From Science Fiction to Reality: Exosomes Redefine Anti-Aging and Skin Restoration

Throughout history, the quest for anti-aging solutions has been a journey spanning generations. People have explored various avenues, from skincare products and supplements to medications and energy-based devices, all in pursuit of maintaining a youthful appearance.

Beauty trends, like seasons, evolve and transform. At one point, influenced by social media, the focus was on “augmentation” procedures, such as enhancing lips, cheeks, nose, breasts, and buttocks. However, the current trend has shifted towards embracing a more natural look. There has also been a major paradigm shift from traditional surgical resection of sagging skin to minimally invasive therapies.

This change has led to a growing preference for skin rejuvenation treatments over those that alter one’s entire appearance. As a result, more individuals are seeking ways to revitalize their skin and enhance their innate beauty rather than seeking drastic transformations.

Now, innovative technologies continue to emerge, offering new hope for achieving youthful and radiant skin. One such groundbreaking advancement is the use of exosomes for skin rejuvenation.

But before we go into details, let’s clarify some terms.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are unique cells in the body that have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types, such as skin cells, bone marrow cells, nerve cells, red blood cells and muscle cells. They play important role in the natural process of tissue repair and regeneration, giving our bodies the innate ability to heal themselves.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles, which is the medical term for tiny bubbles that are released from stem cells. They serve as potent messengers in communication between cells. Laden with growth factors, protein, lipids, and genetic material, exosomes play a role in orchestrating various cellular processes, including tissue repair and regeneration. In the context of skin rejuvenation, they are harnessed for their ability to promote collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation and enhance skin healing.

When introduced to the skin, exosomes signal the fibroblasts, and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Therefore, exosomes are great in diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe irritated skin, address redness caused by environmental stressors and even improve acnes.

Stem cells have become a focus in regenerative medicine for their unique ability to develop into different cell types, their strong influence on the immune system and their ease of manipulation in the lab. However, recent studies have shown that their beneficial effects on healing and tissue repair are not mainly due to their ability to change into other cell types, but rather because of the substances they release. One of these substances is exosomes.

Research has found that exosomes alone are responsible for many of the positive effects seen when mesenchymal stem cells are used in experiments. Because of this, scientists are now looking into using exosomes by themselves as a new way to treat various diseases, including those affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, immune system, brain, and even for helping wounds heal on the skin.

In aesthetic use, there are some indications where exosomes have proven beneficial:

- Rough skin texture

- Enlarged pores

- Dehydrated skin

- Oily skin

- Red and sensitive skin

- Hyperpigmentation

- Scars

- Fine lines and wrinkles

- Acne

- Hair loss

Furthermore, due to their skin repair properties, exosomes are often combined with other procedures like laser to help reduce downtime, minimize inflammation, enhance wound healing and minimize scarring post procedure. Ablative lasers also serve as the mode of delivery of exosomes into the skin.

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide)

As we know, DNA serves as a vital component for skin regeneration and wound healing. Certain products incorporate PDRN, a low molecular weight DNA complex, for the purpose of skin rejuvenation. Clinical studies have demonstrated the properties of PDRN, including anti-inflammatory effects, ability to inhibit pigment formation, stimulate collagen synthesis, and promote angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels). By enhancing blood vessels formation, PDRN improves blood flow, ultimately accelerating the skin’s healing process.

Out of the numerous products currently available, the one I want to highlight here is DuoExoti.

DuoExoti

DuoExoti is a skin booster formulated with 50 billion exosome particles (containing more than 150 key growth factors, cytokines and proteins) and 1.5% pure salmon DNA (PDRN and PN). The utilization of salmon DNA is driven by its similarity of over 95% to human DNA, rendering it a safe and beneficial ingredient for enhancing the skin’s health and appearance.

DuoExoti offers many benefits, including promoting tissue repair, reducing skin inflammation, diminishing hyperpigmentation, boosting collagen synthesis, replenishing skin moisture, and improving skin texture. With this, you can experience a rejuvenated and revitalized complexion, benefiting from the power of exosomes and salmon DNA.

It is delivered to the skin either via injection, microneedling, or topical

application after ablative laser procedures. Microneedling increases the absorption of the product by creating multiple tiny holes in the skin. Similarly, ablative laser also creates channels that reach the dermal layer of the skin, allowing product to directly reach the dermis when applied to the skin.

The dermal layer is specifically targeted in skin treatments because it houses the essential dermal fibroblast, which are key components responsible for collagen production and the regulation of skin physiology. PN or PDRN and exosomes have the remarkable ability to promote growth and activity of these fibroblasts. It becomes evident that administering product directly into this layer yields the maximum benefits for skin rejuvenation and overall skin health.

You might be wondering, “What sets exosomes therapy apart from platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?”

Platelet rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet rich plasma is a volume of plasma that has platelet concentration above baseline. To obtain platelet rich plasma, it involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the plasma enriched with platelets from other components. This PRP is abundant in growth factors, cytokine, and other bioactive proteins that repair and regenerate tissues. PRP has been used widely in medical field as a method of healing injuries or ulcers, and in cosmetic treatment for face and hair.

Both PRP therapy and exosome offer effective rejuvenation, harnessing the power of natural tissue-building substances. However, these two approaches differ in essential ways.

Exosomes VS PRP

PRP relies on the growth factors present in your own blood, while exosomes are sourced from stem cell cultures. Exosomes deliver way more growth factors than PRP does. Exosomes treatment also typically yields visible improvements after just one or two applications, whereas PRP injections may require three to six treatments before achieving noticeable results. Additionally, PRP’s effectiveness may vary among individuals, with age influencing the final outcome. Exosome treatment, on the other hand, consistently delivers excellent results across all age groups. Lastly, PRP is not suitable for individuals with low platelet, platelet dysfunction, liver disease, blood or bone cancer, beta thalassemia major, those on anticoagulant therapy, or those having acute or chronic infection. On the other hand, when it comes to exosome therapy, there are no specific contraindications. This means that there are no absolute restrictions or conditions that would prevent individuals from undergoing exosome therapy. Both treatments offer skin rejuvenation benefits, but exosomes may have additional advantages due to their targeted and potent cell-signaling properties.

“Is exosomes skin booster the same as other skin boosters?”

While all skin boosters share the goal of biorevitalising the skin, there are notable distinction in their concepts, ingredients, and mechanism of action. The benefits of each can be understood based on the ingredients used. Exosomes, PN and PDRN skin boosters primarily aim at anti-aging benefits. On the other hand, skin boosters containing hyaluronic acid (HA) are focused on delivering deep hydration to the skin, enhancing its moisture levels. Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its exceptional hydrating properties. As a naturally occurring substance in the skin, it has a remarkable ability to attract and retain moisture. Due to its unique molecular structure, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful humectant. When injected into the skin, it helps to replenish and maintain optimal hydration levels, resulting in plumper, smoother and more radiant skin.

Stem cells VS exosomes therapy

Stem cells therapy involves directing stem cells to transform into specific cells within the body. Stem cells can be sourced from various places, such as embryos, umbilical cords, and in adult bone marrow and fat.

During stem cells treatment for skin, donor stem cells are introduced into the skin through different methods, including topical application, injections, or combining them with other skin rejuvenation procedures like microneedling or laser therapy. Similarly to exosomes, it promotes cell proliferation, collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels, addresses signs aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity as it helps replenish and renew the skin’s structure and function.

However, unlike stem cell therapy, exosomes therapy does not involve using donor cells in your body. Instead, exosomes are extracted from donated human mesenchymal stem cells and sterilised.

As stem cell and exosome treatments have gained popularity, an increasing number of beauty salons now offer these services. I have observed a growing trend on social media and among my clients where the Hyaluron Pen is being utilized as a method of delivering these treatments to the skin.

So, what exactly is the Hyaluron Pen?

This device has become well-known in the beauty industry and even as a DIY device to administer hyaluronic acid fillers into the skin without the need for traditional needles. It offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional injectable procedures and is commonly employed for lip augmentations and reducing wrinkles within beauty salons. Now, it appears they have also started using Hyaluron Pen for the delivery of various products into the skin.

How does it work?

The Hyaluron Pen does not contain any needles. It operates on a principle of pressure technology. It uses a spring-loaded mechanism to create a high-pressure jet that pushes small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler or stem cells solution through the skin via a microscopic opening. The pressure is generated by the pen itself, eliminating the need for needles.

It sounds tempting. However, we DO NOT recommend this method of delivery due to multiple reasons:

Limited depth of penetration

The Hyaluron Pen is designed for superficial injections and may not be suitable for deeper injections or for certain areas of the face that require more precise placement, such as the nasolabial folds or under-eye area.

Poor precision and control

One of the main reasons we prefer injections is the level of precision and control they offer. With a needle, we can make precise changes and target specific areas with accuracy. This is particularly important when it comes to delicate areas such as the lips or areas with fine lines and wrinkles. The Hyaluron Pen, on the other hand, may not provide the same level of precision, as the filler is dispersed underneath the skin.

Also, since the insertion of drug is delivered through pressurized air, it is very hard to control how much drug is delivered. People tend to misuse the product and deliver hyaluronic acid into the wrong area given the lack of knowledge and control.

Risks and safety considerations

The device’s intense pressure can cause more severe problems like blocked blood vessels, leading to skin necrosis. In certain cases, when air pressure is not enough to surpass the superficial layer of the skin, filler may be delivered to the wrong area causing puffiness or uneven appearance. Swelling, bruising and lumpiness are also common complications.

I have encountered clients who previously underwent stem cell therapy done with Hyaluron Pen at beauty salons before seeking treatment at our clinic. The results from those treatments were unsatisfactory, as evident by discoloured lumps and bumps visible at the treatment areas. For this reason, it is important to seek certified professionals for treatment.

Uses of exosomes other than skin concerns:

Hair loss

Apart from skin rejuvenation, exosomes therapy also emerges as a promising and transformative solution for hair loss.

Hair loss affects numerous individuals and can have a profound impact on self-confidence and overall well-being. Other treatment options include oral supplements, topical medications, PRP procedures and hair transplant.

While PRP has been a proven treatment for hair loss, exosomes therapy takes it to the next level, delivering more growth factors than PRP. Introduction of exosomes into the scalp triggers the regeneration of hair follicles. These powerful messengers communicate with existing cells, encouraging them to proliferate and revive dormant hair follicles. Additionally, the growth factors present in exosomes also stimulate more blood flow to the scalp, providing nourishment and oxygen to the hair follicles, which aid in promoting hair growth and improving hair quality.

From male and female pattern baldness to alopecia areata, exosomes therapy offers a versatile approach to address different types of hair loss. With its ability to stimulate natural hair growth and improve hair density, exosome therapy can help individuals regain their crowning glory and confidence.

Read more on Hair Loss

Why do we lose hair?

More Blog on Hair Loss

Regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stem cell- derived exosomes hold great potential as a novel cell-free therapeutic approach for addressing a wide array of diseases, such as heart, kidney, liver, immune and neurological conditions, as well as aiding in cutaneous wound healing. Researchers have been extensively exploring exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells as a promising avenue for developing regenerative strategies to combat various diseases. These exosomes carry many of the therapeutic properties found in mesenchymal stem cells, making them valuable tools for innovative treatments. What’s particularly exciting is this cell-free therapy mitigates safety concerns associated with administering viable cells directly.