Exosome Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation is a popular and sought-after treatment for those dealing with effects of aging or problematic skin conditions. With so many treatment and skincare options available, it can be difficult to determine what route is the best for you.

Exosome therapy is a relatively new procedure that leverages the power of exosomes, which are tiny vesicles with molecular components. While exosomes show promise across several conditions, they also can help to rejuvenate the skin, combatting aging and inflammatory dermatologic problems. This article will explore the science of exosomes and their potential use in skin rejuvenation.

What are exosomes?

Exosome therapy is a novel medicinal technology that utilizes the powerful properties of exosomes. Exosomes are vesicles derived naturally, containing molecular components that can produce significant biological effects throughout the body. Recent scientific research has explored the potential of engineering exosomes for the treatment of specific illnesses. For instance, exosome therapy is currently under investigation for its effectiveness in conditions related to anti-aging, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, and wound healing.

Exosome therapy is a unique type of regenerative medicine that promotes the body's self-healing mechanisms through precise engineering. The process of exosome therapy involves collecting exosomes from human cells, sterilizing them, and modifying them to include proteins, lipids, messengers, and/or genetic material that can help address a specific condition. Afterwards, a qualified practitioner delivers the therapy via topical,  injection or the intravenous (IV) route (1,2).

How does exosome therapy work for skin rejuvenation?

Recent research has explored how exosome therapy could improve skin disorders such as eczema, wounds, and even age-related skin changes. Additionally, exosomes are also being evaluated for their efficacy in skincare products. Likewise, exosome therapy represents a promising new treatment for skin rejuvenation.

The skin represents the body’s largest organ, modulating the unique interface between the body’s internal and external environment. With increased age, the skin undergoes physical changes as a result of external factors (e.g., UV light, smoking, nutrition) and internal factors (e.g., hormone changes). These can damage the skin over time via several mechanisms, causing decreased elasticity and thinning of the skin. These changes manifest as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.

Exosome therapy offers a regenerative therapy that can provide anti-aging effects in several ways. These are outlined below.

Angiogenesis

One of the many changes to the skin that occurs with age is decreased blood vessels. Without a robust vascular system in the skin, the skin does not receive adequate nutrients to support its cells and maintain an aesthetic appearance. Exosome therapy can promote angiogenesis, which is the process in which the body creates new blood vessels. Creation of new blood vessels allows your skin to get the resources it needs to thrive and look its best.

Creation of collagen

Collagen is an important structural protein found throughout the body, particularly in the skin. With age, collagen and elastic fibers break down in the skin. Exosome therapy has been shown to increase the production of collagen. In fact, one study showed that via promotion of collagen, exosome therapy improved the appearance of wrinkles, making them thinner and less deep. Thus, exosomes can help to restore the dermal layer of the skin, rejuvenating its appearance and providing anti-aging properties.

Inflammation

Skin rejuvenation may also be desired in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. Certain exosomes have been shown to lower the amount of inflammatory chemical messengers in the body. Additionally, they may help to regulate the immune system, preventing immune imbalances. These two mechanisms suggest that exosomes reduce inflammation and modular immune responses, thus improving skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Research in exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation

Several preclinical studies have begun to evaluate exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation. Findings to date include the following:

• Shafei et al. demonstrated that in rats, exosome therapy improved wound healing versus the control group after 15 days of treatment
• Exosome therapy decreased recovery time in mice with diabetes-associated wounds due to increased cell proliferation and collagen production
• Zhao et al. showed that exosomes caused faster healing of wounds in rats due to angiogenesis, promotion of collagen, and other mechanisms (3)

Though exosomes have proven efficacy in animal models, more research is needed to characterize their potential in humans for skin rejuvenation.

What to expect during exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation

When receiving exosome therapy, you can expect to undergo the exosome component after microneedling and CO2 skin resurfacing treatments. These treatments create small openings in your skin. Afterwards, your provider will apply the exosome solution to your skin, allowing them to absorb into the deeper layers of the skin. Exosome therapy decreases recovery time while enhancing the effects of these procedures, allowing you to get more powerful results with less treatments.

Results and outcomes of exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation

Exosome therapy is available for anyone undergoing microneedling or CO2 skin resurfacing treatments. The results are widespread, improving skin issues related to wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, texture, complexion, and more. You likely will also experience faster healing from your procedures because of exosome’s regenerative properties. As aforementioned, you may also cut down the number of treatments that you will need because of the synergistic effects exosomes provide when used in conjunction with other traditional skin treatments.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation are widespread thanks to their ability to promote angiogenesis, decrease inflammation, and support collagen production. These mechanisms have been demonstrated in several preclinical models in rats, suggesting some potential in humans. It shows promise as a cutting-edge treatment option for skin conditions related to aging and inflammation, offering yet another method for skin repair and rejuvenation. Currently, exosome therapy is offered as a service after receiving microneedling or CO2 skin resurfacing treatments.

Although research suggests a potential benefit of exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation, you are always encouraged to seek out a qualified practitioner and to do your own research prior to undergoing exosome therapy or any other cosmetic treatment. Exosome therapy may not be right for everyone.

References

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.751079/full
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7717626/#:~:text=Exosomes%20are%20extracellular%20vesicles%20generated,various%20aspects%20of%20cell%20biology
3. https://biomaterialsres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40824-021-00224-8

Author

David J. Bauder, PA-C David Bauder, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and the assistant medical director at Weight Loss and Vitality in Manassas and Alexandria, Virginia, Washington, DC; and Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoys helping patients optimize their physical and mental health to improve their overall well-being. He earned his physician assistant degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Afterward, he gained admission into the reputable graduate program for physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Health Science Center in Omaha. David has over 26 years of experience working as a physician assistant. He’s practiced in podiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urgent care, and functional medicine.