Salmon DNA skincare: How to get the ultimate glow boost ahead of summer

In skincare, “salmon DNA” refers to fragments of genetic material extracted from salmon — specifically a compound known as PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), which has been researched for its skin-repairing and regenerative benefits.

Known for its ability to calm inflammation, support barrier repair and improve skin texture over time, PDRN is used in skin-rejuvenating treatments, from everything from injectables to serums and creams.

According to Dr Sonia Khorana, “From a clinical perspective, I think PDRN is an interesting and promising regenerative treatment. It can be a valuable option for patients looking to improve skin quality subtly.”

Yes, both PDRN injections (polynucleotides) and skincare are safe. Even with the injections — because it’s highly purified and biocompatible, the risk of adverse reactions is low,” says Dr Khorana. “Although, as with any injectable treatment, there is always a small risk of bruising, swelling or infection.”

Downtime with PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) depends on how it’s used — whether in at-home topical skincare or as part of an in-clinic treatment such as injections or microneedling.

When applied topically, there’s no downtime to consider. These formulas are designed for daily use, helping to boost hydration and support the skin barrier without triggering irritation. They’re often incorporated into routines to help skin recover after more intensive treatments.

Dr Khorana adds that downtime for treatments is also minimal: “A few days if you end up with a bruise”.

“You may see some small bumps, redness or slight swelling immediately after treatment, but this typically settles within 24-48 hours. Most people are able to return to normal activities the following day. As always, patient selection and practitioner experience are key to ensuring both safety and good results.”

But she advises that with less pain/downtime comes fewer results: “In skincare, PDRN works more superficially — so while it can help with hydration, smoothness and subtle radiance, it won’t deliver the same regenerative effects as in-clinic treatments.”

Injectable PDRN can cause temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising or small bumps at the injection sites. As is common with these types of treatments, there is also a small risk of infection or irritation if not performed in an appropriate clinical setting.

For topical skincare, risks are much more minimal — the potential for mild irritation or sensitivity, particularly in very reactive skin types.

Dr Khorana says that an important thing to flag would be people with fish allergies. “I’m not sure of the purification process for topical PDRN and whether the allergen protein is removed.

“When I do polynucleotide injections in clinic, I don’t worry about fish allergies because I know the protein causing the allergy has been removed when they purify it, and these injections are classed as medical devices as CE marked.”

She recommends proceeding with caution here, as “the topical PDRN versions are not medical devices, it will depend on the brand/labs whether they remove the protein.”

One of the things to understand about PDRN is that results are gradual rather than instant.

Dr Khorana notes that injectable treatments require a course of three to four sessions, spaced at two to three weeks apart. Results are then usually seen around three months after starting the treatment plan, and typically last around six to 12 months after the full course has been administered.

For skincare, the effects are more subtle, with noticeable benefits including improved hydration and smoother skin in as little as a few weeks. However, Dr Khorana tells me that consistency is also key — and that this can vary depending on factors like age, skin quality and lifestyle

Dr Khorana says: “PDRN works very differently from treatments like Botox or dermal fillers, and it’s important not to think of them as interchangeable.

Botox works by relaxing muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic lines, while fillers aim to restore volume and structure. PDRN is a regenerative treatment that focuses on improving the quality of the skin by supporting repair, hydration and collagen production.”

She stresses that in practice, all these treatments work really well together, and it’s a common aesthetic plan.