In this edition of Hip & Healthy’s Beauty School series, we’re shining a spotlight on exosomes – aka the tiny messengers shaking up the skincare scene. These little wonders are derived from stem cells, and they’re seriously changing how we think about skin rejuvenation. Think of them as your skin’s personal delivery service, packing potent growth factors and signalling molecules to kickstart repair and regeneration. It’s no wonder experts are calling them the next big thing in anti-ageing, and they’re quickly moving from lab to luxury serums.

But what exactly are they and how should we be using them in our skincare routine? We tapped Dr. Aman Harghandewal, Aesthetic Doctor at ZEN Healthcare, to find out everything you need to know. So, get ready to swot up on this must-have beauty ingredient and bag yourself an A+ when it comes to all things exosomes.

So, What Exactly Are Exosomes and What Do They Do?

Try to think of exosomes as tiny messengers that work on helping skin cells to communicate and repair themselves – they are small extracellular vesicles (tiny bubbles released by cells) packed with proteins, lipids, and genetic material that play a key role in skin regeneration. In aesthetic treatments, exosomes from stem cells help increase collagen production (for skin cell rejuvenation), they speed up healing, and help to reduce inflammation. This makes them a game-changer for tackling issues like ageing, pigmentation, and recovery after treatments.
Exosomes can be sourced from humans but it’s still not legal in the UK due to safety and ethical concerns. This restriction stems from regulations that ban human origin ingredients in cosmetic products primarily to mitigate risks such as disease transmission and immune reactions. Instead, they’re sourced from alternative sources of exosomes, including plant derived, animal derived, and biosynthetic lab engineered options.  

Can All Skin Types Benefit from Them?

Absolutely! Because exosomes work deep down at a cellular level, they’re suitable for all skin types, whether you’re sensitive, dry, oily, or prone to acne. Instead of irritating your skin, they help strengthen it, improve hydration, and calm things down. They’re amazing for mature skin because they boost collagen and elastin and are also great for dealing with redness or irritation.

What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Them into a Skincare Routine?

Exosomes work even better when paired with in-clinic treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, or chemical peels. These treatments create tiny channels in your skin, allowing the exosomes to penetrate deeper and get to work more effectively.

When using them at home, exosome serums or creams should be applied after cleansing and before your heavier moisturisers so they can really soak in. And because they help repair skin, they’re a great addition to your routine after a procedure.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Them? 

Exosomes in skincare offer promising benefits like enhanced skin rejuvenation, reduced inflammation, and improved hydration due to their ability to deliver growth factors and proteins directly to skin cells – the downside would be (as with any treatment) there can be mild side effects such as redness, swelling and/or skin irritation. 

Are There Any Misconceptions about Exosomes You Want to Clear Up?  

One big one is when people say exosomes are the same as stem cells, but they’re not. They come from stem cells but don’t contain any live cells themselves. They just send signals to help your skin work better. Another myth is that all exosome products are equally good, but the truth is that where the exosomes come from and their quality makes a huge difference. That’s why it’s important to choose medical-grade treatments from trustworthy providers rather than just buying any exosome product you see.

Any Other Interesting Facts About Exosomes That People Might Not Know…

Exosomes aren’t just changing skincare; they’re also significantly impacting regenerative medicine! They’re being studied for hair growth, wound healing, and even treating brain conditions. Some experts even say that exosome therapy is the ‘next generation of PRP (platelet-rich plasma)’ because it’s more powerful and doesn’t require using a patient’s blood.

Words by Frankie Rozwadowska

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