TikTokers are injecting salmon sperm into their faces to look younger – but does it work? – The Mirror
TikTokers and even Jennifer Anniston are now injecting their faces with salmon sperm, in the hopes of keeping wrinkles at bay in a surprising internet trend – but is it just a fad?
If you thought life couldn't get any crazier – think again. TikTokers and even Jennifer Anniston are now injecting their faces with salmon sperm in the hopes of keeping wrinkles at bay.
Medically referred to as 'Plenhyage', this treatment was born in South Korea, and actually involves the DNA of fish sperm that's pumped into your face using a tiny needle. Advocates suggest this will stimulate collagen production over the course of a few months, with the protein vital to keeping skin plump and youthful.
Beauty TikToker, Lauryn Bosstick, is among the fans of this trend. Posting to her page (@laurynbosstick), she said: "I've doing this with a Korean facialist – she does micro-needling… and then she infuses it with salmon semen. I mean, go Google the benefits, and it makes your skin glow like no other."
But is this really the case? Certified dermatologist, Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, says it's a complicated picture, though sperm facials do have some immediate benefits, like calming inflammation, which may give your skin a glow. "Some actresses such as Jennifer Anniston have undergone this skin trend," he told The Mirror, drawing to her WSJ interview.
"Usually, the sperm DNA comes from salmon trout or chum salmon. The fish itself can already help with skin issues like inflammation because of the Omega 3, but the salmon sperm can help with wound healing, promote skin elasticity and reduce inflammation."
From the sperm, medical experts create something called 'polydeoxyribonucleotides' (PDRN), which may sound like something from Mary Poppins, but simply refers to DNA-based drugs. Believe it or not, p revious research has found this component more beneficial than a typical cream when it comes to skin elasticity and even repairing wounds.
Though, Dr Hamed claims that its long-term benefits are yet to be evidenced, with some users even reporting rashes and lumps in the aftermath of the procedure. "Some people have reported rashes and temporary lumps which can last about four days. The lumps are temporary and will not damage the skin in anyway," he said.
"Although this treatment isn't harmful, there are still limited studies to discuss its long-term benefits. I think that there are other ways for wound healing, skin inflammation, and skin elasticity."
If however, you're still keen to try it out, Dr Hamed recommends trying a patch test beforehand, to ensure no allergic reaction will take place. "You should also ask a dermatologist if your skin is compatible with the treatment," he said.
"Lastly, I'd like to stress that a professional should be doing this treatment especially if it is injected. It is dangerous to do this without professionals because improper procedures and improper handling of tools may cause injuries or wounds."
Have you got a story to tell? Get in touch, at lauren.haughey@reachplc.com
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