If you’ve paid any attention to the latest trends in skincare, you’re likely familiar with many of the new treatments that promise the gift of blemish and wrinkle-free skin, from laser resurfacing treatments to chemical peels. But while these results are enticing, the process and side effects of many new treatments can be a bit unpleasant. For example, the recovery and healing time of laser resurfacing treatments can be up to three weeks as the skin peels, scabs, and heals to reveal that brighter, fresh skin underneath.
But thanks to exosome therapy, a treatment recently popularized by K-beauty, the recovery time on these popular facial treatments is drastically decreased. Not only that, but the healing process becomes much more tolerable with the help of the small nanoparticles in exosome therapy.
But what is exosome therapy? And is it suitable for more than just skincare?
What are exosomes, and what is exosomal treatment?
Exosomes are tiny vesicle nanoparticles produced by every cell in the body. Most commonly sourced from platelets for various procedures, exosomes are sacs filled with growth factors, mRNA, RNA, and everything else needed for cell communication. Like platelets, exosomes contain growth factors; however, they are more potent than platelets, with 100 growth factors versus eight or 10, making them a communication powerhouse and an essential part of regeneration.
Exosome therapy is the topical or intravenous (through a vein) use of exosomal material that helps promote cell regeneration and repair.
Uses of exosome therapy
As mentioned above, exosomal therapy, commonly marketed at Exocel Bio and Benev, among a few others, is often used in cosmetic procedures, such as laser resurfacing treatments, where the topical application after the treatment helps reduce redness and accelerate healing. However, because exosomes are non-differentiated (meaning they will conform to function the same way as the exosomes around them), healthcare providers can use them in various ways.
Here are a few examples of the current uses of exosomal therapy:
● Facial rejuvenation: Dermatologists and spas often apply exosome therapy after facial treatments, such as micro-needling or laser treatment, that creates small openings in the skin for the exosomes to enter. When applied topically, the exosomes help reduce redness and scabbing after a procedure and are also great for addressing skin issues, such as melasma (dark spots).
● IV hydration: Some clinics offer exosomes IV therapy to boost immunity, reduce
inflammation, and even use it to help with degenerative and autoimmune diseases, such as degenerative joint disease.
● Hair loss: Certain conditions, such as androgenic alopecia, that cause both male and
female hair loss have responded well to exosome therapy.
● Cancer treatment: Researchers have studied exosome therapy in recent years for its
potential to help treat various cancers.
And the great thing about this innovative treatment is that researchers are finding more and more ways to use it to help people.
How is exosome therapy different from platelet-rich plasma injections?
If you’re familiar with platelet-rich plasma injections, you may know that platelets, which contain growth factors to help start the body’s healing cascade. However, while platelets and exosomes are part of regenerative medicine, the two treatments differ in a few ways:
- Platelet-rich plasma injections use plasma and platelets from a blood sample (the patient’s blood), which a doctor injects into a specific area.
- Platelets are cells, so the risk for the body to reject them would be higher, which is why the blood sample comes from the patient.
- Exosomes are not cells and come from sterilized donated human mesenchymal cells.
- Exosomes contain exponentially more growth factors than PRP, making them a powerhouse for healing.
Is exosome therapy safe?
Botulism, first recorded in Europe in the 1700s- took until the 1940s before scientists could isolate it. Fast forward to 1989, when botulism, in the form of Botox- was approved for the treatment of strabismus (cross-eyedness). Through the years, Botox’s on-label uses have expanded to include urinary incontinence and migraines, with the latest approved use in 2013 for Crow’s Feet.
All of this is to say that even though the science is there, the FDA often takes its time approving specific treatments’ specific uses. And because the FDA is not responsible for overseeing medicine, medical doctors can use their discretion and knowledge of current data to decide on using innovative treatments to help their patients.
Exosome therapy in Maryland
To learn more about our regenerative nano-particles or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rao, call us at 301.703.5067 or visit www.raowellness.com.
Sources:
- Skin Resurfacing: Benefits, Cost, Risks, Recovery, and More (healthline.com)
- Why Exosome Therapy Is Better Than PRP | RealSelf News
- Exosomes: A New Effective Non-Surgical Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia? – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Exosome-based immunotherapy: a promising approach for cancer treatment – PMC (nih.gov)
- Exosomes vs. Stem Cell vs. PRP Therapy: What’s the Difference? (aestheticsadvisor.com)
- The Benefits And Risks Of Exosome Therapy | Concierge MD LA
- THE HISTORY OF BOTULISM – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
- The Remarkable Story of Botox (verywellhealth.com)