Exosomes 101: Everything You Need to Know for Skin Care
Exosomes are one of the latest trending topics in aesthetic medicine, but most patients aren’t familiar with exosomes and their benefits. This blog is going to go over the basics of exosomes and why they might be a great treatment option for you!
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny but powerful particles (about 30-200 nanometers wide) used for skin and hair rejuvenation. Exosomes are naturally found and released by various cells in the body. These small particles help cells talk to each other by carrying proteins, fats, and genetic material which allows them to play a big role in many body processes, like the immune system and healing tissues. For aesthetic purposes, they play a vital role in improving skin health by using their unique communication to signal surrounding cells to boost, repair and rejuvenate the skin. This leads to healthier and more youthful skin!
How are exosomes harvested and processed?
Harvesting and processing exosomes for skincare involves several careful steps to ensure they are safe and effective. Here is a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Choosing the source: Westlake Dermatology offers premium exosome regenerative complex+ from BENEV. BENEV safely and responsibly sources from stem cell-derived human adipose exosomes.
- Growing the cells: The stem cells are grown under close supervision in a lab, ensuring optimal conditions for exosome proliferation.
- Isolating and purifying the exosomes: The exosomes then go through a two-step isolation and purification process. The first step involves removing any larger particles and extra cellular debris. The second step filtration step removes unnecessary proteins and extra cellular components. This process helps to ensure that the exosomes are purified before final quality testing.
- Quality testing: Finally, the exosomes are tested to confirm their size, amount, and activity. This ensures each batch is safe, effective and ready for patient use.
These steps ensure that the exosomes used in skincare treatments (and products) are of high quality and beneficial for skin and hair health.
How do exosomes work?
Exosomes deliver their cargo of beneficial molecules directly to skin cells. Their cell-to-cell communication helps to:
- Boost collagen and elastin: Encourages skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, which reduces wrinkles and makes skin firmer.
- Speed up healing: Helps skin heal faster and better post-procedure.
- Reduce inflammation: Calms irritated skin, which can help with acne and other inflammatory conditions.
What skin care benefits/results can exosomes provide?
Research shows that exosome therapy can:
- Reduce wrinkles: By increasing collagen, exosomes can make skin look younger.
- Improve hydration: Helping skin hold onto moisture better.
- Fade scars: Making scars less noticeable by promoting better skin repair.
- Even skin tone: Reducing dark spots and brightening the complexion.
- Enhance healing: Speeding up recovery from skin treatments and reducing inflammation.
And bonus – there is no blood draw required! Exosomes are prepared for each patient in their own individual vial, reconstituted in a hyaluronic-acid (HA)-based solution before in-office application.
Who can benefit from using exosomes?
Exosome therapy can help many people, including:
- Aging skin: To reduce wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Acne: To calm inflammation and heal scars.
- Individuals with sensitive skin: To soothe and repair skin.
- Recovery post-procedures: To speed up and optimize healing.
- Preventative skin health: To improve overall skin health and skin texture.
Exosomes in professional (in-office) treatments?
For more powerful results, exosomes can be used as an add-on treatment to lasers, microneedling and other professional treatments.
Our personal favorite is microneedling with exosomes! Microneedling helps to open the surface of the skin, which allows for better absorption of exosomes. This yields a better result with decreased down time.
Westlake Dermatology also offers BENEV Exo Balm – an effective exosome balm that can be applied at home post in-office treatment.
Are there side effects?
Exosome therapy is usually safe, but some potential side effects include:
- Allergic reactions: Rare, but possible. Test products first or consult with your board-certified healthcare professional.
- Infection: Ensure treatments are done by professional medical providers to avoid contamination and minimize infection risk.
- Irritation: Some redness or irritation can occur but goes away quickly and is usually due to the treatment being performed alongside the exosomes.
Explore exosome therapy with your healthcare provider!
Exosome therapy is an exciting new development in skincare, providing many benefits for skin and hair care. These powerful stem-cell derivates specialize in reducing pigmentation, wrinkles scarring and inflammation while providing soothing, firming and hydrating benefits to the skin. Adding exosomes to your skincare routine can make your skin healthier and provide a beautiful glow to the skin. Always talk to skincare experts to find the best and safest options for you.
xx Sarah & Nicole
About the authors
Sarah and Nicole are Board-Certified Nurse Practitioners and specialize in aesthetic medicine. They have over a decade of experience in dermatology and cosmetic surgery and currently see patients at Westlake Dermatology Downtown Austin.
Fun fact? They are best friends and (biological) sisters!
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.