Exosomes have quickly become a buzzword in the beauty and skincare world. Celebrated for their ability to heal and regenerate, these nano-sized messengers are known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, boost hydration, increase collagen production, and improve skin laxity. While they have been used in aesthetic practices for some time, exosomes are only now beginning to appear in at-home skincare products. But are they simply another trend, or do they represent a genuine shift in how we approach anti-ageing? Dr Alek Nikolic offers expert insight into what exosomes are, how they work, the benefits they may provide, and how they can be integrated into a skincare routine.
What exactly are exosomes?
In skincare, exosomes are known for their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. They are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that contain bioactive proteins, growth factors, and nucleic acids. Essentially, they are small messenger molecules that help different cells in the body communicate.
In aesthetic medicine, these messages translate into action – prompting skin cells to repair, stimulate collagen production, and restore elasticity. Think of it as the skin’s own language of regeneration.
From hydration to regeneration – what are the benefits?
Over the past few years, hydration has taken centre stage when it comes to skincare. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid have become staples, with a focus on plumping and protecting the skin barrier. But I believe we’re entering a new chapter – one that goes beneath the skin’s surface.
Hydration addresses the symptoms of ageing, while exosomes target the cause. They activate the fibroblasts in our skin, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. The result is not just better-looking skin, but biologically younger skin.
How to incorporate exosomes into your skincare regimen
Exosomes are particularly popular in aesthetics and can be used to speed up healing time after certain procedures. Typically, the concentrated serum is applied to the skin after laser therapy or microneedling, allowing the exosome serum to absorb effectively.
Separating science from hype
Despite the growing buzz, not all exosome therapies are equal. Their effectiveness depends on the source of the exosomes, how they’re processed, and whether they’re backed by robust clinical evidence. The science is promising, but it’s also still emerging. What matters now is a responsible, research-led approach. We need to focus on protocols that are safe, regulated, and genuinely beneficial for patients.
We’ve been using exosomes in my practice for the past year, and so far, the anecdotal evidence is impressive. We’ve noticed accelerated healing times and a significant improvement in overall skin condition and youthfulness.
MBBCh (WITS) ATLS (ACS) MBA (UCT)
Dr Alek Nikolic is a doctor with a special interest in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. With a focus on skin care, skin ingredients, and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botulinum toxin, and Dermal Fillers, he has performed over 20 000 procedures to date and is responsible for training many medical practitioners both locally and internationally. After receiving his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand (1992) he went on to do an MBA at the University of Cape Town (2000). With over 24 years in private practice, he has lectured and performed live demonstrations across the globe, including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw.
Some of his accolades include: Owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, Owner of online skincare store SkinMiles.com, Owner and formulator of Skin Ingredients (sk.in): www.skiningredients.com, Founding member of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy, Advisor to Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics, EXCO Member of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA), and is an Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).
- Dr Alek Nikolichttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-alek-nikolic
- Dr Alek Nikolichttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-alek-nikolic
- Dr Alek Nikolichttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-alek-nikolic
- Dr Alek Nikolichttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-alek-nikolic
