IT’S the beauty treatment that’s loved by celebs like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, but the ‘salmon sperm’ facial is also known to raise a few eyebrows.
It’s said to help stimulate the production of new blood vessels and collagen, giving your skin a firm and youthful look.
The facial doesn’t technically use salmon sperm, but rather “a clever cocktail of molecules that harvests all the benefits of fish sperm for your skin,” Fiona Ross, a medical aesthetic injector and founder of The Aesthetics Club, previously told The Sun.
The age-rewinding facial can be used as a substitute for more common procedures, Fiona explained.
“People are looking for alternatives to Botox to enhance their natural features, and this is one of the best,” she said.
The “regenerative” salmon sperm is ideal for achieving more natural results.
“It doesn’t change how you look, but it does enhance your face, which is what a lot of people are looking for in a treatment.”
It can also turn back time on other parts of your body by improving the laxity of your neck and even offering hand-rejuvenating benefits.
That being said, the treatment can set you back a few bob, with prices for ranging from £400-£550, according to Science Beauty UK.
Luckily, there are dupes out there that reportedly give beauty fans the same glowy look without breaking the bank or dealing with the injectables.
PDRN, which stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, is a repairing compound used in treatments like the so-called salmon sperm facials.
However, it can also be found in other products like the Boots Hydrating PDRN Serum, which has rave reviews from shoppers.
According to skin pros, PDRN can help stimulate skin repair, as well as improve elasticity.
Priced at just £8, the serum delivers the same deep hydration and anti-ageing results, without the hefty price tag or invasive injections.
“A PDRN serum that delivers deep hydration and moisture, leaving skin feeling firmer, more supple, and radiant after use. For all skin types. Non-comedogenic formula,” Boots bosses noted.
Simply apply the serum to clean skin and pat in using your finger tips, followed by an SPF.
The serum already has gleaming five-star reviews online, with shoppers raving over how it left their skin looking after just a few uses.
One wrote: “My first time trying PDRN and I’m converted. My skin feels so hydrated and looks brighter. Super lightweight texture and doesn’t pill. Incredible serum!”
A second agreed: “Good price for PDRN, works really well. Skin feels smoother.”
And third said: “Really happy with this serum, my skin barrier has improved tremendously since using. Perfect for large pores or a lot of texture.”
“This serum literally makes my skin glow like crazy! My skin feels so hydrated and soft, it’s my go-to serum now.
“The glow it gives is not greasy or wet either so you glow even under makeup,” another wrote.
Most important skincare advice
Faye Purcell, Head of Research & Development at Q+A Skincare shared her knowledge with Fabulous.
What skincare advice would you like everyone to know/follow?
Can I give two! Firstly, wear SPF daily and secondly, double cleanse! Wearing SPF daily, even on cloudy days and during the winter months, is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Double cleansing is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to upgrade your skincare routine – especially if you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a busy polluted city. I’d suggest an evening double cleanse for best results.
What is a big skincare myth?
Luxury doesn’t mean more effective. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on skincare to get great results and Q+A is the perfect example of this. Many affordable products use the same active ingredients as luxury brands like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, peptides, or salicylic acid – we use these in lots of our face and body products. A smart, consistent routine with well-formulated products – regardless of price – is what truly delivers results.
If someone is new to skincare, what’s one product you’d recommend them and why?
A moisturiser with SPF. Moisturising daily is an essential for all skin types and can make a perceivable difference to the appearance of the skin quickly. As SPF is also essential, combining these two steps can build good habits quickly and prevent skin cancer. Not only is SPF essential for protecting the skin from sun damage/skin cancer but also helps keep premature ageing at bay e.g. wrinkles/pigmentation.
Q+A have three excellent facial SPF50s (£15 each) – Peptide Anti-Ageing SPF50, Niacinamide Balancing SPF50 and Squalane Hydrating SPF50, that are available from Sephora and Holland & Barrett.
What is Q+A’s number one best seller?
Our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. It’s our number one best-seller one is sold every 90 seconds!
When it comes to the body, it’s the Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash – we sell one every two minutes.
Q+A is available from Sephora, Holland & Barrett, selected Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose stores and qandaskin.com.
