Everything A Dermatologist Wants You to Know About Regenerative Treatments: Exosomes

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 What are exosomes?
• 02 What is red light therapy?
• 03 What are the benefits of exosome therapy for aging skin?
• 04 What is the difference between exosomes, PRP, microneedling and red light therapy?
• 05 Are exosomes better than retinol?
• 06 Are exosomes safe for mature skin?
• 07 At what age should you start using exosomes?
• 08 Can you combine exosomes with red light therapy, and other treatments?
• 09 Are there side effects to using exosomes and red light therapy for aging skin?
• 09 When will I see results?

Summary:

Exosomes are the latest buzzword in the beauty industry, while red light therapy (RLT) remains in demand in professional clinics and the at-home beauty tech category. Exosomes and red light therapy offer numerous skin and health benefits for all skin types, including mature skin. Individually, both exosomes and red light therapy are effective regenerative treatments, but paired together they offer a more enhanced treatment.

Exosomes are fast becoming integrated into daily skincare routines as the topical treatment boosts collagen production, increases hydration, brightens the skin, and combats scarring, as well as treating hyperpigmentation for a youthful complexion.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are “microscopic messenger vesicles secreted by cells, which play a critical role in intercellular communication”, explains multi-award-winning aesthetic clinician, Dr. Sheila Li.  “In skin health, they help transmit signals that guide regeneration, calm inflammation, and stimulate collagen production.  I describe them as your skin cells’ way of texting each other, sharing the information needed to repair, rebuild, and restore”, Li adds.

Exosomes can be delivered in different ways. In clinics, exosomes may be injected into the skin or applied topically after microneedling, so the hero ingredient penetrates the skin deeper for a more effective treatment.  Exosomes have also been formulated into accessible at-home skincare products to treat breakouts, repair a compromised skin barrier, plump the skin, and achieve a youthful complexion.  Exosomes can be used on the entire face or targeted areas.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive beauty treatment that uses different light wavelengths to rejuvenate the skin. Red light therapy benefits include “collagen synthesis, accelerated healing, reduced inflammatory markers in the skin, improved skin texture, fine lines, and wound recovery”, explains Dr. Li.

 
Medical-grade red light therapy devices are a staple in professional clinics, but at-home red light therapy masks are also available, such as the Lumalux Pro Face Mask and Lumalux Face+ Pro mask, or red light therapy panels like the Lumalux Dome. Although in-clinic red light therapy devices are more intense than at-home tools, they address the same skin concerns. 

What are the benefits of exosome therapy for aging skin?

Mature skin typically manifests as a dry and dull complexion, fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, laxity, and pigmentation. Both red light therapy and exosomes, used in skincare or aesthetic treatments, address these concerns individually and synergistically.  Dr. Li explains, "Exosomes can benefit a wide age range, particularly for those managing inflammation or environmental damage. As we age, our skin’s natural ability to communicate and regenerate slows down. Exosomes reawaken that process by stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation, and improving hydration. Over time, you can see firmer texture, better tone, and more resilient skin.”

Younger adults can also benefit from the anti-ageing treatment. Dr. Li explains: “Younger skin already has high cellular turnover and efficient repair mechanisms, so the effects of exosomes are more preventative than corrective. Exosomes can be useful for supporting skin exposed to stress, pollution, or early inflammation.”

Exosomes are not recommended for children, teenagers, pregnant or nursing women, those with medical conditions, or on certain medications.  

What is the difference between exosomes, PRP, micro-needling, and red light therapy?

There are several regenerative skin treatments suitable for those with mature skin seeking anti-ageing benefits, such as exosomes, PRP, red light therapy and microneedling. But they all function differently.

Exosomes: Exosomes deliver signals to the cells, directing them to stimulate collagen production, repair the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation.

Red light therapy: Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different light wavelengths, delivered through face masks or LED panels, to rejuvenate the skin.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma): This treatment uses growth factors in your blood’s platelets, which are injected into the skin, to encourage collagen production and cell turnover.

Microneedling: A tool with fine needles creates microchannels that stimulate collagen production, cell turnover and improves product absorption.

Are exosomes better than retinol?

Exosomes contain molecules that send signals to cells telling them how to behave, whereas retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is a topical skincare ingredient. Retinol exfoliates the skin, improves the skin tone and texture, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and encourages skin rejuvenation. 

Are exosomes safe for mature skin?

Exosomes are generally considered safe for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. However, it is important to purchase topical exosome products from reputable and clinically-tested brands and undergo exosome therapy in trusted clinics by certified professionals.

If you notice any discomfort, stop using it immediately. Those with certain medical conditions or taking medication should consult a medical professional before using exosomes.

At what age should you start using exosomes?

Any adult can use topical exosomes or in-clinic exosome therapy. While it delivers anti-aging benefits to those with mature skin, it can be used on those in their early thirties and upwards as a preventative measure to maintain their skin’s youthful, plump, and luminous complexion. 

Can you combine exosomes with red light therapy and other treatments?

Exosomes and red light therapy are both effective treatments for mature skin individually, but the anti-aging benefits are amplified when combined together. Dr. Li affirms, “For mature skin, exosomes carry biological signals to repair and rebuild, while red light therapy energizes the cells to act on those signals. One is the messenger, the other is the power source. Together, they support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve hydration.”

Dr. Li advises using your red light therapy mask first, whether it’s the Lumalux Face Mask, Lumalux Face+ Pro mask, or the Lumalux Dome device, followed by an exosome-based product for the most effective treatment on mature skin.  However, it is important not to overdo treatments. 

Are there side effects to using exosomes and red light therapy for aging skin?

Dr. Li advises clients to use exosomes with caution, as side effects can include irritation and redness. She shares: “The challenge with exosomes is standardisation. Their composition varies significantly depending on their cellular source and how they’re processed. Until we have more robust, consistent clinical trials, I remain cautiously optimistic.”

Li claims red light therapy has more clinical evidence to support its safety and efficacy.  Side effects are rare, but can include redness, inflammation, and mild burning if the device is faulty, or used for longer than the recommended duration.

If irritation occurs, stop the treatment and consult a medical professional.

When will I see results?

You may start to notice positive effects of using exosome skincare within a few weeks, after consistent use. In-clinic exosome therapy can leave your skin looking brighter immediately after the treatment. Visible improvements in your skin tone, texture, and firmness will develop within two to eight weeks. For longer-lasting results, a course of three exosome treatments is recommended.

Conclusion

Exosomes are one of the most talked about innovations in beauty of late, and for good reason. Although not entirely a new ingredient, as exosomes have been used in regenerative treatments in Korea for years, it has finally reached mainstream Western beauty. Combining these two powerful treatments will supercharge their benefits and work harder together to give you the results you want.