written by: Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Published on 2/13/2024 at 12:00 pm

Exosome treatments are one of the newer trends bubbling up in the skincare world. But with all the hype, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction before you invest your hard-earned money. As someone who loves decoding the latest skincare trends, and has a background in stem cells and tissue engineering I could not miss the opportunity to talk about exosome treatments. Today we are shedding light on exosomes, debunking common myths, and empowering you to make informed decisions about your skincare journey.

What are Exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny sacs that hang onto the outside of your cells; they carry precious cargo of molecules that influence how your cells function. At the right time, they will detach from the cells carrying them and release their goodies to promote regenerative cellular functions.

These microscopic bubbles released by healthy cells, containing proteins, RNA, and other cellular goodies can trigger important functions like cell turnover and collagen production. Researchers are exploring their potential to deliver these beneficial molecules to specific areas in the body, including the skin. There are several companies that are developing exosome treatments that can be used in the clinical during a treatment or in a serum.

Related Post: Topical Exosomes for Glowing Skin – Hype or Helpful?

Myth Busters: Separating Fact from Fiction About Exosome Treatments

While the science behind exosomes is exciting, it’s important to manage expectations and address some common misconceptions as they are gaining popularity.

Myth 1: Exosome treatments are a miracle cure for all skin concerns.

Reality: The research is still in its early stages, and there are no FDA-approved exosome treatments today. There are only a handful of clinical trials using exosomes. While there are some promising data on exosomes’ ability to enhance collagen products and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; exosome treatments definitely haven’t been established as a cure-all.

Related Post: Exosome Facials: Are They Worth the Money?

More studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety as a skincare treatment.

Myth 2: Anyone can benefit from exosome treatments.

Reality: Individual needs and skin types play a crucial role in the benefits of exosome treatments. Consulting a dermatologist before trying exosomes is essential to determine their suitability for your specific concerns and potential interactions with other medications or conditions.

Myth 3: Exosome treatments are a safe and readily available alternative to traditional skincare.

Reality: Safety and accessibility are key concerns. The claims associated with exosome treatments are definitely drug claims which means they have to be regulated by the FDA. The long-term effects of exosome treatments are still under investigation, and they’re not yet widely available or FDA-approved. Traditional skincare approaches, like a retinoid regimen, are still a better and more cost-effective option when chosen wisely.

Myth 4: All exosome treatments are created equal.

Reality: Quality matters! The source, processing, and storage of exosomes can significantly impact their effectiveness and safety.  One of the key concerns about exosome treatments today is there is no control or regulation over the way exosomes are sourced.

Without regulation or clinical data from the company, there is no way to know if the exosomes you are applying are effective.

Opting for treatments from reputable sources with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices is crucial. It is important to remember that companies want to sell their products, so read their data with a critical eye and look for opportunities to validate it if possible.

Myth 5: Exosomes are so small they can penetrate the skin barrier.

Reality: Exosomes are a lot smaller than the cells that carry them, and this is part of what has attracted researchers to the possibility that they could be the next big skincare active. However, despite the theoretically being small enough to penetrate the skin barrier, there is mixed data available on whether they can do so. Your skin barrier is effective at keeping things out and some of the preliminary data on exosome treatments shows they need a little bit of extra help penetrating.

Related Post: Demystifying Your Skin Barrier: What Is It and How Does It Get Damaged

Most of the clinical data I was able to find used exosome treatments in combination with penetration-enhancing treatments like dermabrasion or injection.

Myth 6: Exosome treatments are a quick fix for aging skin.

Reality: Aging is a complex process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Exosomes, along with a holistic approach encompassing healthy lifestyle habits and a consistent, personalized skincare routine, may offer added benefits, but expecting overnight miracles is unrealistic.

Related Post: Understanding the Science Behind Aging in Skin: Tips for Youthful Glow

You are not going to receive the same instant tightening effects from exosome treatments as you would from a Botox treatment. And there is not as much data to support exosomes’ ability to enhance collagen production like a retinoid. And lastly, there is nothing that can be more effective in preventing the effects of aging compared to using sunscreen daily.

Related Post:Why Is Sunscreen Important?

So remember, while exosome treatments are a promising new and exciting option in skincare; you have to have realistic expectations. If you like trying new skincare trends and the price tag does not deter you stick to trusted sources for information, and prioritize scientific evidence over marketing claims. And most importantly always consult a dermatologist before diving into any new treatments.

References

1. Lotfy, A., AboQuella, N. M., & Wang, H. (2023). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in clinical trials. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 14(1), 66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37024925/
2. Kim, D. H., Kang, S. E., Kim, M. S., Kang, Y. H., Lee, Y. H., Chung, I. H., & Jeon, Y. B. (2021). The Utilization of Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes in Aging Skin: An Investigational Pilot Study. Journal of Surgical Research, 1388(2), 39-47. https://exosomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/JSUR-1388-2.pdf
3. Yu, W., Li, M., Li, M., Guo, W., Li, X., Zhao, Y., … & Zheng, G. (2021). Topical Application of Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Combination with Sponge Spicules for Treatment of Photoaging. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 16, 8385-8398. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S249751
4. Yang, T., Zhang, X., Wu, H., Chen, W., Liu, S., Liu, H., … & Wu, M. (2022). Exosomes based advancements for application in medical aesthetics. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 1083640. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.1083640/full
5. Azam, F. (2020). Needle-Free Injection of Exosome-based candidates move into the clinic. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 19(3), 156-157. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7032013/
6. Kim, B.-J., Kim, W.-C., Song, Y.-B., Sung, J.-H., Kwon, T.-G., Oh, Y.-M., & Bae, J.-M. (2023). Efficacy of combined treatment with human adipose tissue stem cell-derived exosome-containing solution and microneedling for facial skin aging: A 12-week prospective, randomized, split-face study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(2), 380-388. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37377400/
7. Kim, K. H., & Sung, J. H. (2023). A Review of exosomes and their application in cutaneous medical aesthetics. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(3), 801-814
8. , 14(1), 66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37498301/

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