Curious about exosomes and why they’re becoming the hottest topic in skincare? These tiny, powerful messengers have long been known for their role in cellular communication and healing, but now they’re gaining attention for their potential to boost skin health and rejuvenation. We spoke with Plated enthusiast and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Mary Lupo, to break down exactly what exosomes are and why they’re creating such a buzz in the skincare world. Here’s what you need to know to keep your skin looking its best!

What exactly are exosomes, and how do they differ from other regenerative therapies like stem cells or growth factors in skincare?

Exosomes are “messages in a bottle” — they are a class of cell derived vesicles containing messages (specifically mRNA) but also other bioactive molecules such as proteins for repair. They are produced inside a cell, enclosed in a lipid vesicle, and excreted out of the cell and go extracellular to communicate the message to other cells. The purpose is intercellular communication between cells. My choice is Plated Skin Science because they are sourced from platelets, which are programmed to repair tissue. The purity, stability and production is the best. Exosomes are smaller and more bioavailable than large growth factors.

Can exosome therapy help with scar revision, particularly for acne scars or surgical scars?

A popular new track for using exosomes is scar treatments. The anti-inflammatory and collagen up regulating of platelet exosomes makes that source my choice.

How do exosomes help boost collagen production, and can they reverse existing skin damage?

Since exosomes are naturally produced by platelets as first responders to injury, using exosomes specific to skin renewal, they improve skin damaged by aging processes, inflammation, free radicals UV exposure.

What are the key benefits of using exosome therapy over more traditional anti-aging treatments like retinoids or chemical peels?

Retinoids benefit the skin by normalizing skin and pore cell turnover. There is also an anti-inflammatory impact. Chemical peels just deal with chemical damage to skin causing new skin to replace the old, damaged skin. The controlled damage from a chemical peel stimulates repair/renewal processes in the skin. Exosomes that are the right exosomes, from a reliable source like platelets, stimulate the renewal without downtime, flaking, irritation.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with exosome treatments for the skin?

No.

How soon can patients expect to see results from exosome-based skincare treatments, and how long do the effects typically last?

As with any topical product that is properly manufactured for optimal absorption, improved skin is typically noticed in a few weeks.

What types of skin concerns (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc.) can exosome therapy effectively address?

Redness, inflammation, fine lines, dullness.

How is exosome therapy administered in a dermatology setting? 

Besides at home products, serums with no preservatives can be safely applied after procedures such as microneedling, laser, peels to improve results and shorten healing times. 

What innovations are being developed in the field of exosome research, and how might this shape the future of skincare?

Over time, exosomes could be FDA cleared for actual injections. Wound healing products and burn therapies are certainly in the expected pipeline.

For someone interested in biohacking their skin, how does exosome therapy fit into a broader skincare routine?

Exosome products can complement any skin protocol and can often replace many steps and simplify a skin care routine. This is because the exosomes optimize what each person’s skin needs for renewal and decreased inflammation. I have many patients using only Plated Intense twice daily with SPF over it daytime and moisturizer/hydrator at bedtime.