TRIGGER WARNING: BLOOD & NEEDLES!

It’s no secret that I love all things beauty and I’m always curious about the newest skin treatments making waves around the world. While my European girlfriends have been on a Polynucleotide kick for a while now, it's only recently started to make a splash here in the U.S.

So when I heard Kim Kardashian casually mention during a chat with her mom that she’s obsessed with it? I took that as my sign to finally give it a try.

Spoiler alert: I get the hype.

What Is PDRN (aka "Salmon DNA")?

PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, but let’s be honest, I can barely pronounce that either. Thankfully, it’s better known as Salmon DNA (yes, really).

This powerful ingredient is derived from salmon DNA and is 96% similar to our own, which makes it highly biocompatible and incredibly gentle on human skin.

Once injected, it acts like a cellular repair serum on steroids—stimulating collagen, improving elasticity, activating growth factors, and boosting skin regeneration. Think of it as a “fast-forward button” for skin healing.

It’s especially effective for:

Fine lines + wrinkles
Pigmentation
Acne scars
Post-laser recovery
Overall dullness and inflammation

No wonder it’s quickly becoming a must-have in aesthetic medicine.

My Experience Getting PDRN at SOLUX

I booked my appointment at SOLUX Med Spa, Chicago’s most beautiful spa, with Angelica and Tatiana, two women I trust completely. Tatiana had done my Chanel Treatment in the past, so I already knew her hand was gentle and precise.

The first step? Numbing cream. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I always ask for medical-grade numbing and let it sit for a full 45 minutes to an hour. It’s worth the extra time for maximum comfort.

The injections themselves aren’t exactly painful, but you’ll feel a little sting or tingle in certain areas, totally manageable, and honestly, over before you know it. The treatment is done superficially, just under the surface of the skin.

What to Expect After the Injection

Immediately after, your face and neck will be covered in tiny bumps, like little mosquito bites. It can look a bit alarming at first, but don’t panic, that’s completely normal.

Important note: Don’t skip your neck! It’s one of the first places to show aging, and this treatment works beautifully there.

My Recovery Timeline

Day 1: Bumps were still visible but went down drastically within a few hours. I stayed makeup-free and let my skin breathe.
Day 2–3: I was back to my normal skincare routine. Only faint bumps remained, and I did have one light bruise under my eye, but nothing major.
Day 6+: My skin looked visibly brighter, plumper, and more refreshed. There was a subtle but undeniable glow.

#MDInsider Tips:

Book on a Thursday or Friday. That gives you the weekend to recover if needed.
It’s a game-changer for under eyes. PDRN is incredible for treating dark circles, hollow dips, and fine lines.
Don’t book it the week of a big event. You’ll want to give your skin a few days to bounce back.

Why It’s Worth It

Salmon DNA is having a major moment, and for good reason. It works on a cellular level to repair damaged DNA, stimulate collagen, and gradually improve your skin’s tone and texture. The results build over time, which makes it the perfect treatment to plan ahead for weddings, graduations, summer vacations, or even just a personal glow-up.

To see the full benefits, you’ll want to repeat the treatment monthly for three months. I did it with Nadia’s graduation in mind, and I’m already thrilled with how my skin looks. Even better? Collagen remodeling takes around six months, so the improvements will continue long after your final session.

Xo,
Monika

Why Everyone is Obsessed with Salmon DNA Facials and My Experience Getting It at SOLUX