Inside the Salmon DNA Facial with Sarah Battikha

Biotech skincare meets luxury in cellular rejuvenation

In the evolving world of skincare, few treatments have sparked as much curiosity as the salmon DNA facial. It sounds like something straight out of a biotech lab, but according to Sarah Battikha, Founder of Frame by Sarah Battikha, this treatment could very well represent the future of anti-aging.

The salmon DNA facial uses salmon-derived DNA to boost skin regeneration and hydration. Battikha said the treatment is based on the idea that salmon DNA contains powerful antioxidants and cellular regeneration properties that help the skin repair itself and fight signs of aging. The results speak for themselves.

“The main benefits are cellular repair and regeneration,” she said. “Because the DNA in the facial treatment can stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, encouraging skin cells to regenerate and recover more quickly from environmental stressors or aging.” She added that the treatment also promotes anti-aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps brighten the complexion, and improves elasticity by stimulating collagen production.

When it comes to why salmon DNA is so effective, Battikha said it’s all about its composition. “Salmon DNA is rich in nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, and amino acids, which are crucial for protein synthesis, like collagen and elastin. These help promote cellular turnover, repair, and regeneration,” she said. “The DNA contains growth factors, which are proteins that regulate cell division, growth, and healing. In skincare, growth factors are known to help encourage collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Salmon DNA is especially beneficial for enhancing the skin’s elasticity and texture.”

She also pointed out that its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radicals, which contribute to fine lines and wrinkles, and its hydrating components help plump the skin and improve overall texture. “In my opinion, salmon DNA makes it a great alternative to other treatments because it basically is a powerhouse product which gathers it all in one.”

At Frame, Battikha’s go-to method is to combine salmon DNA with microneedling to amplify the benefits. “My favourite way of using salmon DNA is combining it with microneedling, which creates tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and help improve texture, scars, and fine lines,” she said. “When combined with salmon DNA, it enhances the effects of skin regeneration. We stimulate the skin both mechanically and chemically, so it offers the best of both worlds.”

What to Expect
As for recovery, Battikha explained that patients typically experience about four days of redness following the treatment, and makeup can be safely applied after 24 hours. However, she noted that because the treatment uses fish-derived DNA, those with fish allergies should proceed with caution.

“It is important to keep in mind that since the treatment involves salmon-derived DNA (which comes from fish), there’s a risk of allergic reactions, particularly for those with a fish allergy,” she said. “I believe that the ideal candidates for a salmon DNA facial are those looking for skin rejuvenation, hydration, and anti-aging benefits without undergoing invasive procedures.”

With biotech skincare gaining momentum globally, Battikha believes treatments like the salmon DNA facial signal a larger shift in the beauty industry. “The growing interest in biotech skincare, which includes treatments like the salmon DNA facial, seems to be pointing toward a future where advanced science and technology play a central role in anti-aging and overall skincare,” she said.

Battikha noted that this shift represents a move beyond traditional skincare, focusing on cutting-edge techniques that aim to repair, regenerate, and enhance the skin at the cellular and genetic levels, and these kinds of treatments not only provide visible results but also work deep within the skin to ensure long-term health. “These treatments go beyond temporary fixes to actively boost skin renewal and enhance skin function while protecting the skin’s DNA from damage to provide long term skin health.”

For anyone considering this type of facial, Battikha emphasised the importance of doing due diligence when selecting a provider. “When considering a salmon DNA facial or any advanced skincare treatment for that matter, it’s essential to choose a reputable provider to ensure both safety and effectiveness,” she said. At Frame, she aims to maintain the highest standards. “I never jump on trends and only introduced the Frame Triple Regenerative Treatment very recently in my clinic. It took me time to select a safe product with scientifically backed studies because there are so many on the market, so as a provider, I’m very diligent about the products I use on my patients.”

Although FDA approval is still pending, the treatment may just be the beauty world’s best-kept secret.