written by: Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Posted on 2/13/2024 at 12:00 pm
Extracorporeal treatments are one of the newest trends emerging in the skin care world. But with all the hype, it’s important to separate fact from fiction before investing your hard-earned money. As someone who loves deciphering the latest skin care trends and has a background in stem cells and tissue engineering, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about extracorporeal therapies. Today we’re shedding light on exosomes, dispelling common myths, and empowering you to make informed decisions about your skincare journey.
What are Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny sacs that hang on the outside of your cells. they carry a valuable cargo of molecules that affect how your cells function. At the right time, they will detach from the cells that carry them and release their goodness to promote regenerative cellular functions.
These tiny bubbles released by healthy cells, containing proteins, RNA and other cellular goodies can activate important functions such as the cell cycle and collagen production. Researchers are exploring their potential to deliver these beneficial molecules to specific areas of the body, including the skin. There are several companies developing extracorporeal therapies that can be used in the clinic during a treatment or in serum.
Related post: Topical Exosomes for Glowing Skin – Advertising or Useful?
Myth Busters: Separating Fact from Fiction About Exosome Treatments
While the science behind exosomes is fascinating, it’s important to manage expectations and address some common misconceptions as they gain popularity.
Myth 1: Exosome treatments are a miracle cure for all skin concerns.
Reality: Research is still in its early stages, and there are currently no FDA-approved exosome therapies. There are only a few clinical trials using exosomes. While there is some promising data on the ability of exosomes to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Extracorporeal therapies are certainly not established as a cure-all.
Related post: Exosome Facials: Are They Worth the Money?
More studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety as a skin care treatment.
Myth 2: Anyone can benefit from extracorporeal therapies.
Reality: Individual needs and skin types play a key role in the benefits of exfoliating treatments. Consultation with a dermatologist before trying exosomes is essential to determine their suitability for your specific concerns and potential interactions with other medications or conditions.
Myth 3: Exosome treatments are a safe and readily available alternative to traditional skin care.
Reality: Security and accessibility are key concerns. Claims related to exosome therapies are definitely drug claims which means they must be regulated by the FDA. The long-term effects of exosome therapies are still under investigation and are not yet widely available or FDA approved. Traditional skin care approaches, such as a retinoid regimen, are still a better and more cost-effective option when chosen wisely.
Myth 4: All extracorporeal therapies are created equal.
Reality: Quality Matters! The source, processing and storage of exosomes can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. One of the main concerns about exosome therapies today is that there is no control or regulation of how the exosomes are derived.
Without regulations or clinical data from the company, there is no way to know if the exosomes you are applying are effective.
Choosing treatments from trusted sources with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices is crucial. It’s important to remember that companies want to sell their products, so read their data with a critical eye and look for opportunities to validate it if possible.
Myth 5: Exosomes are so small they can penetrate the skin barrier.
Reality: Exosomes are much smaller than the cells that carry them, and that’s part of what has drawn researchers to the possibility that they could be the next big skin care active. However, despite theoretically being small enough to penetrate the skin barrier, there is mixed data available on whether they can do so. Your skin’s barrier is effective at keeping things out, and some of the preliminary data on exobody treatments shows that they need a little extra help to penetrate.
Related post: Demystifying your skin barrier: What it is and how it breaks down
Most of the clinical data I could find used exosome therapies in combination with penetration-enhancing therapies such as dermabrasion or injection.
Myth 6: Extracorporeal treatments are a quick fix for aging skin.
Reality: Aging is a complex process and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Exosomes, along with a holistic approach that includes healthy lifestyle habits and a consistent, personalized skin care routine, may provide additional benefits, but expecting miracles overnight is unrealistic.
Related post: Understanding the Science Behind Skin Aging: Tips for a Youthful Glow
You’re not going to get the same immediate tightening results from exobody treatments as you would from a Botox treatment. And there isn’t as much data to support exosomes’ ability to boost collagen production like a retinoid. And finally, there is nothing more effective in preventing the effects of aging than daily use of sunscreen.
Related post:Why is sunscreen important?
So remember, while extracorporeal treatments are a promising new and exciting option in skin care. you have to have realistic expectations. If you like trying new skin care trends and don’t mind the price, stick to trusted sources for information and prioritize scientific evidence over marketing claims. And most importantly always consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment.
bibliographical references
- Lotfy, A., AboQuella, NM, & Wang, H. (2023). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in clinical trials. Stem Cell Research & Therapy14(1), 66.
- Kim, DH, Kang, SE, Kim, MS, Kang, YH, Lee, YH, Chung, IH, & Jeon, YB (2021). The use of exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells in skin aging: an exploratory pilot study. Journal of Surgical Research1388(2), 39-47.
- Yu, W., Li, M., Li, M., Guo, W., Li, X., Zhao, Y., … & Zheng, G. (2021). Topical application of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in combination with sponges for the treatment of photoaging. International Journal of Nanomedicine16, 8385-8398.
- Yang, T., Zhang, X., Wu, H., Chen, W., Liu, S., Liu, H., … & Wu, M. (2022). Exosome-based advances for application in medical aesthetics. Frontiers in Industry and Biotechnology10, 1083640.
- Azam, F. (2020). Needle-free injection of exosome-based candidates moves to the clinic. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery19(3), 156-157.
- Kim, B.-J., Kim, W.-C., Song, Y.-B., Sung, J.-H., Kwon, T.-G., Oh, Y.-M., & Bae, , J.-M. (2023). Efficacy of combined human adipose stem cell-derived exosome-containing solution and microneedling treatment for aging facial skin: A prospective, randomized 12-week study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology22(2), 380-388.
- Kim, KH, & Sung, JH (2023). Review of exosomes and their application in medical skin aesthetics. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology22(3), 801-814
- 14(1), 66.
