THE EXOSOME FACTOR

Integrating plant-based exosomes alongside your aesthetic treatments to enhance outcomes.

The word “exosomes” seems to be on everybody’s lips these days. They may be small, but the potential of these nano-sized intercellular messengers is not.

In aesthetics, they are offering novel and exciting possibilities due to their remarkable regenerative properties and anti-inflammatory effects.

Exosomes can be used on their own or in combination with other treatments to stimulate collagen production and cell renewal, speed up healing and minimise recovery time. This makes them a powerful tool to have in your kit.

HUMAN-DERIVED EXOSOMES, WHAT’S THE CONTROVERSY?

Exosomes can be derived from plants, animals, or humans. Enclosed within a lipid membrane, these nanoscale sacs play a pivotal role in facilitating intercellular communication. Acting as messengers, they transport signalling molecules like proteins and genetic material between cells, thereby influencing essential biological processes. When they come across cells in need of repair, they trigger the restoration process, setting in motion the wheels of cellular rejuvenation.

However, the usage of human-derived exosomes has raised concerns, particularly in the UK, where the use of human-derived ingredients is prohibited. While some people are using topical exosome applications under the rationale that it is permissible as long as they are not injected, the legality of such practices remains questionable.

Regulatory and safety concerns contribute to the hesitation surrounding human-derived exosomes. Since exosomes are derived from cells, it is imperative to establish standardised manufacturing processes and quality control measures to ensure their safety, efficacy, and reproducibility.

Additionally, thorough evaluation of the potential off-target effects or unintended consequences of exosome-based therapies is still ongoing. This is where plant-based alternatives offer an exciting opportunity.

PLANT-BASED EXOSOMES: THE RISE OF PDENS

Plant Derived Extracellular Nanoparticles, or PDENs are extracted from plant stem cells and represent the botanical counterpart to human exosomes.

In simple terms, PDENs are envelopes that facilitate cell-to-cell communication. Over the past decade, research has unveiled that plant stem cells produce human cytokine-like factors that enable the use of plant secretory factors for human cell signalling.1,2,3,4

For aesthetic applications, this means scientists can load these envelopes with thousands of biomimetic factors, including growth factors, peptides, liposomes, amino acids, and proteins directed explicitly to target inflammation as well as for wound healing angiogenesis and the stimulation of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin production.

INTRODUCING EXO|E REVITALIZING COMPLEX

Aesthetic Medical Partnership (AMP) has recently launched EXO|E Revitalizing Complex, a cutting-edge skincare solution that harnesses the power of biomimetic plant stem cell technology to rejuvenate and revitalise the skin.

This unique bio-based patented technology ensures flawless compatibility with the skin, providing exceptional support and supplementation to its natural signalling mechanism, leading to optimal rebalancing effects.

One of the advantages of EXO|E lies in its exceptional ability to penetrate the skin transdermally through lipophilic absorption. This enables a comprehensive treatment approach, reaching and addressing the entire dermal architecture with efficient cell-to-cell signalling.

Suitable for all skin types and conditions, the comprehensive treatment protocol consists of three steps: D|TOX, EXO|E, and RE|PAIR. These steps can be seamlessly incorporated into both in-clinic and at-home routines, whether it’s to prepare the skin before a procedure or to amplify treatment outcomes.

To prep the skin before treatment and enhance outcomes

EXO|E can be used to prepare skin pre-procedure for services like RF-microneedling, resurfacing and other aesthetic treatments. D|TOX can be used twice daily for five days to hydrate the skin up to 10x for optimum treatment results. EXO|E serum then works synergistically with any in-office treatment to optimise immediate and visible results pre and post-treatment.

To enhance healing post-procedure

Traditional rejuvenation procedures often induce inflammation, causing pain, swelling, redness, extended downtime, and undesirable side effects that leave patients with a negative experience or hesitancy to repeat the treatment, EXO|E offers a paradigm shift in the healing process. By redirecting the focus from inflammation to rejuvenation, EXO|E minimises downtime while delivering enhanced treatment results. The RE|PAIR product is used twice daily for five days post-treatment, enhancing comfort and shortening downtime.

As a standalone skincare solution

EXO|E can also be used as a stand-alone treatment, offering versatility and convenience for individuals seeking a singular skincare solution.

The three-step process of EXO|E entails the following:

1. D|TOX: This step provides deep hydration and prepares the skin for subsequent aesthetic treatments, ensuring optimal efficacy.


2. EXO|E serum: Packed with concentrated stem cell factors, this serum delivers targeted and desired outcomes, effectively revitalising the skin.


3. RE|PAIR serum: Working in synergy with EXO|E, this serum reinforces the effects with additional extracellular nanoparticle technology and liposomes, maximising the benefits of the treatment.


Studies also show that EXO|E increases collagen and elastin production by 165% and 891%, respectively*, as well as increasing the secretion of hyaluronic acid by 198%** and providing a 61% daily reduction in inflammation***.

To target hair loss

AMP is set to introduce a new PDEN product for hair regeneration this autumn. DE|RIVE Daily Hair Support Serum was specifically formulated to address hair and scalp health.

Carefully curated from well-studied, plant-based factors that support scalp and hair health, DE|RIVE is available for in-clinic topical application, as well as a take-home that can be easily applied daily for continuous support.

The DE|RIVE Daily Hair Support System allows for continuous support to help nourish the skin and scalp and improve the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. Unlike other products, the DE|RIVE serum is 100% natural, hormone-free, and made from plant factors.

To sum up

Plant-based exosomes offer a powerful alternative to human-derived exosomes, setting a new standard for comprehensive and effective skin and hair treatments.

*Quantification of collagen and elastin expression evaluated by qRT-PCR in human dermal fibroblasts with different treatments. P < 0.05

**Secretion of Hyaluronic Acid evaluated by ELISA in human dermal fibroblast

***Human dermal Endothelial cell Invitro

References

Teng Y, Xu F, Zhang X, et al. Plant-derived exosomal microRNAs inhibit lung inflammation induced by exosomes SARS-CoV-2 Nsp12. Mol Ther. 2021;29(8):2424-2440. doi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.05.005

Cui Y, Gao J, He Y, Jiang L. Plant extracellular vesicles. Protoplasma. 2020;257(1):3-12. doi:10.1007/s00709-019-01435-6

Dad HA, Gu TW, Zhu AQ, Huang LQ, Peng LH. Plant Exosome-like Nanovesicles: Emerging Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Nanoplatforms. Mol Ther. 2021;29(1):13-31. doi:10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.030

Karamanidou, T.; Tsouknidas, A. Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Therapeutic Nanocarriers. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010191