Exosomes and skincare: A revolutionary breakthrough?

Exosomes are microscopic particles that are revolutionizing the world of skincare. These natural messengers, produced by cells, are filled with bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material. Thanks to their unique ability to enhance cell-to-cell communication, exosomes are considered a promising ingredient in cosmetic products.

They offer a wide range of benefits, from stimulating hair growth and reducing scars to slowing down the signs of aging, contributing to a radiant, healthy skin. But what exactly are exosomes, and how can they improve your skincare routine? In this blog, you will learn more about exosomes and what they can do for your skin.

What are exosomes?

These are small particles that are produced and secreted by cells. These particles, ranging from 30 to 150 nanometers in diameter, play a vital role in communication between cells. They contain various molecules like proteins, lipids, and genetic material (DNA and RNA). By transporting these molecules to other cells, they help in regulating various biological processes in the body.

They are formed within cells. They originate from multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which develop within the cell. When an MVB merges with the cell membrane, they are released into the extracellular space, where they begin their journey to other cells.

What is the function in the body?

In your body, exosomes act as messengers that aid in communication between cells. They are involved in numerous important processes, such as:

• Immune Response: They help the immune system to effectively respond to infections and diseases.
• Tissue Repair: They play a role in healing wounds and repairing damaged tissues.
• Cell growth and differentiation: They can influence the growth and specialization of cells, which is crucial for healthy body function.

Cosmetic Exosome Variant

Cosmetic exosomes that are specifically used in skincare products are often derived from stem cells. Think of sources like mesenchymal cartilage, bones, umbilical cord, muscle stem cells (MSCs), or fat, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. These exosomes are designed to deliver bioactive molecules that improve the health and appearance of the skin.

What does it do for your skin?

Skin Improvement

• Anti-aging: They help in reducing wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
• Hydration: They help hydrate the skin by retaining moisture and strengthening the skin barrier.
• Skin texture and tone: They promote smoother and more even skin texture and tone by supporting the regeneration of skin cells.

Hair

• Stimulates hair growth: They can promote the growth of hair follicles by delivering growth factors such as IGF-1, KGF and HGF, which are essential for hair growth.
• Hair Strengthening: They help in strengthening hair by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.

Scars

• Wound Healing: It can promote wound healing and reduce scars by stimulating the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblasts.
• Reduction of Scars: They help reduce hypertrophic scars and keloids by modulating the inflammatory response and regulating collagen production.

Are there plant and animal sources?

Plant Form

Plant-derived forms are an emerging field of research. These exosomes are extracted from, for example, Ginseng, but also from roses, ginger, and grapes. They contain bioactive molecules that may be useful for skin care. Although plant exosomes have potential, much more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety.

Animal Source

These sources mainly include those derived from stem cells such as MSC’s and ADSC’s, due to their effectiveness in promoting skin regeneration and hair growth. These sources are rich in growth factors and cytokines that can improve skin health.

This source is especially those derived from milk or stem cells such as MSCs and ADSCs, due to their effectiveness in promoting skin regeneration and hair growth. These sources are rich in growth factors and cytokines that can improve skin health. The animals used for this are: pigs, horses, cows.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): These stem cells are often used because they contain many growth factors and cytokines that promote skin regeneration and hair growth.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs): Fat exosomes from these stem cells are used because of their ability to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

Dermal papilla cells (DP cells): These cells are specifically used for hair growth treatments due to their role in the hair growth cycle.

Comparison of effectiveness: Animal vs Plant

The effectiveness of plant and animal exosomes can vary depending on their source and the specific bioactive molecules they contain. In general, animal exosomes are better researched and have proven benefits in clinical studies. Rich in growth factors and cytokines, they have been effectively proven in skin rejuvenation and hair growth treatments.

Plant-based exosomes offer a natural and vegan alternative, potentially for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is a vegan alternative and can be attractive to consumers who want to avoid animal products. It is important to further research the safety and effectiveness of plant-based exosomes to fully understand their potential in cosmetic applications.

How do you apply it?

Applying exosomes to your skin is usually done through specialized skincare products such as serums, creams, or in some cases as part of a dermatological treatment. Here are the main ways you can apply exosomes to your skin:

Skincare Products with Exosomes

The most user-friendly way to apply exosomes is through skincare products specially designed for home use. These are often serums or creams. Here is how you use them:

1. Cleanse your skin: Always start with clean skin. Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
2. Apply the product: Take a small amount of serum or cream and apply it to your face or problem areas. Gently massage it in with your fingertips.
3. Follow with other products: If you have a skincare routine, you can apply a moisturizer after the exosome product to enhance the effects.

Tip: Exosome products often work best on slightly moist skin, as they are better absorbed.

Dermatological Treatments

In clinics, exosomes are sometimes combined with advanced skin treatments, such as:

• Microneedling: This involves making small holes in the skin with a dermaroller or pen, after which an exosome serum is applied. The holes help the exosomes penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Laser treatments: After a laser treatment, which prepares the skin to absorb ingredients more effectively, an exosome serum is often applied.
• Injections: In some cases, exosomes can be directly introduced into the skin through injections. However, this is less common and should be performed by a qualified specialist.

Potential Dangers of Cosmetic Exosomes

Although they offer many benefits, there are also potential risks and dangers:

• Inflammation: They can activate inflammatory responses in the skin, which can lead to chronic inflammation and associated skin problems such as acne or dermatitis.
• Immunosuppression: Can contribute to immunosuppression, which may weaken the skin’s natural defense against infections and diseases.
• Tumor growth: In rare cases, they can contribute to tumor growth. If they contain oncogenic (cancer-promoting) molecules, they can promote the growth and spread of tumor cells.
• Regulation Issues: The regulation of these ingredients in cosmetic products is still in development. This means that the safety and effectiveness of these products have not yet been fully established.

How can Iconic Elements help you?

Do you want to improve your skin with products developed by dermatologists? Iconic Elements offers effective solutions for your skin.

Our Anti-Aging cream is an essential shield against daily influences such as UV radiation and air pollution, which can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process. This cream contains powerful antioxidants that help to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, such as fine lines and dull skin. Formulated without fragrance, it is also suitable for sensitive skin types.

In addition, we present our Spot Reducer cream, enriched with niacinamide and ectoine, ideal for skin with spots and blemishes.

For a more intensive treatment of pigmentation spots on the face, we offer the Targeted Pigment Serum. This serum has a triple action with arbutin, niacinamide, and malic acid, to effectively address specific skin problems.

Our Firming Booster Serum strengthens the skin’s support structures, with a composition of bakuchiol, white tea, and natural peptides. It is specifically designed for people with sensitive skin, to firm and rejuvenate the skin.

In other words

Exosomes offer promising possibilities for the future of skincare due to their ability to deliver bioactive molecules that promote skin rejuvenation. They can help improve skin texture and tone, stimulate hair growth, and reduce scarring. However, it’s important to also consider the potential dangers and risks of using exosomes in cosmetic products. Further research and strict regulation are necessary to ensure that these innovative products are safe and effective for consumers.

Now that You’re Here

Neurocosmetics represent an exciting innovation within the skin care industry. These products are specifically developed to address the neurological aspects of the skin. Their aim is to promote skin health, slow the aging process, and reduce stress. Given that the skin is our largest organ and plays an essential role in how we experience the world, the connection between skin and nervous system is crucial. This interaction is at the basis of neurocosmetics, a field that is receiving increasing attention.

Discover more about neurocosmetics in our in-depth blog here.