[Hong Kong] I Tried Rejuran (a.k.a. Salmon DNA for Your Face) — Here’s What Happened

After having a baby and hitting my 30s, I’ve become way more proactive about collagen loss, skin texture, and keeping my glow game strong. I’ve dipped into everything from botox to biostimulators, but one treatment that kept popping up on my radar — especially from beauty influencers I trust — was Rejuran, sometimes called "baby skin injections.”

I finally booked my first session at Dr. Jolie Beauté in Jordan with Dr. Yip, who came highly recommended in Hong Kong’s beauty circles. Not only does she speak fluent English (a must for me when it comes to injectables), but she’s also meticulous in explaining the procedure and managing expectations. The treatment cost HK$3,000, which I thought was very fair, especially compared to some other clinics in town that charge double for less transparency.

So… What is Rejuran, actually?

Rejuran is an injectable treatment made of polynucleotides (PN) — these are long chains of DNA fragments, and here’s the fun twist: they’re extracted from salmon DNA. Why salmon? Their DNA is very similar to human DNA, and studies have shown they have potent skin-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Once injected into the skin, these polynucleotides help:

• Repair damaged tissue

• Improve skin elasticity and hydration

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

• Restore skin barrier function

• Boost collagen production over time

  
  

Basically, it’s like sending a repair crew under your skin with the blueprints to rebuild it from the inside out. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that plump instantly, Rejuran works over time, which makes it a great choice for those who want long-term skin health rather than quick fixes.

20 minutes before your treatment, numbing cream is applied liberally all over the face to relieve some of the pain

The Treatment Experience

I had 2ml injected all over my face, which is standard for a first session. The texture of Rejuran is a bit thicker than typical mesotherapy or skin boosters, so I was mentally prepared for some swelling and tiny injection bumps — and yep, they were there.

10 minutes post-Rejuran injections. The bumps and redness actually weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but I still felt a bit self-conscious, so I wore a hat and a mask from the treatment room to the car.

Pain Level? Let’s Be Real.

I’m not gonna lie — it was painful. And I say this as someone with a pretty high pain threshold. Because the treatment is done with manual injections, one by one, it gets especially uncomfortable around thinner-skinned areas like the forehead. That said, it was still manageable, and Dr. Yip was incredibly gentle and efficient, which helped a lot.

Downtime — What You Actually Need to Know

My biggest fear was the downtime. I’d heard from girlfriends that their bumps lasted up to two weeks, which sounds terrifying if you’ve got events or plans. But here’s the thing: downtime really varies depending on your skin sensitivity.

For me — and I’d say I have moderate sensitivity — the bumps disappeared within the first hour. I did, however, get one dark bruise under my left eye, which went from purple to yellow over the course of a few days. That skin is extra delicate, so bruising is always a possibility there. The good news? I could cover it up easily with concealer when needed.

In order: 1.5 weeks post treatment, 3 weeks post-treatment (no makeup), and 2 weeks post-treatment.

Results? Subtle, but Sweet.

Since I’ve only done one session, I wasn’t expecting miracles — but even after that single treatment, my skin felt more hydrated, and my overall texture felt smoother and bouncier. It’s most noticeable under makeup: foundation just sits more naturally.

For best results, Rejuran is usually done as a series — 3 sessions spaced about 3-4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6 months. I’m planning to go back for another session soon.

Is Rejuran Worth It?

If you’re dealing with dullness, dehydration, or early signs of aging, or you just want to future-proof your face, I’d say yes — especially if you’re already investing in skincare and want to take the next step up.

Pros:

• Restores skin from within (not just superficial plumping)

• Subtle but real results after even one session

• Doesn’t alter your face — just enhances what you’ve got

Cons:

• Painful for some areas

• Requires multiple sessions for full effect

• Possible bruising and bumps depending on your skin

• Gradual results, not ideal if you want an instant glow-up

  
  

For me, Rejuran sits somewhere between skin booster and regenerative injectable, and I love that it’s rooted in skin health, not just surface perfection. If you're into that low-key luxury glow that whispers “good genes” and not “I had work done,” this might be for you. I would say the Rejuran effects lasted just over a month before my skin went back to its original state, since I didn't go back for a second session.

Have you tried Rejuran or other skin-healing injectables like polynucleotides? DM me — always down to compare notes 💬