What are exosomes? What are the cosmetic treatments with exosomes?

What are exosomes? What functions do exosomes perform in our skin? How can they counteract ageing? How are exosomes used in cosmetology? How do cosmetic treatments with exosomes differ from treatments that stimulate exosomes? You will find the answers to these questions in this article.

The ability to slow down the changes associated with ageing is one of the most important directions in modern cosmetology. Understanding the structural processes that occur in the skin with age contributes to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for different skin types. Why does the skin show clear signs of slower regeneration and repair from a certain age? There is a belief that the regenerative capacity of the human body is closely linked to the resources of its stem cells. When stem cells do not receive the necessary activating signals, the surrounding environment, i.e. also the skin tissue, ages.

Role of fibroblasts in the skin

Fibroblasts are the main cellular component of connective tissue. It is fibroblasts that trigger the process of skin regeneration, rejuvenation and renewal, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is the protein responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. Fibroblasts also synthesise hyaluronic acid, which plays a key role in retaining moisture in the skin. As we age, fibroblasts reduce their productivity, but this process can be slowed down.

What are mesenchymal stem cells?

Let’s start by explaining a concept related to exosomes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells located, among others, in the subcutaneous fatty layer of the skin. They are cells that improve and accelerate various regenerative processes, such as wound healing. How does this happen? Intercellular signalling just happens from the MSCs to the fibroblasts, thanks to vesicles called exosomes.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny vesicles (30-130 nm) secreted by, among other things, mesinchymal stem cells (MSCs). Exosomes are rich in proteins, nucleic acids, growth factors and other bioactive molecules. The skin’s natural exosomes stimulate cell renewal, increase hyaluronic acid and collagen levels and improve the overall health of the skin. In terms of physicochemical properties, exosomes are unique in that they can penetrate tissue barriers.

Exosome treatments vs exosome stimulators

Treatments with exosomes are new to cosmetic and aesthetic medicine practices. Most commonly, treatments with exosomes involve the delivery of exosomes manually to the skin or into the skin through injections such as micro-needle techniques or fractional laser. Plant-derived exosomes are used in these treatments as it is not legal under EU law to apply exosomes of animal or human origin. The EXO LIFT Stem Cell Code treatment is a treatment that stimulates our own skin exosomes to activate fibroblasts. This Chantarelle line has research-proven effects on the skin in terms of stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, as well as fat cells (adipocytes), whose presence improves the facial oval.

Dr Marcin Wasylewski