Salmon sperm facials are reeling in viral attention, but what are they?

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

People are now using salmon sperm in their skincare routines.

Stephanie Barry visits Skin Palace in Fort Myers every four to six weeks for a salmon sperm facial to rejuvenate her skin.

"I used to have a really deep crevice. I'm a worrier, and that thing is practically gone. A lot of my wrinkles, my skin smoother," Barry said.

At Skin Palace, the process begins with a numbing cream, followed by microneedling a layer of salmon sperm into the skin, and finishes with a face mask.

The treatment has gained attention on social media, with esthetician and Skin Palace owner Crystal Canela explaining its connection to celebrity trends.

"The Kardashians actually got this injected in Korea, which is the only place you can get it, apparently, injected. So, they had that injected with some other friends on a private jet, and they posted a picture with their faces wrapped up, and a bunch of my clients reached out, and they're like, 'Is this what you've been talking about, salmon sperm DNA?' And I'm like, 'Yes, that's what it is,'" Canela said.

While the injectable version is unavailable in the U.S., Canela said the treatment can be applied through face masks, microneedling or at Skin Palace head spa.

"I've had people scared. I've had people ask me like, 'So, you're putting salmon on my face?'" Canela said.

The ingredient, known as PDRN, is a regenerative skincare component derived from salmon DNA.

"It's a whole team of scientists that are extracting, they're purifying it. They go through a whole process, and then they put it into products," Canela said.

Canela explained its origins and benefits. "PDRN was actually invented in Italy for wound healing for burn victims," she said.

Now, PDRN is making waves in the beauty industry, offering skin hydration, a rested appearance and an instant glow.

"It's going to make you look rested. It's going to make your skin look hydrated, is going to give you that instant glow that everybody wants," Canela said.

The ingredient's effectiveness lies in its compatibility with human DNA.

"It mimics human DNA. And because of that, it works so good with our skin, with tissue repair, regeneration, collagen production," Canela said.

Barry said she notices results quickly after each treatment. "I know within 24 to 72 hours, the redness will be gone. I'll be completely healed, and I'll start to notice. The difference is the tightening of the skin," she said.

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