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Salmon DNA injections, what is it and how does it work?

Salmon DNA injections are a skin-improving treatment in which polynucleotides are applied to the skin with small injections. This treatment is being used in more and more aesthetic clinics to support skin quality and treat skin aging.

The injections contain polynucleotides, DNA fragments that often come from purified salmon DNA. In aesthetic medicine, these molecules are used to support processes involved in skin repair and regeneration. Salmon DNA injections are also referred to as a polynucleotide treatment or PDRN treatment. The different names usually refer to the same category or treatments in which polynucleotides are applied to the skin.

What are polynucleotide injections?

With a polynucleotide injection treatment, small amounts or product are injected into the skin with fine needles. This usually happens at several points in the treatment area. The aim or the treatment is not to add volume to the face, as with fillers. Instead, the treatment focuses on improving the skin condition itself. By supporting the skin from within, the treatment can contribute to skin that feels better hydrated and has a more even structure.

How do salmon DNA injections into the skin work?

When injected into the skin, polynucleotides can support several biological processes involved in skin repair. For example, polynucleotides can activate fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for the production or collagen and elastin.

These proteins play an important role in:

  • firmness or the skin
  • elasticity or the skin
  • support or skin structure
  • repair or skin tissue

In addition, the treatment can contribute to improved hydration or the skin.

Which areas can be treated?

Salmon DNA injections are usually applied to areas where skin aging becomes visible.

Common treatment areas include:

  • sight
  • neck
  • cleavage
  • skin under the eyes
  • hands

The skin under the eyes in particular is a popular treatment area, because this skin is thin and vulnerable and often the first to show signs or aging.

For which skin problems is the treatment used?

Salmon DNA injections are often used by people who want to improve their skin quality without using volume treatments.

The treatment can be used, for example, for:

  • fine lines
  • reduced skin elasticity
  • dull-looking skin
  • thin skin
  • dry skin

Difference between salmon DNA injections and microneedling

Cosmetic treatments such as Polynucleotides can be applied to the skin in different ways. In addition to injections, these active ingredients are sometimes also combined with microneedling. With injections, polynucleotides are placed directly into the skin with small needles. With microneedling, micro channels are first created in the skin after which active ingredients are applied to the skin. Read more about this technique in our article about salmon DNA microneedling.

How does a treatment proceed?

A treatment usually starts with a consultation in which the skin is assessed. During the treatment, small amounts or polynucleotides are applied into the skin with fine injections.

The treatment usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

After treatment, temporary reactions may occur such as:

  • slight redness
  • swelling
  • small bumps at the injection points

These reactions usually disappear within a short time.

When do you see results?

Because polynucleotides support the skin's natural recovery process, the effect usually occurs gradually. Many people notice after a few weeks that the skin feels better hydrated and has a fresher appearance. In many clinics a course or multiple treatments is recommended to support the effect.