Everything you need to know about exosomes

In the ever-evolving world of dermatology, there’s a new treatment the beauty world is talking about called exosome therapy. Commonly known for their ability to revive, repair, and rejuvenate, these tiny cells are reinventing the way we address common concerns like hyperpigmentation, hair loss, ageing, and acne scars. We spoke to leading dermatologist Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, who broke down everything we need to know about this revolutionary skin treatment and why it's the next big thing in beauty.

Before we dive in, it's important to understand what exosomes really are. In simple words, exosomes are nanoparticles released by nearly all cells in the human body, and skin cells have their very own kind of exosomes. "Exosomes work as the messengers in skin that help to facilitate communication from one cell to another," explains Dr. Agarwal. These tiny cells, ranging in size from 30 to 150 mm, contain various lipids, proteins, amino acids, peptides, growth factors, nucleic acids, and genetic material.

What do they primarily do? "They help to identify and repair defective skin cells, making them a versatile solution for a range of skin and hair issues, including rejuvenation, anti-ageing, pigmentation reduction, acne scars, hair fall, and even increasing hair density," she adds. One of the key features of this treatment is its versatility to work across all skin types. "They can be used by anyone as they do not have side effects like skin irritation or reactivity," says Dr. Agarwal, making them a game-changer for those with sensitive skin.

In case you're wondering where exosomes are derived from, they come from human stem cells, which are the most effective. They also come from plants, which are now gaining popularity for their promising results. "The key lies not just in the concentration but in ensuring the exosomes are derived from the right source," she emphasises. "The quality and formulation of exosomes, as well as their stability, are crucial for effectiveness."

When it comes to their application and procedure, they are often paired with other treatments like microneedling with radio frequency (MNRF), laser resurfacing, or fractional plasma done in a professional clinic. "We create micro-channels in the skin using these technologies, then apply exosomes on the treated skin. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the skin through these channels, addressing specific concerns at a cellular level," Dr. Agarwal explains.

The frequency of the treatment is typically spaced with a gap of three to four weeks for skin and every 15 days for hair. "We recommend 4-6 sessions for visible results, followed by maintenance," she adds. The downtime depends on the treatment and your skin's sensitivity, but MNRF, which is slightly invasive, requires 2-3 days for the redness to go down. Exosome therapy for the hair doesn't really need downtime, but aftercare is crucial.

According to Dr. Madhuri, patients have reported significant improvements in both skin and hair health. "Skin tone and texture improve, redness and reactivity go down, and there is noticeable plumpness and tightening, giving the skin a more youthful appearance," notes Dr. Agarwal. For hair, results are equally promising: "Hair fall reduces, and in just 2-3 sessions, there is an improvement in hair texture and quality."

Exosomes have definitely made their mark in dermatology as a great innovation of science and minimum invasiveness, delivering maximum benefits. Their ability to revive, repair, and rejuvenate is brilliant, making them a significant component of future beauty treatments. If you’re thinking of incorporating exosomes into your skincare and hair care regimen, consult a dermatologist and reap its benefits at the earliest—we’re certain it won't leave you disappointed.

Edited by Sabrina Mathews, Dayle Pereira