I Tried the Salmon DNA Facial and My Skin Has Never Looked Better – Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Written by Nicole M. (real patient)

I’ll be honest — when I first heard the words “Salmon DNA Facial”, I did a double take. Salmon... DNA? On my face? But after a few weeks of seeing all the hyped up reviews about it combined with too many mirror moments where my skin looked dull and tired, I decided to finally try it at ISA.

And let me tell you… I am so glad I did.

First Impressions

Walking into the clinic was already a whole vibe. The space was calming, welcoming, and didn’t feel like your typical sterile med spa. My provider took the time to explain everything, starting with what exactly Salmon DNA even is.

Apparently, it’s derived from the DNA of salmon sperm (wild, I know), but it’s rich in something called PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), which helps regenerate skin at a cellular level. It’s like a reset button for your face — targeting texture, tone, hydration, and even fine lines. Say less, I’m in.

The Experience

After a thorough cleanse and numbing, the actual facial involved microneedling combined withthe Salmon DNA solution applied directly into my skin. I won’t lie, the pain level was completely tolerable, especially with the numbing cream doing its thing. 

Immediately after, I was a little red (like a bad sunburn on a hot summer day) and felt like I had tiny bumps (think post-microneedling vibes), but no pain. I was given aftercare instructions — no makeup for 24 hours, avoid sun and heat, and keep the skin hydrated.

The Results (aka the glow up)

The next day, my skin already looked calmer and more even. Within a week, I was getting so many compliments. The texture? Smoother. My pores? Less noticeable. The glow? Unreal. It looked like I had slept 9 hours, drank 2 gallons of water, and had zero stress in my life.

What I wasn’t expecting was how hydrated and plump my skin felt from the inside out — like it was holding onto moisture in a way it hadn’t in years. No dryness, no tightness. Just balanced, happy skin.

What to Expect

• Mild downtime: Expect 1–2 days of redness or tiny bumps, but easily manageable.

• Progressive results: You’ll notice improvement over the course of days and weeks, not just immediately.

• Best in a series: One treatment is great, but a series of 3 spaced a few weeks apart gives the real magic. Especially if you’re trying to reverse some skin damage, you’ll def need the series.

• For who? It’s perfect if your skin is feeling tired, dull, or dehydrated, or if you’re noticing early signs of aging.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for something that truly revives your skin from the inside out — not just a surface-level glow — the Salmon DNA facial is it. It gave me a boost of confidence, a fresher face, and honestly, a deeper love for my skin.

It’s safe to say this won’t be my last Salmon DNA facial. Consider me officially obsessed.