Exosomes are the newest skincare stars. They target skin cells directly

Exosomes are responsible for delivering growth factors, proteins, and lipids directly to your cells, and boosting collagen production to improve the texture of your skin.

Representational image | Pixabay

This week’s article is on a skincare trend that’s been around for a while but seems to increasingly be creeping up on all our feeds—exosomes. These tiny but powerful natural nanoparticles are the answer to anyone asking me for the secret to the perfect glow-up.

Before you roll your eyes and think “yet another skincare hack”, let me remind you that I’m not one for hacks and fads.

So, let’s jump into understanding one of the MVPs of the skincare world—exosomes.

What are they

Exosomes are natural nanoparticles that can repair damaged, ageing skin cells. I know they sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but these powerful overachieving particles are your care squad. They’re like Bob the Builder for your skin; they’re the ones looking at any skin cell damage and going, “We can fix this!” They are single-handedly responsible for multiple skin care functions such as delivering growth factors, proteins, and lipids directly to your cells, boosting collagen production thereby improving the texture of your skin.

And you know what’s even more fascinating? They’re like a multi-faceted charm of regenerative medicine; they’re used to treat injuries, they help speed up recovery and they even help with treating neurological conditions.

I mean, if that isn’t superhero vibes, I don’t know what is.

Just like how great responsibility follows great power, it’s necessary to note that exosome-related products need to be bought only with a dermatologist’s prescription. Always consult your trusted doctor before making any skincare-related purchase.

What can they fix

Smart skincare is the best skincare. Why would you invest your time and effort in a gajillion-step skincare routine only to still feel and look the same? That’s where exosomes come in; packed with proteins, lipids and metabolites they pack a punch. Here’s how:

• Repairs damage
• Improves hydration
• Revives collagen production
• Decreases inflammation, redness, acne

Exosomes vs the rest

If you’re wondering “I’m already doing everything I’m supposed to do – retinol, hyaluronic, vitamin C and whatnot—why do I need to include this also?”, I have an answer.

While Vitamin C brightens your complexion, retinol makes wrinkles go bye-bye and hyaluronic acid boosts your skin’s hydration—exosomes enable skin repair, and regeneration and promote collagen production to keep your skin looking firm and youthful!

They are also great enablers; exosomes are known to pump up the effects of other necessary ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Exosomes do a deep dive into your skin, they’re not just sitting around waiting for things to happen—they’re making it happen. They target skin cells directly and truly work at the most basic level: cellular.

Getting older, ageing, pollution, sun-related damage, acne, rashes, sensitive skin, oily skin —all of this is unavoidable. But that’s where exosomes can come in with an unbeatable skincare lineup of cytokines, nucleic acids, proteins—basically, everything that saves you from the monsters of your environment.

The science behind it

Multiple studies have been conducted to understand the abilities of exosomes, and so far this is what has been deduced:

• They’re great enablers of building new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis which in turn helps with skin regeneration.
• You can say hello to smooth and supple skin because of exosomes’ almost gold standard for collagen synthesis.
• Exosomes can calm any skin inflammations, helping you gain clearer and calmer skin.

Now that you know what they do, there are a lot of places you can find them.

The next time you’re shopping for skincare, remember to look for serums, creams or even face masks that contain exosomes. If you’re looking for a skincare product that’s equal parts effective and science-based to take care of your skin—then, exosomes need to be a part of your glow-up squad!

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Theres Sudeep)