Why Rejuran is the skin treatment everyone's talking about.

If you've been anywhere near a beauty clinic lately, chances are you've heard people talking about Rejuran.

Or maybe you've seen photos of women with crocodile-like bumps under their eyes?

It's the most recognisable skin treatment many people have never heard of — at least, not by its more technical name.

Rejuran treatments, also known as the infamous 'salmon sperm facial', made it onto the Western beauty world's radar after celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian spoke of its place in their routines.

Watch: A cosmetic doctor breaks down salmon DNA skincare on You Beauty, podcast continues below.

While it feels new and buzzy, especially in Australia, Rejuran has been a go-to treatment in South Korea (widely considered the world leader in beauty innovation) for years.

So, what's with all the sudden hype? Why can't cosmetic doctors, dermal nurses and skincare obsessives stop talking about it?

And more importantly, what does Rejuran do for skin? Or is it just another shiny treatment with clever marketing spin and a celebrity fan club?

To cut through the hype, we asked two experts all our Rejuran treatment questions.

What is Rejuran?

Simply put, "Rejuran is an injectable treatment made from polynucleotides (PNs) — DNA fragments derived from salmon," explained Tiernan Watson, a registered nurse with more than a decade of clinical experience and co-founder of Bellix Cosmetics clinic in Brisbane.

Most commonly administered by an injection into deeper layers of the skin, Rejuran is said to promote tissue restoration and reconstruction, and improvement of physical appearance.

Rejuran has many reported benefits around improving the overall look of skin, including crepey skin, dullness, fine lines and barrier damage.

Dr Naomi McCullum, cosmetic doctor and owner of Sydney's luxury clinic The Manse, agreed.

"Rejuran reduces inflammation, enhances the skin barrier's moisture retention and helps the circulation… the DNA fragments work by activating your skin's healing system."

The rise of the Rejuran treatment in Australia.

Rejuran isn't new, but over the last six to 12 months, it's gone from niche to normal, sitting on clinic menus right alongside your standard facials and peels.

"Australia has always had very close links with Asia in the cosmetic field," Dr Naomi explained.

"Rejuran is loved for its natural results and a risk profile that may be better than other injectable options."

There's another reason why you're starting to hear about Rejuran everywhere: it's one of the few injectables Australian clinics can mention by name.

"In Australia, Rejuran is one of the few injectable treatments we're permitted to discuss in marketing and patient education, so while our ability to talk about other options is tightly restricted, Rejuran has become a widely talked-about exception."

Bec Judd is one of many personalities sharing their Rejuran treatments on social media. Image: Instagram/becjudd.

How is Rejuran different from other skin injectables?

If you're familiar with "skin boosters", you might assume Rejuran is just another version. Not quite.

Watson said, "While most skin boosters focus on instant hydration and glow, Rejuran is all about rebuilding. It works deeper, supporting skin structure and function over time."

Dr Naomi added, "I would consider Rejuran a sub-type of skin booster. The main difference is the polynucleotide ingredient itself."

Rejuran before and after results: What can you expect?

A Rejuran treatment can take as little as 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the surface area being treated.

This treatment often starts with applying numbing cream to cleansed skin, before injecting the product and following up with some LED light therapy to aid in skin healing.

How long until you'll see Rejuran results? Results will vary, but both experts agree this isn't a one-appointment miracle.

"We recommend three treatments a month apart," Dr Naomi said. "Sometimes you will not see the skin improvement until at least a few weeks after the second treatment."

However, you may expect Rejuran results to last longer than your average treatment, with maintenance suggested every six months.

Who is Rejuran best for and who should skip it?

Rejuran isn't for everyone — and it's definitely off-limits if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to fish. But both experts recommend it for those noticing the first signs of skin ageing.

"I recommend Rejuran for clients experiencing early signs of ageing, loss of skin firmness or textural decline due to intrinsic ageing or cumulative UV damage," Watson advised.

"It's ideal for skin that is clinically stable, not compromised and ready to undergo rejuvenation at a cellular level."

Dr Naomi added, "It's used for fine lines and early ageing signs, rough or uneven texture, enlarged pores, dullness and pigmentation issues. It's also popular for delicate areas like under-eye skin, skin around the mouth, neck skin and for scarring."

"That said, if the patient is specifically trying to address pigmentation, IPL or a pigment laser might be a better investment."

Listen to You Beauty: A skin expert breaks down what's trending in skincare, post continues below.

Rejuran treatment side effects and downtime.

Like any skin treatment, there are some temporary after-effects.

"The common ones are redness, lumps and bruising, allergies or infection are rarer risks," Dr Naomi mentioned.

And what about those bumps at the injection sites; how long do they last for?

Everyone is different, but you can expect them to start fading within 72 hours.

How much does Rejuran cost?

Costs will vary from clinic to clinic, however you can expect Rejuran to cost around $850 per treatment.

Whether it's worth your hard-earned cash comes down to your skin goals.

Dr Naomi adds, "For someone who wants general skin improvement, especially around the eyes, or for scarring, Rejuran is a great investment."

When researching Rejuran treatments, it's important to seek out qualified professionals.

Does Rejuran hurt?

Mamamia's Lifestyle Editor Amy Clark recently had a Rejuran treatment; she said while the numbing cream helped to take the edge off, the treatment wasn't painless.

The best way she'd describe the pain? "Like sharp stings or an ant bite; it's not the most painful skin treatment I've tried, but it can be ouchy and a bit confronting if you're not great with needles."

A final word on Rejuran.

Like many skin treatments, Rejuran isn't a quick fix and you won't see instant results.

Despite its 'salmon sperm' reputation, experts are excited about the potential Rejuran benefits for their clients.

There's no denying Rejuran treatments will only become more commonplace in Australia.

Feature image: The Manse Clinic.

Would you try a Rejuran treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This product must only be administered by a qualified health professional, always follow the instructions for use and your health professional's advice.