Salmon sperm for skin? Yes! It might sound a little unusual, maybe even a bit fishy, but this surprising ingredient is making serious waves in the world of advanced regenerative aesthetics for good reason.

Salmon sperm, scientifically known as PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and/or salmon DNA is a powerful, regenerative compound proven to boost long-term hydration, collagen production, and skin healing benefits that go beyond surface-level results. Recently popularized by the “glass skin” trend and endorsements by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, PDRN is one of the most sought-after skin treatments available today.

If you’re looking for regenerated, rejuvenated, radiant skin without invasive procedures or significant downtime, PDRN may be the glow-up you’re looking for!

What Is PDRN and How Does it Work?

“Is PDRN actually salmon sperm?” We get this question a lot at Juvea Aesthetics medi spa in Calgary!

While PDRN is a powerful compound extracted from salmon sperm DNA cells, it’s not actual salmon sperm. While it might sound strange, salmon DNA has been used safely and effectively in regenerative medicine and wound healing for decades due to its proven skin-healing and anti-aging properties. 

When used in aesthetic treatments, PDRN renews and regenerates skin at a cellular level by stimulating your body’s natural repair process to increase collagen and elastin, improve hydration and texture, calm inflammation, accelerate healing, repair damage, restore firmness, enhance glow, and more.

Top Skin Benefits of Salmon Sperm (PDRN):

Repairs & Regenerates

Rebuilds and strengthens aging or damaged skin; Strengthens the skin barrier for long-term resilience; Fades acne scars; Shrinks pores.

Hydrates, Firms & Enhances Radiance

Restores moisture balance; Improves skin tone, texture, and firmness; Delivers a luminous glow.

Calms, Soothes & Protects

Reduces redness and inflammation; Accelerates healing and restoration (e.g., sun damage, post laser or chemical peels, etc.

PDRN Treatment Options:

While the Salmon Sperm Facial is the most buzzed-about option, PDRN is not actually a standalone treatment. Salmon DNA is a regenerative ingredient used in combination with advanced, non-invasive aesthetic procedures such as skin boosters, microneedling, and mesotherapy to regenerate, repair, and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. The right treatment type for you depends on your skin condition, areas of concern, and short-and-long-term goals.

1. PDRN SKIN BOOSTER: For Instant Hydration + Glow

This treatment delivers micro-droplets of PDRN (often mixed with hyaluronic acid) into the superficial layers of the skin using fine needles or an injector.

Can require 1-3 treatments, with visible results in 3-5 days that last for ~4-8 weeks.

Best for:
  • Dull, dry, or tired skin
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Rapid skin refresh

Limitations: Works at a surface level; doesn’t stimulate deep collagen or elastin production or treat texture issues.

“At Juvea Aesthetics medi spa in Calgary, we exclusively use the Dp4™ microneedling pen for its advanced speed, precision, safety, and ability to deliver superior results with minimal discomfort”

2. PDRN MICRONEEDLING: For Improved Texture + Collagen Stimulation

This treatment uses a microneedling device with ultra-fine needles to create microchannels in targeted areas to stimulate collagen and allow deeper absorption of PDRN. This improves texture, refines pores, and supports skin regeneration from the superficial to mid-dermis.

Can require 3-4 treatments, with visible results in 5-10 days that last for 6+ weeks – permanent*

Best for:
  • Targeted Areas
  • Acne scars, large pores, rough patches
  • Fine lines around mouth, eyes, jawline
Limitations: Doesn’t deliver deep hydration or reach the deeper, regenerative layers of the skin.

3. PDRN MESOTHERAPY: For Deep Repair + Long-Term Skin Regeneration

This advanced treatment injects PDRN into the mid-to-deep dermis, where collagen and elastin production happen. It’s ideal for mature or damaged skin and builds results gradually for long-term improvement.

Can require 3-6 treatments, with visible results in 2-4 weeks that last for ~3-6 months

Best for:
  • Larger Areas, e.g.: entire face
  • Crepey or thinning skin
  • Early to moderate wrinkles
  • Sun damage and laxity

Limitations: Slower to show visible changes compared to other PDRN options.

4. COMBINED PDRN APPROACH: For Ultimate Regeneration + Rejuvenation

For the most comprehensive, transformative results, a layered approach using skin boosters + microneedling + mesotherapy may be best since it targets all levels of the skin. This combined strategy maximizes hydration, collagen stimulation, and structural skin repair.

Can require ~3-6 combined or alternating treatment types, with visible results starting at ~5-10 days that last for ~3-6+ months – permanent*. 

Best for:
  • Complex skin concerns (e.g., dehydration + laxity + scarring)
  • Long-lasting, visible change

*When PDRN is used to fade acne scars, after the initial treatment protocol the results are lasting and permanent and don’t require any ongoing maintenance treatments.

PDRN Add-On Treatments for Optimal Results:

To enhance the effects of your PDRN treatment, you can pair it with supportive therapies to help improve absorption, reduce inflammation, enhance results, and accelerate healing:

  • Celluma Light Therapy: calms inflammation, reduces downtime by 50%+, and boosts collagen production
  • Dermaplaning: removes dead skin cells and hair to boost PDRN absorption and enhance glow
  • CO2 Lift Carboxy Facial: boosts circulation, oxygenation, moisture retention; Amplifies results by 10 – 20x

Is PDRN Right for You?

If you’re looking for a treatment that goes beyond surface-level results, PDRN treatments at Juvea Aesthetics in Calgary may be the perfect fit. Whether your skin is showing signs of fatigue, early aging, sun damage, or you simply want to maintain a healthy, youthful glow, PDRN offers a science-backed, regenerative approach that supports long-term skin health. 

PDRN may be ideal if you want a non-surgical, non-invasive, low-downtime, long-term solution that improves skin health, radiance, and resilience over time. It’s especially effective if you:

  • Have dull, tired, aging, or sun-damaged skin
  • Are concerned about sagging, fine lines, or uneven tone
  • Struggle with sensitivity, rosacea, or acne scars

Why Choose Juvea Aesthetics Medi Spa in Calgary for PDRN?

At Juvea, we specialize in regenerative and preventative skin care. We work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your skin condition, concerns, and short and long-term goals. You can trust that we will never suggest or recommend any treatment approach that is not appropriate for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A salmon sperm facial is a regenerative skincare treatment that uses polynucleotides (PDRN)  extracted from salmon DNA, to deliver via microneedling or injections, to stimulate fibroblasts, enhance microcirculation, boost collagen, and improve skin hydration and repair.

Yes! PDRN is biocompatible and has a long track record of safety in regenerative medicine. It’s suitable for most skin types, though anyone with fish allergies and/or are pregnant should consult their primary provider first.

Yes! One of the best things about PDRN is its anti-inflammatory, healing, and skin-barrier repairing properties that make it ideal for rosacea, sensitive, inflamed, acne-prone, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Absolutely! PDRN works well many aesthetics solutions, including laser resurfacing, Exosome, and Biostimulator treatments to amplify and/or extend results. A combined approach targets multiple concerns like hydration, texture, and firmness.

PDRN treatments generally have minimal downtime. Depending on the treatment type, some clients may experience mild redness, swelling, bruising, or flaking that typically resolves within a few hours to ~3 days. 

Regenerative aesthetics is an innovative approach to skincare that uses your body’s own healing mechanisms—or biologically active compounds like PDRN, PRP, or exosomes—to naturally restore skin health, boost collagen, and improve tone, texture, and resilience. Unlike traditional treatments that only mask signs of aging, regenerative aesthetics targets the root causes of skin damage for long-term, natural-looking results. It’s popular for its ability to deliver glowing, youthful skin with minimal downtime, low risk, and a focus on overall skin health rather than temporary fixes.

Discover your most confident self with Juvea Aesthetics Medi Spa in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Juvea is a premier medical aesthetics clinic dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best through science-backed, personalized, temporary and long-term skin improvement, healing and rejuvenation solutions. Our expert team combines certified ability, years of experience, to deliver the most innovative, natural, stunning results for clients of every ethnicity, gender, age, and skin type.

Biostimulator treatments, which fall under the category of Regenerative Aesthetics, have become a top choice for individuals seeking non-invasive, lasting, long-term volume enhancement and natural-looking skin rejuvenation with no downtime.

At Juvea Aesthetics in Calgary, we offer both Radiesse and Sculptra — two of the most advanced biostimulatory injectables available today. These treatments work below the dermal surface to rebuild your skin from within, enhancing volume and improving skin quality over time.

What Are Biostimulators?

Biostimulators are injectable treatments that go beyond the short-term plumping effects of traditional dermal fillers. They stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen and/or elastin to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and texture with natural-looking, long-lasting results.

How Are Biostimulators Different from Traditional Dermal Fillers?

Biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse differ from traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane in how they work, where they work, how long they last, and the results they can deliver. In general:

  • Dermal Fillers provide instant yet temporary hydration and volume. They’re typically best for clients in their 20s with minimal or early onset signs of aging and/or those seeking immediate enhancements. Ideal for fine lines, lips, and under the eyes.
  • Biostimulators provide gradual, lasting, longer-term volume and skin rejuvenation that builds over time. They’re typically best for clients in their 30s to 60s with moderate to advanced signs of aging in the face, neck, chest, and hands.  

Top Biostimulator Benefits:

Long-Lasting Results

Last up to 4x longer than HA dermal fillers, depending on product type and treatment area.

Natural Volume Enhancement

Stimulate collagen and/or elastin production for a refreshed, not “filled”, appearance over time.

Improved Skin Quality

Lasting, long-term rejuvenating effects that improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity.

Radiesse vs Sculptra: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to long-lasting, biostimulatory injectables, Sculptra and Radiesse are two of the most effective options available today, and both help to restore structure, firmness, and youthful volume over time. While they share this biostimulatory action, they differ in how they behave in the skin, how quickly results appear, and the types of concerns they treat best. Understanding the unique properties of each can help determine the best approach for your skin goals. 

Radiesse: Biostimulator + Dermal Filler Hybrid

Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). It’s dual action approach delivers instant volume, lift, contouring, and gradual stimulation of five types of collagen and elastin over time. Ideal for individuals with more advanced signs of aging who want immediate AND lasting, long-term skin rejuvenation.

Radiesse typically requires 1-2 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with no downtime or aftercare required. Results last for ~18-24+ months.

Radiesse Is Especially Effective For:

  • Jawline, chin, and cheek sculpting and definition
  • Deep wrinkles and lines in the mid-lower face
  • Volume loss in the hands
  • Skin quality improvements in the face, neck, chest, arms, and more (when hyperdiluted)
  • Treating areas where Sculptra isn’t suitable

Sculptra: Biostimulator Only

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). It works by stimulating the production of two types of collagen to rejuvenate skin over time without adding immediate volume. Ideal for individuals with moderate signs of aging who want subtle, highly natural-looking results.

Sculptra typically requires 2-3 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart, with no downtime and minimal aftercare required. Results last for ~2+ years.

Sculptra Is Especially Effective For:

  • Diffuse, full-face volume correction 
  • Skin quality rejuvenation 
  • Correcting facial hollows (cheeks, temples)
  • Buttocks enhancement 
  • Treating areas where Radiesse isn’t suitable

Is Radiesse or Sculptra Better?

A common question we get at Juvea Aesthetics is: “Which biostimulator is right for me?” The answer? “It depends…”.

Both Sculptra and Radiesse offer powerful rejuvenation and, in some cases, they can even be used together. Your best option depends on your skin condition, goals, treatment areas, and desired timeline. 

Radiesse May be Best if:
You’re looking for instant volume, lift,  contouring and progressive long-term structural support and lasting skin rejuvenation in the mid-lower face, neck, décolletage, or hands.

Sculptra May be Best if:
You’re looking for the most natural looking results and gradual, lasting full face volume correction — especially in the cheeks and temples, and/or buttock enhancement. 

Can Biostimulators Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Biostimulators can be layered with other aesthetic treatments for optimal results. However, you can trust that Juvea Aesthetics will never recommend any treatments that are unnecessary or unsuitable for you. Common treatment combinations often include:

Why Choose Juvea Aesthetics in Calgary?

At Juvea Aesthetics in Calgary, we work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your skin condition, concerns, and ideal short and long-term objectives. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes! Both Radiesse and Sculptra are Health Canada and FDA-approved. 

No. As non-hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, they cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase. 

Discover your most confident self with Juvea Aesthetics in Calgary, Canada. Juvea is a premier medical aesthetics clinic dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best through science-backed, personalized, temporary and long-term skin improvement, healing and rejuvenation solutions. Our expert team combines certified ability with innovation to deliver natural, lasting, stunning results.