Have you heard about the latest beauty craze that’s making waves in celebrity circles? It’s called the salmon sperm facial—yes, you read that right—and it’s been lauded by everyone from Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Aniston. But you don’t have to jet off to Hollywood to try it. I recently headed to The Secret in Govan, Glasgow, to see what all the fuss is about.
The treatment, officially known as a polynucleotide facial, promises to rejuvenate, repair, and leave your skin glowing, thanks to its star ingredient: salmon DNA. We already know how beneficial salmon is for our health and skin when consumed, so it’s exciting to explore its topical benefits as well.
Walking into The Secret, I was greeted by a glamorous, welcoming atmosphere—a far cry from the sterile vibes of typical skincare clinics. My aesthetician for the day, Shan, was warm and instantly made me feel at ease. We started with a thorough skin analysis using a tool that examines your skin under an LED light to assess your main concerns and identify areas for improvement. We then chatted about my existing skincare routine, and Shan pointed out a few ways I could make some improvements.
For my treatment, I had the polynucleotides applied topically with the SkinPen micro-needling tool, as I also wanted to target some acne scarring and pigmentation. Shan assured me that this combination would enhance the regenerative effects of the polynucleotides, and I was eager to see the outcome.
As Shan explained, “The benefits of polyneucleotides for the skin are impressive, thanks to the way science has advanced their use. It’s called ‘salmon sperm’ because it literally involves using salmon DNA, extracted from specific molecular patterns found in salmon. This DNA is then polarised to interact with and enhance your own skin’s DNA, promoting regeneration and overall skin health.”
The experience was surprisingly comfortable, a light numbing cream had been applied around 15-minutes prior, and Shan’s expert touch made the whole process feel more like a soothing ritual than a clinical procedure. While there was a slight prickling sensation on more sensitive areas, it was entirely manageable, and knowing the potential benefits made it all worthwhile.
“SkinPen is suitable for most skin types, though it may not be the best choice for extremely sensitive skin due to the potential redness caused by the micro-needling process,” Shan explains. “It’s particularly effective for treating pigmentation, enlarged pores, textured skin from acne scarring, surgical scars, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Shan further explains, “Combining SkinPen with polynucleotides takes the benefits even further. This combination not only enhances overall skin health but also improves texture, hydration, and complexion. It boosts your natural production of type-4 collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining firmness. Plus, it can provide a subtle lift to the skin, offering an alternative to more invasive treatments like fillers.”
Post-treatment, my skin was red, and I decided to hide behind a cap for most of the day—you might even want to add some sunglasses to that look! By days 2 and 3, I started to peel, and by day 5, the peeling had shed. My skin was calm, glowing, with noticeably reduced pigmentation, and my lingering spot marks were already fading.
I’ve been diligently following the routine Shan wrote up for me and used the samples she sent me away with, including a vitamin C serum, brightening moisturiser, and a hydrating serum. For days 1-3, I stuck with using the gels that come with the SkinPen treatment, applying them liberally throughout the days to keep my skin hydrated post-treatment.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, dullness, or just looking for a skin boost, this facial offers a distinctive approach that combines innovative ingredients with advanced technology—all without leaving Glasgow. I already can’t wait for my next treatment!
So, if you’re ready to try something new that’s both luxurious and effective, consider booking a session at The Secret. You might just find yourself joining the growing list of fans of the salmon sperm facial.
Visit drkalyjaff.co.uk to book.
