Polynucleotides Explained: The Regenerative Skin Treatment Everyone Is Asking About

Featuring insights from Emily Canavarros, Sisu Clinic

The most-asked-about treatment in our consultations right now isn't a filler. It's polynucleotides, more familiarly known to most patients as the "salmon sperm facial," after Kim Kardashian's now-famous mention of it on her reality show. Jennifer Aniston has also spoken openly about her experience with the treatment in a 2023 WSJ Magazine interview, and the search interest hasn't slowed since. Freyja Medical

Emily Canavarros, one of our Sisu doctor-led team in New York, captured the shift in a recent note to patients. Over the past year she's noticed a significant increase in patient interest in treatments focused on skin quality rather than dramatic facial transformation. Patients are asking for treatments that help them look refreshed, hydrated and naturally healthy instead of obviously "done." Terms like "glass skin," "dewy" and "fresh" come up constantly during consultations, especially among younger patients.

That observation lines up exactly with what we're seeing in our Irish clinics too.

What polynucleotides actually are

The salmon sperm headline is catchy, but the science is more interesting than the name suggests.

Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments, typically derived from salmon, that work by supporting tissue repair and skin regeneration, hydration and fibroblast activity within the skin. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. When activity in those cells declines with age, the result is the loss of texture, firmness and luminosity that most patients describe as "looking tired."

Polynucleotides help wake those fibroblasts back up. The result, over time, is improved collagen production, better elasticity and enhanced overall skin texture and quality. As Emily puts it, patients are drawn to the idea of improving the skin itself rather than building a treatment plan solely revolving around filler.

Why this shift matters in 2026

Emily has also noticed increasing fatigue around the "overfilled" aesthetic that was popular years ago. Regenerative treatments like polynucleotides shift away from that narrative and fit the newer aesthetic trend focused on prevention, skin health and understated rejuvenation.

In her words, this growing interest in polynucleotides comes from patients becoming more educated about treatments that support long-term skin health rather than simply creating temporary volume.
That matches everything we're seeing in our Irish consultations. Patients are walking in with more knowledge, clearer goals and, importantly, a much stronger preference for results that read as good health rather than as treatments.

What to know before booking

A few honest points worth knowing before a consultation:

• Polynucleotides are not a filler. They don't add immediate volume.
• Results build gradually over weeks, with continued improvement over months.
• A course of treatments is typically recommended for best results.
• They complement other regenerative work beautifully. Many patients sequence polynucleotides alongside Profhilo or Sculptra for a fuller skin-quality plan.

Book a consultation with one of our doctor-injectors at your nearest Sisu Clinic in Ireland. Thousands of patients across Ireland, the UK and the US trust us with their faces, and you can try treatments virtually before booking using Sisu Vision AI, free on our website.