Dual exosome power for skin rejuvenation

ABSTRACT

The potential of exosomes - a type of extracellular vesicles enabling cell-cell communication - for the cosmetic field has become increasingly clear over the past years. Mesenchymal stem cells in the skin, for instance, can improve collagen production and regenerate the skin by exosome-based communication with fibroblasts. Interestingly, plant-derived exosomes can also be taken up by and communicate with human cells, providing a great potential for cosmetic applications. This study investigated the effect of a goji stem cell active, naturally containing plant exosomes, on the skin. The active delivers plant stem cell-derived exosomes from outside into the skin directly acting on the epidermis to strengthen the skin barrier, as shown by the upregulation of genes important for the skin barrier function in keratinocytes treated with the active ingredient. In addition, it was shown that the goji stem cell active can boost the exosome secretion by mesenchymal stem cells and thereby improves communication with fibroblasts resulting in the improved production of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastin. This dual function based on exosomes – delivery of plant exosomes and boosting of the endogenous exosome production – leads to skin protection and rejuvenation. The effect was confirmed in three clinical studies demonstrating improved skin density and wrinkle depth as well as reduced skin sagging which led to a more oval shaped face and lifted breasts.

Exosomes have been increasingly discussed in the past few years due to their potential for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the effect of exosomes on wound healing, skin pigmentation, and hair loss, it is no surprise that they are applied in cutaneous medical aesthetics and in the meantime have also evolved into a hot topic in the world of cosmetics.