What is an Exosome?
Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles (nanoparticles) secreted by cells. They contain growth factors, proteins, mRNA, and microRNA that act as biological messengers. In aesthetic medicine, the exosomes used most often come from stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells) and are purified to be applied to the skin or scalp.
Applications and Benefits
- Face and Skin:
- Anti-aging and skin regeneration: stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Improved texture and radiance: brighter, more even skin.
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: reduces redness, irritation, and promotes healing.
- Post-procedure support (laser, microneedling, peels): accelerates recovery and limits unwanted after-effects.
- Acne and scars: reduced inflammation and better skin repair.
- Hair and Scalp:
- Stimulation of hair growth: activates dormant follicles.
- Thickening and density: stronger, more resistant hair.
- Reduction of hair loss (androgenic, diffuse).
- Often used in addition to PRP or microneedling.
How is it Used?
- Application route:
- Injection (intradermal micro-injections, similar to mesotherapy).
- Topical application after a treatment that creates micro-channels (microneedling, fractional laser).
- Protocol:
- Generally 3 to 5 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
- Maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months depending on the case.
Expected Results
- Face/Skin:
- Improvement in skin quality from 2 to 4 weeks.
- More visible results after 2 to 3 sessions (firmer, more even skin).
- Hair:
- Reduction in hair loss from 1 month.
- Visible re-densification from 3 to 6 months.
- Results vary depending on age, skin/hair condition, and regularity of sessions.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as a precautionary measure).
- Active autoimmune diseases.
- Local skin infections (herpes, mycoses, severe dermatitis).
- Current or recent cancer (as a precaution, as exosomes stimulate cell growth).
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to excipients used in the carrier solution (rare).
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
- Advantages:
- Natural, non-surgical.
- Overall regenerating effect, not just filling or camouflage.
- Synergy with other treatments (PRP, lasers, peels).
- Rapid recovery, little or no social withdrawal.
- Disadvantages:
- Cost is still high.
- Progressive results, not immediate.
- Requires several sessions and maintenance.
- Not yet standardized everywhere (depends on quality of supplier laboratory).