Unlocking Youth: The Relationship Between Exosomes and Anti-Ageing by Dr Jeanel Goh

Advancements in anti-ageing treatments are reshaping the field of medical aesthetics, with exosomes taking centre stage.

Once dismissed as cellular waste, these nanosized vesicles are now recognised for their role in intercellular communication and skin tissue regeneration.

As such, exosomes have been used in up-and-coming topical cosmetic products that boost patients’ youthfulness. Specifically, exosome treatments to rejuvenate the skin and hair are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore.

Let us delve deeper into what exosomes are as well as their uses in anti-ageing aesthetic treatments.

UNDERSTANDING EXOSOMES

Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles measuring less than 200 nanometres. They are naturally produced by nearly all living cells. These vesicles are non-living and encapsulated by a lipid bilayer membrane, making them capable of carrying bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, and microRNA (miRNA). Their primary role is to act as a messenger cell to help facilitate cell-to-cell communication, influencing the behaviour of recipient cells.

Unlike stem cells, exosomes do not carry the risk of replication or rejection, thanks to their evolutionarily conserved structure. Exosomes can be derived from various sources, including:

• Adipose Stem Cells (ASC-Exos): Commonly used in skin and hair rejuvenation.
• Plant-derived Exosomes (PELNs): Effective in pigmentation control and production of collagen.

ANTI-AGEING POTENTIAL OF EXOSOMES

Deemed by a research paper in the established Prime Journal as “nature’s gift to your skin,” exosomes can significantly enhance the youthfulness of patients’ complexion. There are a number of ways in which they can be applied topically to reverse the signs of skin ageing in patients, including:

SKIN REGENERATION

Treatments based on adipose stem cell-derived exosomes (ASC-Exos) can benefit those who wish to rejuvenate their skin. The functions of these vesicles are as follows:

• Stimulate the production of collagen, which maintains skin firmness and elasticity.
• Restore the skin’s structural integrity, thus increasing its firmness and smoothness.
• Promote angiogenesis, thus improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin; as a result, enhancing the radiance and glow of one’s complexion.

Studies have shown that topically applied ASC-Exos combined with hyaluronic acid carriers can accelerate wound healing by 10%, markedly enhancing skin texture and elasticity.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Exosomes also have the potential to help individuals with sensitive or inflamed skin due to their significant anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation speeds up skin ageing, often manifesting as redness, irritation, or eczema. Exosomes mitigate these issues by contributing to skin wound healing through:

• Reducing inflammation at the cellular level, which can potentially decrease skin redness, swelling, and discomfort.
• Enhancing the skin barrier through ceramide production, lowering the risk of skin irritation and damage.

COUNTERING PIGMENTATION

Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are common ageing concerns that many people face. Thankfully, plant-derived exosomes (PELNs) can alleviate pigmentation in the following ways:

• Lower melanin production for a lighter skin tone.
• Contain beneficial molecules like proteins and RNAs, which can help to lighten dark spots on the skin.

Exosome-based treatments address pigmentation at its root, offering a non-invasive alternative to harsh chemical peels or light-based therapies.

SYNERGISTIC APPLICATIONS OF EXOSOMES IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Exosomes have broadened the horizons of aesthetic medicine through their integration with in-clinic procedures. Their synergistic use with 24k gold microneedling, radiofrequency, fractional lasers, and other energy-based technologies has significantly enhanced treatment outcomes. Here are some examples of how exosomes aid in various aesthetic medical treatments:

ACNE SCAR TREATMENT

Exosomes accelerate wound healing, reduce downtime, and improve the overall appearance of atrophic scars.

HAIR REGROWTH

Exosomes are gaining traction in treating hair thinning and scalp conditions by stimulating hair follicles and improving scalp health. This application provides a promising solution for individuals experiencing early-stage hair loss and premature hair greying or whitening.

POST-TREATMENT RECOVERY

Exosomes can be used alongside energy-based devices like radiofrequency or lasers. Their regenerative properties help to reduce inflammation and speed up tissue repair, enhancing patient satisfaction with quicker results.

SAFETY OF EXOSOME TREATMENTS

Authoritative international regulatory bodies, such as the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), advise against injecting exosomes into the skin. Exosome injections are not permitted due to insufficient clinical trial data demonstrating their safety and efficacy.

Key Takeaways on Exosome Treatments

1. Alleviation of Visible Signs of Ageing:
   Exosomes address the root causes of ageing at a cellular level by leveraging their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Diverse Topical Applications:
   Exosomes offer versatile solutions from skin rejuvenation and scar healing to pigmentation correction and hair growth.

3. Topical Usage:
   Current regulations limit the use of exosomes to topical applications. Exosome treatments’ integration with radiofrequency and laser therapies enhances clinical outcomes.

Nonetheless, international guidelines based on current research approve the topical application of exosomes and the complementary use of exosomes with other in-clinic procedures like microneedling.

If you are considering whether to undergo exosome treatment in Singapore, it is important to take note of the following points:

• Consult a Qualified Aesthetic Doctor:
  Exosome treatments recommended and applied to the skin surface by an experienced aesthetic doctor are generally considered safe.

• Verify GMP Compliance:
  Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to high-quality standards. Patients can enquire with their aesthetic clinic about the GMP status of the exosome products being offered.

• Research Treatment Facilities:
  Ensure that the clinic offering the exosome treatment is well-regarded. Check its online reviews and accreditation to make a well-informed decision.

THE FUTURE OF EXOSOMES IN AESTHETICS

Exosome-based products are transforming skin rejuvenation therapies while also making strides in other aesthetic fields like hair restoration, intimate rejuvenation, and wound healing. Exosome treatments that promote hair growth and enhance scalp health are expected to become increasingly popular.

Furthermore, exosome-based therapies for scars resulting from surgery or trauma tend to provide quicker healing, reducing scarring and enhancing the skin’s overall appearance.

Although exosome treatments are currently all the rage today, I believe that they are unlikely to completely replace conventional medical-grade treatments in the future. Instead, exosome treatments will become even more prevalent to augment the therapeutic effects of energy-based technologies, such as microneedling and fractional carbon dioxide lasers.

CONCLUSION

Exosomes represent a significant leap forward in medical-grade anti-ageing treatments. Their ability to promote skin regeneration, reduce inflammation, and address pigmentation concerns makes them invaluable in helping patients maintain their youthful appearance. As research progresses, exosomes are poised to play an even larger role in regenerative aesthetic medicine.

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