Exosomes: The Next Big Thing in Medical Aesthetics?
The highly touted potential of exosome treatments has gained increasing attention in recent months, with numerous celebrity endorsements and articles in everything from Vogue magazine to GQ extolling the transformative nature of the treatment. Many claims are being made, and an increasing number of clinics are offering the treatment. So is it time to get excited, or is it all hype? What are exosomes? How do they work? And more importantly, DO they work? We take a closer look at all things exosome to help you decide if it might be the next treatment for you.
What are Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring extracellular vesicles - think of them as small capsules or envelopes - produced by most cells in the body. They carry a variety of biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material (like RNA) ¹. When these biomolecules are delivered to and taken up by other cells, they influence the recipient cell's behavior. In the body, this delivery system acts as a messenger, enabling cells to communicate with each other and regulate various biological processes.
There have been several studies into the action and effects of exosomes, and there is increasingly strong evidence to show that they can play an important role in wound repair, inhibition of pigmentation, delayed cell aging, regulation of inflammatory responses and production of collagen ². These findings suggest a promising range of potential benefits for regenerative medicine and aesthetics.
How Are Exosomes Different from Stem Cells?
Stem cell therapy has gained popularity for tissue rejuvenation, but how do exosomes differ? The main difference is that exosomes are not cells; they are small packages of biological material produced by cells. In contrast, stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types ³.
In the body exosomes play a key role in signaling to stem cells, influencing what they become and how they function. This interaction is critical for tissue repair and regeneration. Because exosomes are not cells, they offer certain advantages over stem cell treatments, such as a reduced risk of adverse reactions since the body is less likely to reject them.
How Are Exosomes Different from Polynucleotides?
While exosomes work by delivering biomolecules that alter cell behaviour, polynucleotides work slightly differently. Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA), which when introduced into the skin (normally via injection) can encourage cell repair and turnover, improve hydration, reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. Polynucleotides are particularly effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin quality.
At Elevate, we currently offer polynucleotide treatments, which have been shown to deliver excellent results for skin rejuvenation. Learn more about our polynucleotide treatments here.
How Do Exosomes Work in Medical Aesthetics?
By delivering their contents to cells in the skin, and triggering changes to the behaviour of those cells, exosomes can improve cellular regeneration and repair, reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and inhibit hyperpigmentation ². These changes result in improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, faster healing and a clearer complexion, as well as having shown promising results for hair regrowth.
At this stage, exosomes cannot be injected into or under the skin. Instead, they are applied topically in a serum form, often following procedures that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin - such as Dermapen Microneedling ([link to treatment page]) or Morpheus8 ([link to treatment page]) - to enhance absorption and effectiveness.
There is ongoing research into treatment protocols and how long results will last. Currently, most clinics recommend a series of several treatments spaced a few weeks apart. The exact regime varies depending on the area being treated and the specific skin concern, and these recommendations are likely to change as new research emerges.
Potential Uses for Exosomes
Anti-aging
Scar reduction
Hair growth
Skin health
Healing
Are Exosome Treatments Available Yet?
Exosome treatments are becoming increasingly available in the UK, offered both as in-clinic procedures and at-home treatments. However, because these treatments are still in the early stages of development, ongoing research is exploring the most effective delivery methods and the long-term effects.
As with all medical aesthetic procedures, not all treatments are created equal - the efficacy of exosome treatments can vary widely depending on the provider and the formulation used.
At Elevate, we are committed to offering only treatments that meet our high standards for safety and results. While we do not currently offer exosome treatments, we are actively monitoring their development and will only introduce them to our clinic when we are confident in their safety and effectiveness.
Other Treatments You May Be Interested In
Browse our Skin Treatments to learn more about the wide range of treatments we offer at Elevate Medical Aesthetics
The Future of Exosome Treatments
Current research and results of exosome treatments is highly promising. They offer a non-invasive and potentially transformative option for those looking to rejuvenate their skin, while also showing encouraging results for more specific concerns such as hair growth and scar reduction.
At Elevate, we are committed to offering only the treatments we wholeheartedly believe in. You can trust that we will continue to follow the emerging research with keen interest. When we are confident in the safety, efficacy, and quality of exosome treatments, they may find a place on our treatment list.
One thing is certain: the world of medical aesthetics is a dynamic and exciting field, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
References
1. Tienda-Vázquez. M, et al. (June 14, 2023) ‘Exosomes: A Promising Strategy for Repair, Regeneration and Treatment of Skin Disorders’, Pubmed Central Online, accessed 20.12.24
2. Zhang. B, et al. (Dec 20, 2022) ‘Exosome based advancements for application in medical aesthetics’, Pubmed Central Online, accessed 20.12.24
3. Louis A. Cona, MD (2024) ‘Exosomes vs Stem Cells: Differences & Utility’, DVCStem Online, accessed 20.12.24
