"They Injected what into my face"?

Beauty treatments have included some decidedly unusual ingredients over the years, but one of the latest crazes may take some beating: salmon DNA injected into your skin.

Usually called polynucleotide (PN) or polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) treatments, they have become fashionable as so-called regenerative beauty treatments. 

They're being promoted for improving skin texture and elasticity, reducing fine lines and helping tired-looking skin, particularly around the eyes.

But does the science support the enthusiasm?

And there's another question: do customers realise which part of the salmon is commonly used to obtain that DNA?

Yes, we're talking about salmon sperm.

Calling the treatment "salmon DNA" makes it sound rather clinical. "Salmon sperm facial" sounds considerably less glamorous.

Scientific reviews describe polynucleotides used in aesthetic medicine as being derived from highly purified DNA from salmon or trout gonads.

More specifically, PDRN can be produced from DNA obtained from salmon sperm. It's important to stress that practitioners aren't simply injecting raw salmon sperm into someone's face. The DNA is extracted, purified and processed into fragments used in the treatment.

Nevertheless, we suspect there will be two very different reactions to discovering the origin: "How fascinating!" and "They're injecting WHAT into my face?

Incidentally some companies use salmon DNA in non-injectionalable preparations, for applying to the face.

For vegetarians and vegans, the animal origin is obviously an important consideration too.

But does salmon DNA actually work?

This is where things become more interesting, because there is genuine scientific research behind polynucleotides, but the evidence isn't yet strong enough to justify every extravagant claim made for them.

A systematic review examining nine studies involving 219 patients found promising improvements in wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity. Side effects were generally mild and temporary, and patient satisfaction ranged from moderate to high. However, the researchers stressed that the available studies were of low or moderate quality and called for better research.

More recent evidence remains encouraging but cautious. A 2026 systematic review of seven randomised trials involving 183 participants found benefits across skin rejuvenation, scar treatment and wound healing, with particularly consistent results for wound healing. However, researchers again highlighted small studies, differing treatment methods and the need for larger trials.

A 2026 study involving 42 people receiving polynucleotide injections around the eyes also reported improvements and high satisfaction, particularly three months after two treatments. But this was an observational study without the strength of a large controlled clinical trial.

Miracle treatment or promising newcomer?

At That's Health, we'd put salmon DNA treatments firmly in the promising but not yet proven beyond doubt category.

There's enough research to suggest polynucleotides aren't simply another nonsensical internet beauty fad. There are plausible biological mechanisms and encouraging clinical results.

But "promising" and "clinically proven miracle treatment" are two very different things.

And before paying for injections, we'd want to know exactly what product was being used, who was administering it, their medical qualifications, the possible adverse effects, and whether the clinic had made it absolutely clear that the glamorous-sounding "salmon DNA" may have begun its journey in the reproductive organs of a fish.

Which brings us to our question for That's Health readers:

Would knowing that the treatment is derived from salmon sperm put you off, or, if there were convincing evidence that it worked, wouldn't you care where it came from?

One particularly interesting point is that the 2026 evidence is stronger for tissue and wound healing than it is for cosmetic rejuvenation, so the science is rather more nuanced than some of the beauty-industry publicity suggests.

A Gift of Gratitude: £10,000 Donation Helps Older People Across Hampshire

Sometimes, practical help at the right moment can make an enormous difference. 

For one Hampshire couple, support with benefit application forms brought financial relief during a deeply difficult period. 

Now, that kindness has inspired a generous gift to help others.

An anonymous husband has donated £10,000 to Age Concern Hampshire after his wife received help from the charity’s free Form Filling Service last year, while her health was deteriorating.

Working with a volunteer, the couple discovered they were entitled to benefits they had not realised they could claim. The additional money made a real difference as they faced the challenges of her declining health.

Sadly, his wife has since died. In recognition of the support they received, her husband wanted to give something back, helping the charity continue its work with older people and families throughout Hampshire.

The donation is eligible for Gift Aid, meaning Age Concern Hampshire expects to claim an additional £2,500 at no extra cost to the donor. That would bring the total value of his gift to £12,500.

Brogan Rehill, the charity’s Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact, described the donation as incredibly significant for a local organisation. She said the story behind it was particularly moving, demonstrating the lasting impact that staff and volunteers can have on people’s lives.

It is a reminder that support does not always need to be complicated to be life-changing. Having someone explain an unfamiliar process, identify possible entitlements and help complete paperwork can ease a considerable burden.

For older people coping with illness, disability or bereavement, official forms can feel daunting. Families and carers may also struggle to find their way through the system while managing other responsibilities.

Age Concern Hampshire’s Information & Advice service, including its free Form Filling Service, helps people understand available support. Assistance includes forms for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Pension Credit and Blue Badge applications.

The independent local charity also offers practical, social and wellbeing services, including Later Life & Dementia Day Care, Help at Home, Foot Care, social groups and digital support.

Its aim is to help older people live well, maintain independence and remain connected to their communities.

Donations, fundraising, grants and volunteers all help sustain this work. This husband’s thoughtful gift will enable support to reach more people when they need it.

To learn more about services, volunteering or making a donation, visit Age Concern Hampshire’s website and explore how you could help. https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Vape tax: are former smokers being punished for switching?

For people who have replaced cigarettes with vaping, the arrival of a new tax may feel like a financial penalty for making a healthier choice.

A survey by retailer E-Cigarette Direct suggests considerable anxiety ahead of Vaping Products Duty, which begins on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Of 2,068 vapers surveyed, 52% expected a major financial impact, while another 37% anticipated a moderate impact.

The duty is £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, including nicotine-free varieties. With VAT, that represents a potential £2.64 increase if fully passed on to customers: approximately £964 annually for somebody using 10ml daily. 

Eligible existing unstamped stock can, however, continue to be sold until 31 March 2027, meaning price increases may arrive unevenly.

The government’s stated aim is to discourage vaping among young people and non-smokers while preserving a financial incentive for smokers to switch.

However, 28% of respondents who previously smoked said they would never have switched if this tax had already existed.

More concerningly, 23% said higher prices would make them more likely to smoke or purchase illegal nicotine products. Within overlapping responses, 17% indicated greater likelihood of buying illegal products and 13% of smoking.

These figures describe intentions, rather than behaviour already observed, but they raise questions about possible unintended consequences.

More than 600 respondents submitted comments, many expressing anger or feeling punished for abandoning cigarettes. 

E-Cigarette Direct chairman James Dunworth urged the government to monitor returning smokers, reduced switching and growth in illegal sales.

There are limitations. Participants came from the retailer’s email subscribers, almost all had previously smoked, and the results were not weighted to represent UK vapers. Respondents also saw estimated annual tax costs before answering the financial impact question. This is a snapshot of one customer community, rather than a national forecast.

Nevertheless, the health distinction matters. The NHS advises that vaping is less harmful than smoking, although it is not harmless and its long-term effects remain uncertain. Children and non-smokers should not start.

For former smokers worried about affordability, returning to cigarettes is a damaging response. Speak to a pharmacist or local stop smoking service about managing cravings and suitable alternatives. Buy vaping products from reputable suppliers covered by UK safety regulations.

Protecting young people is essential. So is helping adults remain smoke-free. Policymakers must judge this tax by its health consequences, alongside the revenue it generates.

https://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk

That's Business: Are Your Premises Still Too Loud?

That's Business: Are Your Premises Still Too Loud?: We’ve raised the issue before on That’s Business: why do so many shops, shopping centres, pubs, cafés and restaurants insist on being so lou...

Living With a Convoluted Bowel: Where to Find Help, Advice and Support

Following our earlier That’s Health article about convoluted bowels, we wanted to look at another important question: where can people living with the condition turn for reliable information and support?

A convoluted bowel, also called a redundant or tortuous colon, means the large bowel is longer than usual and consequently has additional twists and loops. For some people it causes few difficulties. For others, constipation, bloating, abdominal discomfort and difficulty completely emptying the bowel can become recurring problems.

One difficulty is that you probably won't find a large UK charity devoted specifically to convoluted bowels. However, there are excellent organisations offering information about constipation and digestive health more generally.

Guts UK https://gutscharity.org.uk

Guts UK is the UK's national charity for the digestive system and is an excellent starting point.

Its website includes detailed information about constipation, its possible causes and available treatments. Importantly, it also points out that simply eating ever-increasing quantities of fibre isn't necessarily appropriate for everybody. With severe constipation, Guts UK advises consulting a doctor before continuing to increase fibre because doing so can sometimes make symptoms worse.

Guts UK also operates a helpline on 0300 102 4887, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm, providing information, guidance and signposting for people affected by digestive conditions and symptoms.

There is also an excellent online Poo-Torial, designed to help people understand changes in the colour, consistency and frequency of their stools.

The NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation

The NHS constipation guide provides straightforward advice on managing constipation and, importantly, explains when you should speak to your GP.

The NHS recommends seeking medical advice if constipation isn't improving with treatment, keeps recurring, is accompanied by regular bloating or abdominal pain, or if there is blood in your poo, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness or a sudden change in bowel habits.

Long-term constipation can sometimes result in faecal impaction, so persistent problems shouldn't simply be accepted as something you have to live with.

Bladder & Bowel Community https://www.bladderandbowel.org

Another useful source is the Bladder & Bowel Community, which provides information, resources and support for people throughout the UK living with bowel and bladder conditions.

Keeping your own bowel diary

It can also be worth becoming your own detective.

Keep a simple diary recording bowel movements, stool consistency, constipation, bloating, pain, food and fluid intake, exercise and any laxatives or medicines taken. Over time, patterns may emerge, and the information could be extremely useful when talking to your GP, pharmacist, dietitian or gastroenterology team.

Don't automatically assume that what works for another constipation sufferer will work for you. Constipation can have different underlying mechanisms, including slow movement through the colon and problems with the pelvic-floor muscles involved in emptying the bowel.

And if you've been diagnosed with an unusually long or convoluted colon, make sure healthcare professionals know about it, particularly before future bowel investigations.

Perhaps the most important message is this: don't be embarrassed to talk about your bowels.

Constipation and bowel problems are extraordinarily common. Guts UK estimates constipation affects around one in seven otherwise healthy people.

Talking about poo might not be glamorous, but sometimes it's exactly what good healthcare requires.

That’s Health note: This article provides general information and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. Persistent or worsening bowel symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Are Your Contact Lens Habits Putting Your Sight at Risk?

National Eye Health Week, taking place from 21–27 September, offers an important opportunity to examine how we care for our eyes. 

New research suggests many contact lens wearers may unknowingly be putting their sight at risk.

A survey of 300 UK contact lens wearers, commissioned by eye clinic Oculase, found that 88% had slept in their lenses. 

16% admitted doing so regularly, while over 70% had occasionally fallen asleep without removing them.

“Sleeping in contact lenses reduces oxygen to your cornea, leaving the surface stressed, slightly swollen and more fragile,” Oculase founder Tariq Ayoub explained to That's Health. 

“Without blinking, tears don’t refresh, so debris and microbes get trapped against the eye.”

This increases the risk of microbial keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening infection of the cornea.

However, sleeping in lenses was not the only concerning habit identified. The survey found 79% of respondents had worn contact lenses in the shower, 61% had worn them while swimming or using a hot tub, and 53% had rinsed lenses or storage cases with tap water.

Water can contain organisms that should never become trapped between a contact lens and the eye. Worryingly over 80% of those surveyed had never heard of acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious infection particularly associated with exposing contact lenses to water.

The study also uncovered widespread discomfort. Over half of respondents reported dryness, redness or irritation, while 67% had stopped wearing their lenses at some point because of discomfort or an eye problem.

Contact lens wearer Andy, 46, discovered the risks after waking with a painful, red eye. An ophthalmologist subsequently confirmed that he had developed a contact lens infection.

There also appears to be confusion about the relative risks of contact lenses and laser eye surgery. Only 41% thought contact lenses carried the greater risk of serious infection. 

However, the risks are not directly comparable: contact lenses present a small but continuing risk when worn, while laser treatment is a medical procedure carrying its own short- and long-term considerations. Anyone contemplating surgery should seek independent clinical advice.

Most contact lens complications can be prevented. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, keep them away from tap water, never swim or shower in them, and replace them according to the manufacturer’s or optometrist’s instructions.

Unless specifically prescribed for overnight use, remove lenses before sleeping. Even extended-wear lenses are not risk-free.

If you develop persistent redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge or unusual sensitivity to light, remove your lenses and seek urgent professional advice. When it comes to eye infections, prompt treatment could help protect your sight.

https://oculase.com

Excessive Sweating: Can Topical and Herbal Treatments Help?

Sweating is one of the body's natural cooling mechanisms, but for some people it goes well beyond what is needed to regulate temperature. 

Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, can affect the armpits, hands, feet, face, scalp or other areas of the body.

It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and surprisingly disruptive. 

Fortunately, there are several treatments available, including conventional topical products and some traditional herbal remedies.

Start With Antiperspirants

There's an important difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants primarily tackle odour, while antiperspirants actually reduce the amount of sweat reaching the skin.

Products containing aluminium salts, particularly aluminium chloride, are commonly used for excessive sweating. Stronger preparations are available from pharmacies and may be recommended by a GP.

They are usually applied to completely dry skin at night and washed off in the morning. Following the instructions carefully is important because stronger antiperspirants can cause skin irritation.

What About Sage?

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has a long history of traditional use for excessive perspiration, including sweating associated with the menopause.

Sage is available as tea, tablets, tinctures and other preparations. However, while there is some research into sage for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and sweating, evidence for treating hyperhidrosis itself is limited.

Herbal doesn't automatically mean harmless, either. Concentrated sage products can contain thujone, which may be harmful in excessive quantities. Anyone taking medicines, pregnant or breastfeeding, or living with a medical condition should check with a pharmacist or doctor before using herbal supplements.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent and is sometimes suggested as a topical treatment for sweaty skin. Applied to areas such as the feet or underarms, it may make the skin feel temporarily drier.

However, evidence that witch hazel actually treats hyperhidrosis is lacking, and frequent application can irritate sensitive skin. It should therefore be regarded as a possible comfort measure rather than a proven treatment.

Other Traditional Remedies

People sometimes recommend cooled black tea soaks for sweaty hands or feet because tea contains tannins with astringent properties. Again, scientific evidence for treating hyperhidrosis this way is limited.

Whatever remedy you try, avoid applying potentially irritating substances such as neat essential oils or strong acidic preparations to sensitive, broken or freshly shaved skin.

When Sweating Deserves a GP Appointment

Excessive sweating isn't always simply a nuisance. Sometimes it can be associated with another condition or with medication.

It's particularly worth seeking medical advice if excessive sweating starts suddenly, occurs predominantly at night, affects your whole body, is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, palpitations or other symptoms, or represents a significant change from your normal pattern.

A GP may investigate possible underlying causes and discuss treatments ranging from prescription-strength antiperspirants and tablets to iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections and specialist procedures.

The important message is that you don't necessarily have to put up with excessive sweating. Herbal and traditional remedies may provide some people with modest relief, but persistent or severe hyperhidrosis deserves proper assessment — and there are effective medical treatments available.