Exosomes: What are they? How do they work? And are they safe?
Exosomes Skin Rejuvenation, West Malling, Kent
Exosomes are creating quite a stir, and their benefits make it clear why. These tiny vesicles are outshining traditional skin treatments such as growth factors, skin boosters, and even the much-discussed platelet-rich plasma (PRP). They are touted for their abilities to firm, smooth, soothe, and even skin tone effectively. But what are exosomes, how do they function, and what about their safety? Below is a guide to understanding exosomes in skincare.
What are exosomes?
Our stem cells secrete exosomes, which are extremely small vesicles or bubbles that act as the body’s primary intercellular communication system. They typically carry growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents, ceramides, lipids, and other molecules that aid cells in protein production, like collagen. Exosomes are encased in a cell membrane, which allows them to be recognised and abosrbed by our cells. This makes using exosomes a particularly efficient way of ferrying active ingredients right into our skin cells, one of the holy-grail goals of regenerative skincare.
What do they do for the skin?
Once absorbed by skin cells, they switch on your skin’s fibroblasts to produce up to 600% more collagen and 300% more elastin. It’s a wrinkle-softening, pigmentation-minimising trick that skincare actives such as retinoids and growth factors perform up to a point, but this degree of fibroblast activation has not been seen before.
Exosomes possess anti-inflammatory properties and bolster immunity. For the skin, this translates to reduced redness and irritation and can help alleviate symptoms of stubborn conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. They are also an excellent complement to heat-based skin treatments, such as radiofrequency microneedling and laser procedures. These treatments not only facilitate exosomes’ skin penetration but also benefit from their ability to quickly soothe irritation and expedite healing. In terms of potency, exosome therapy is estimated to be substantially more effective than PRP.
What are they made from?
Some are plant-derived, some come from animal sources, and some from humans. Each country has its own regulations surrounding cosmetic ingredients and, in some countries, it is not illegal to use human-derived exosomes.
In the EU and UK, human-derived exosomes are not approved for cosmetic applications and should not be used in aesthetic practice. At Illuminate, we opt for plant-based exosomes from a brand named Exo|E. Scientific research indicates that certain plant exosomes are preferentially taken up by human cells over those derived from humans. Exo|E has undergone extensive research and has demonstrated impressive results.
What results can you see from exosomes?
Using exosomes can rejuvenate your skin, making it appear fresher, brighter, and smoother. You might notice enhanced evenness in skin tone and texture, along with improvements in acne scars, enlarged pores, and wrinkles. This is because exosomes can stimulate your skin cells’ natural repair mechanisms, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin, improved healing, and reduced irregular pigmentation.
Ongoing studies suggest that Exo|E exosomes can significantly boost elastin, as well as collagen and hyaluronic acid levels. Additionally, they may diminish inflammation and other side effects from more aggressive acne and burn treatments, making them an excellent adjunctive therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about exosomes therapy, click here to enquire or to book a consultation to an expert practitioner.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
