Exosomes in Skin Care: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to skin care trends, not everything is worth your time — but exosomes have our attention.
Everything we know about what is (and isn’t) effective for our skin is constantly evolving, thanks to research. There's been a lot of buzz lately around exosomes, but what are they? We're sharing what you need to know about exosomes in skin care and why you should start paying attention.
So, what is an exosome?
An exosome is a part of the cell that actually exists outside of it (also known as an extracellular vesicle). While these were first thought to be just waste products, further research on exosomes identified that they are so much more.
Exosomes are filled with beneficial components like lipids, proteins and other helpful molecules. When they're absorbed by target cells, they can trigger specific biological responses. The key is that the type of cells releasing exosomes is directly related to the biological responses they can elicit. This understanding is part of what can make exosomes a powerful component of your skin care routine.
What are exosomes in skin care?
Because exosomes have the ability to communicate with and trigger responses in skin cells, using them in a targeted way can have some potentially impressive results. For example, exosomes may be able to help the skin renew itself more quickly by supporting collagen production — ideal if you want to focus on anti-aging.
Exosomes can also be used to treat skin disorders — but if you’re dealing with a skin condition, it’s always best to consult with your skin care provider for personalized advice.
Like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosomes are used as an adjunct therapy — not usually on their own, but in combination with other skin care treatments. When used in combination with treatments that cause controlled injury to the skin, like microneedling, the exosomes are able to penetrate deeper into the skin.
In addition to triggering longer-term positive changes, they can also help to reduce some of the swelling and discomfort that happens after certain skin care treatments. Think minimal downtime and even better results (much like how platelet-rich plasma works).
How else can you keep your skin healthy?
Your at-home daily skin care routine is a key part of keeping your skin healthy, even though you may not see results right away. In between your skin care treatments, being consistent with your routine — cleanser, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen — is crucial.
Most importantly, you have to choose skin care products that work well together and support your unique skin type.
Everyone has different skin — some people deal with excess oil, others have dryer skin and others have combination skin. Choosing the right products helps support your skin without creating additional issues.
If you’re not sure which products to choose, book a skin care consult with one of our advanced practice providers. We'll assess your skin, listen to your goals and create a routine (including treatments) to help you achieve even more beautiful, radiant skin.
In addition to your skin care routine, it’s also essential to take care of your skin from the inside out. Drinking enough water daily not only helps your body function at its best, but also helps hydrate your skin to keep it radiant and resilient.
The foods you eat can also have an impact on your skin health. Because of this, reducing the amount of processed sugar and carbohydrates you eat while increasing your intake of lean protein is a key part of the process.
In summary...
Adding exosomes into your skin care routine can be a great way to boost the effectiveness of your routine, especially alongside other skin treatments and the right products.
If you’re ready to talk to someone about achieving your skin goals, reach out to one of our advanced practice providers today.
This article was medically reviewed by Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with six years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
Sources:
The biology, function, and biomedical applications of exosomes | PMC
Exosomes: The emerging mechanisms and potential clinical applications in dermatology | PMC
Exosomes: A Promising Strategy for Repair, Regeneration and Treatment of Skin Disorders | PMC
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