Exosome therapy is dermatologists’ new favourite skin-rejuvenation treatment

Exosomes help “seal” your skin post-laser treatment and reduce the potential for allergic reactions, too, says Dr. Peredo, adding that patients often reach for any soothing skin-care product they can find after getting a laser treatment, and more inflammation happens. Exosomes take away not only that sensation but also the guess game of which skin-care products to use post-procedure. Dr. Peredo advised me to not touch my skin with anything — not even a splash of water — for 24 hours. As much as it pained me to skip my night and morning skin-care routines, my skin thanked me by recovering quickly and beautifully.

What is exosome therapy treatment like?

In Korea, skin booster shots are typically injected via individual pricks all over your face or through mesotherapy, which is like the injectable version of microneedling — as the tiny needles stamp skin, it also inoculates it with the booster. In the US, exosome therapy is much quicker, easier, and more painless. However, remember that it cannot be done on its own. You need to undergo another cosmetic procedure that creates microscopic channels in your skin, like microneedling or laser treatments. “These channels allow the exosomes to be absorbed and reach the deeper skin layers for enhanced rejuvenation,” Dr. Park says.

Immediately after the laser or microneedling treatment, exosomes – which look and feel like a clear aloe vera gel – are spread all over the face. Based on my experience, it feels like a little post-treatment cooling facial.

Who should try exosome therapy?

Basically, everyone can benefit from exosome therapy because they have such a wide range of benefits, Dr. Garlapati says. “Individuals who are looking for a new anti-wrinkle treatment and overall skin rejuvenation can see improvement with this procedure, as well as those with uneven texture or a dull complexion, acne scars, enlarged pores, and unwanted pigmentation,” she adds. And best of all, exosomes come with no notable side effects, so if your skin can tolerate lasers or microneedling, this extra step doesn’t pose any added risks.

Dr. Peredo recommends exosome therapy to her patients who have an upcoming event and don’t want to deal with any downtime. It’s also a great option for patients who want to take their laser treatments to the next level. “I have patients who say, ‘I’ve gotten lasers done and didn’t see great improvement, but I don’t want to do filler or Botox. I’m looking for more natural but enhanced improvement,'” Dr. Peredo says.

Exosomes are also a worthy alternative for those who aren’t fans of the idea of PRP or are afraid of getting their blood drawn for it, Dr. Peredo notes.

Want to experiment with exosome therapy now? Be sure to make your appointment with a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon rather than at a salon, since this cosmetic treatment works beyond the skin barrier.

This article originally appeared on Allure.