Khaberni - A new cosmetic treatment known as "salmon injections" has sparked widespread controversy within the medical and cosmetic communities, after it became strongly popular among celebrities and relies on injecting the face with polynucleotides extracted from DNA taken from salmon reproductive cells, amid claims that it significantly rejuvenates and refreshes the skin.
The treatment, known as "Salmon DNA," relies on extracting tiny particles of DNA found in salmon cells and converting them in a lab into a serum that is injected under the skin with thin needles.
Clinics promoting it claim that these particles, which have a similar composition to human DNA, might stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and help in improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, scars, and acne marks.
Despite these promises, experts continue to emphasize the lack of strong scientific evidence to prove its long-term effectiveness.
The treatment quickly became a "Hollywood craze" after reports circulated about celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Chloe Kardashian resorting to it, while singer Charli XCX stated that she switched from fillers in favor of these injections, describing them as "deep vitamins for the skin."
In a television appearance, Jennifer Aniston joked, "Don't I have beautiful salmon skin?"
Clinics typically recommend three consecutive sessions, while the cost of a single session in the UK ranges between 200 and 500 pounds sterling, and it is recommended to repeat the procedure every six to nine months to maintain the result, which has made the high cost one of the main reasons for the controversy surrounding it.
With increasing demand, specialists have warned against hastening to adopt the treatment, among them dermatologist John Pagliaro, who affirmed that polynucleotides are "important biological compounds," but the injection of salmon DNA fragments into the face has not yet been proven safe and effective in extensive, long-term studies, calling for more research before adopting it in medical practices.
Although initial studies show potential effectiveness in improving skin texture and hydration, beauty expert Susan Mansfield believes the treatment represents an advanced direction in regenerative skincare but admits that results vary among individuals.
Beauty expert Helena Dunk notes that "half of the patients notice a significant difference, while the other half see only a slight improvement."
Concerns have emerged after negative cases were reported, such as the experience of American Charlotte Beckley, who underwent the treatment before her wedding and ended up with a skin infection, swelling, and pigmentation under the eye, the effects of which continue despite subsequent treatments.
Doctors also warned that side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, in addition to risks of inflammation, pigmentation, and allergic reactions if the material is not injected correctly or used from unreliable sources.
Dr. Sophie Shutter, president of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, affirmed that polynucleotides are effective for some patients, but they are not a "magic solution," stressing that the lack of strict regulation allows any entity to use products not subjected to required tests.
Despite the widespread use of the treatment, most experts agree that the current hype exceeds what science has proven so far, and that the results of salmon injections vary unexpectedly among individuals, making its evaluation as a long-term cosmetic treatment still under research.
