BEAUTY
“ Salmon sperm facials, or PDRN treatments, have taken the internet by storm.” proteins directly to skin cells to trigger repair, regeneration, and collagen production. Simply put, they are like text messages sent between cells.
A cutting-edge skincare ingredient, exosomes are said to communicate with skin cells when applied topically. They can instruct cells to increase collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation, or boost hydration.
We’ re halfway through 2026 already, and so far, and several skincare trends have already been gone from feeds to beauty conversations.
Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare, gives her professional opinion on some of the biggest beauty trends doing the rounds.
SALMON SPERM FACIALS Salmon sperm facials, also known as PDRN treatments, have taken the internet by storm, thanks in part to Kim Kardashian singing their praises earlier this year.
The treatment uses tiny fragments of DNA, known as PDRN, extracted from salmon sperm. These fragments are injected into the skin using a needle, cannula, or microneedling process. The revolutionary treatment is believed to help repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity.
The benefits of PDRN are thought to have first been discovered by European fishermen who applied salmon semen to their wounds to help them heal faster. Today, PDRN is sometimes used medically after procedures to help activate the skin’ s repair pathways.
EXOSOME SKINCARE Exosomes are being marketed as the future of regenerative beauty. In essence, they are cellular messengers that act as microscopic communicators, carrying growth factors and
SKIN FLOODING Skin flooding is a viral social media trend that involves layering several hydrating skincare products onto damp skin in an attempt to saturate it with moisture. It is believed to plump the skin, strengthen the barrier, and make the complexion dewier.
Hydration is extremely important, particularly during winter. However, if you layer the skin with too many heavy products, it can block pores and lead to breakouts. The key to achieving and maintaining optimal hydration is to find the right balance of products that hydrate without clogging pores.
A quality hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser are excellent additions to a hydrationfocused routine. For most people, this two-step process should be enough to hydrate the skin sufficiently without overwhelming it. Those with extremely dry skin may wish to apply an additional face oil at the end of their regimen, but not every skin type needs this extra layer.
Being able to separate sciencebacked beauty trends from passing fads goes a long way towards ensuring your skin stays healthy and looks its best. IB
JULY 2026 / INBOUND SA 71