for the following week.
STEP 5, Follow-Up Facial (Optional): Within 5-7 days, the min-maxers return for an optimized outcome with a complete facial that includes a second round of the cocktail applied to the skin, worked in with a full facial massage.
Do you know the origin of this? We’d love to know more about the person who decided to first try this experiment!
JH: The origin of PDRN and PN in skincare is South Korea. I don’t know who was the first person to try this, but Rejuran is the company that has invested heavily in R&D and is the leading brand for the cosmetic application of PDRN. While they hold a significant market share in Korea and are expanding to the US (they’re currently undergoing FDA approval, which will allow it to be injected intradermally as a biostimulant), they may no longer lead in innovation, as many other companies are producing amazing products.
What are the benefits of salmon semen on the skin?
JH: It is important to note that while PN and PDRN have similar functions, their key differences make them specifically suitable for different focuses. PN is better used as an injectable biostimulant delivered through manual injections or mesotherapy, which involves longer downtime and increased discomfort. PDRN, specifically encapsulated within an exosome, is best for external/topical application to address visible issues with texture and tone, allowing for easier recovery and less discomfort. Here’s how each benefit your skin:
Polynucleotide (PN):
Long-lasting Structural Support: PN provides prolonged benefits by staying in the skin longer, which helps in sustained collagen synthesis and overall skin regeneration.
Enhanced Collagen Synthesis: PN is more effective at stimulating the metabolic activity of fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen production.
Stronger Anti-inflammatory Response: PN has a higher-ordered polymerized structure, which allows it to more effectively modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Broad Skin Rejuvenation: PN is excellent for overall skin rejuvenation, making it suitable for a wide range of anti-aging treatments.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN):
Targeted Healing and Repair: PDRN is particularly effective in healing and repairing damaged skin. It promotes tissue repair and regeneration, making it ideal for treating conditions like scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
Improved Skin Hydration and Elasticity: PDRN helps improve skin hydration and elasticity, which can lead to a more youthful appearance.
Enhanced Skin Barrier: PDRN strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, helping to prevent further damage and maintain skin health.
Biocompatibility: As a naturally occurring ingredient, PDRN has excellent biocompatibility with human skin, making adverse reactions rare.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: PDRN works at the cellular level to decrease inflammation, promoting healing and reducing puffiness.
Are there any side effects? What if someone is allergic to fish?
Side effects from PDRN and PN are typically minor, resolving within a few days, and are usually caused by the delivery method rather than the actual compound. For injections, side effects may include redness, swelling, mild bruising, needle marks, and skin bumps. For microchanneling/microneedling, side effects may include redness, slight swelling, and pinprick bleeding.
Either treatment can cause a temporary histamine reaction. Taking Benadryl, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep can help alleviate this.
Fish allergies shouldn’t be an issue, as they are caused by the body’s immune response to proteins in fish. PDRN consists of deeply filtered stem cells extracted from the DNA of salmon sperm. If someone has fish allergies and is concerned, they should speak to their allergist for confirmation.
Can it be used on other parts of the body or only the face?
JH: It can be used in so many ways! Medically, it has numerous verified methods for healing. Cosmetically, if there’s skin that you want to improve, we can use it!
What are the benefits of microneedling and can anyone do it? Is there anyone who isn’t a good candidate for microneedling?
JH: Microneedling/Microchanneling has so many wonderful benefits. The science and studies behind it are vast and very positive. It is definitely one of the best, consistent, and proven ways to help minimize the signs of aging, skin texture, tone, and scarring.
It’s a mechanical process of controlled damage that creates tiny punctures within the skin that stimulates and activates your body’s response to skin rejuvenation. The studies show us that 0.5mm depth is all you need for the vast majority of cosmetic issues and deeper is only truly necessary for scar reduction.
It helps to reduce acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and enlarged pores. It helps to improve and smooth out skin texture and tone. It is also known to help hair growth stimulation.
While microneedling is generally safe for most people, there are certain groups who may not be good candidates if they experience the following:
Active Acne or Skin Infections: Conditions like cold sores and inflamed acne can lead to the spread of bacteria and worsen existing issues.
Blood Disorders: Individuals with blood clotting disorders should exercise caution.
Recent Facial Treatments: Those who have had chemical peels, surgeries, laser treatments, Botox, or fillers should wait at least two weeks. Always consult your practitioner about when you can safely receive other services afterward.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While there are no direct contraindications, hormonal changes during this time may impact skin sensitivity. It’s best to follow your doctor’s advice on when you can begin treatments post-childbirth.
Autoimmune Conditions: Some autoimmune disorders can increase pain, discomfort, and skin sensitivity, which may impact healing. Consult with your doctor.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: This condition can significantly impair healing.
Keloid Scarring: Individuals prone to keloid scarring, particularly on the body, may not be suitable candidates. While keloid scarring is unlikely on the face when done properly, those with a history of keloids should consider how their skin heals from inflamed acne. If you keloid easily on the body, avoid the treatment on skin outside of the face.
Why is Korea so ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to skincare?
JH: As a country, Korea places great cultural value on beauty, a tradition that dates back deep into its history. Eastern Asian principles generally focus on preventative care, nourishment, and health.
Korea has “Hanbang skincare,” a branch of skincare rooted in traditional practices that use herbs, plant extracts, and techniques based on Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). These natural ingredients are intended to heal, soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. With such an effective foundation, there is often a focus on innovation in messenger technology to enhance the efficacy of this holistic approach.
Koreans start their skincare routines at a young age, and this practice is not limited to women; men in Korea also take great care of their skin and appearance. It is a country that prides itself on looking one’s best.
Since experiencing true economic growth in the 1990s, Korea has learned to leverage technology, pop culture, and beauty as economic drivers. They have finally surpassed France in the Japanese market, which it held for nearly 30 years, earning K-beauty the title of “Icon of Reversal.”
Ultimately, Korea is ahead of the rest of the world due to the Korean people’s commitment to skincare and its role as a significant economic driver for such a small country. Skincare is a way of life in Korea; it is fundamental.
What are some of the top Korean beauty secrets you’ve learned? Tell us everything!
JH: Hydration! Hydrating and soothing toners, double cleansing with an emulsifying oil cleanser, and SPF! Reapply often and regularly! Facial massage! These practices have all become very popular even in the West, but they stem from Korean skincare. We can also thank Japan for many innovations, such as hyaluronic acid.
The biggest “secret” is keeping your skin as hydrated as possible to allow it to do the heavy lifting, along with regular facials that focus on facial massage and fun, advanced treatments.
The West often tries to remove the “middleman” in this case, the esthetician, opting for direct-to-consumer solutions. However, in Korea, this is not the norm. If you want good skin, you can achieve that on your own. But if you want great skin, you go to experts who dedicate their time to making skin beautiful.
Invest in your face; it’s the only one you get.
What’s a book, podcast or resource you recommend about staying in the know when it comes to skincare trends like this?
JH: While there are TONS of influencer-based blogs and podcasts that focus heavily on lower-end retail brands and lines, I don’t spend much time in that world, as it’s not relevant to what I do. Stores like Olive Young and those viral retail brands are definitely heavily marketed to younger audiences—it’s like our version of Ulta.
I think social media does a good job of keeping K-beauty relevant. They’re always discussing what’s going on in Korea, providing a good mix of retail and professional advanced treatments.
Everyone should plan a beauty trip to Korea to see how it really is! I am lucky to meet regularly with other Korean skincare professionals and distributors to discuss the latest trends in treatments and devices.
Where can everyone find you? Pimp yourself out!
JH: You can find me on Instagram at @imajeskinritual or online at https://imajeskinritual.com.
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What do you think? Will you try a salmon semen facial? The benefits seems too good to pass up. If you’re a big fan of treatments like lasers and microneedling, be sure to use our ice roller afterwards to cool and soothe your skin. It will ease any redness and feels so good post-treatment (but not after Botox or filler – you don’t want to move either around in your face after your injections.)
Be sure to follow Jamie on IG and reach out if you’d like to book with her. Lauryn can’t get enough of her facials.
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Read this post to learn about Lauryn’s favorite Korean skincare.
++ To hear from Lauryn’s San Diego facialist, read this post.
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