Effectiveness of Polynucleotide Salmon Sperm for Skin Treatment
Polynucleotide salmon sperm shows promising results for skin rejuvenation and barrier function improvement, but lacks sufficient high-quality clinical evidence to be recommended as a first-line treatment for skin conditions.
Mechanism of Action and Composition
Polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon sperm are DNA fragments that:
- Bind to adenosine A2A receptors, promoting tissue regeneration 1
- Function as biostimulatory agents for skin priming and revitalization 2
- Contain beneficial components including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids 3
- May improve skin barrier function through upregulation of key proteins (FLG, IVL) 1
Clinical Evidence
The evidence for polynucleotide salmon sperm in skin treatment is limited:
A small study with five Korean women showed improvements in skin parameters after four injections of long-chain polynucleotide filler at two-week intervals 4
- Patients in their 30s showed improvements in pore size and skin thickness
- Patients in their 40s showed improvements in skin tone, melanin levels, wrinkles, and sagging
- No serious side effects were reported
Another study demonstrated that salmon egg extract (which contains DNA/RNA) improved wrinkles, pigmentation, redness, brightness, and hydration in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner 3
Recent research indicates that plant-derived polynucleotides may offer similar benefits to salmon-derived ones, with comparable effects on keratinocyte viability, antioxidant activity, and wound healing 1
Limitations of Current Evidence
The evidence supporting polynucleotide salmon sperm has significant limitations:
- Small sample sizes in available studies
- Lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials
- Limited long-term safety and efficacy data
- Absence of standardized treatment protocols
- No mention in major dermatological guidelines
Comparison with Established Treatments
When comparing to established treatments in dermatological guidelines:
- For skin conditions like psoriasis, established treatments include topical steroids, phototherapy, and biologics 5
- For conditions like bullous pemphigoid, systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are recommended 5
- Phototherapy (PUVA) is recommended for various dermatological conditions based on strong evidence 5
Practical Considerations
If considering polynucleotide treatments:
- Expert consensus suggests specific protocols for different treatment areas (face, periocular area, décolleté, neck, hands, scalp) 2
- Treatment typically requires multiple sessions with specific time intervals
- Results may take 8-12 weeks of consistent use to become visible 6
- Delivery systems are important due to the poor skin permeability of peptides and polynucleotides 6
Recommendations Based on Current Evidence
For established skin conditions: Follow evidence-based guidelines for specific conditions rather than using polynucleotide salmon sperm as a first-line treatment.
For cosmetic skin rejuvenation: Polynucleotide treatments may be considered as an adjunctive therapy after established treatments have been tried.
For patients seeking alternatives: Consider that plant-derived polynucleotides may offer similar benefits with potentially fewer ethical and sustainability concerns 1.
Caveats and Pitfalls
- Beware of exaggerated marketing claims about polynucleotide treatments
- Results are likely to be modest compared to more established procedures
- Cost-effectiveness has not been well-established
- Individual response may vary significantly
- Long-term safety profile is not yet fully characterized
While polynucleotide salmon sperm shows promise for skin rejuvenation, more robust clinical evidence is needed before it can be recommended as a primary treatment option for skin conditions.