If you're a skincare junkie, you may have come across the term "exosomes" when scrolling through your feed or during an online shopping spree. Our skincare routines are ever-evolving, and exosomes may seem just another in a long list of buzz words surrounding the skin sphere.

Here at BeautyFeatures.ie, we're all about helping you to find the right skincare to suit your needs and preferences, whether you're a skin minimalist or enjoy a twelve step routine. In this blog post, we'll explore everything exosomes: what they are, what they do, what age to start using them and if they're even necessary. Grab your favourite drink and let's begin our journey!

What are Exosomes?

To understand exosomes and their role in skincare, we have to go back to the very beginning. An exosome is essentially a tiny bubble which is released by cells in our bodies. And we mean tiny! They're not even visible to the eye. So what's inside these bubbles, you ask? The contents are actually quite important: fats, proteins and our own genetic material. You can think of an exosome as a delivery parcel who pretty much orders the other cells about.

Think back to the last time you got a cut or bruise and how it healed. That was exosomes doing their job, i.e. helping your cells to communicate and repair your skin. In the skincare world, exosomes are used to help our skin to look smooth, hydrated and with a gorgeous glow, to boot. 

Why include them in skincare if my body already produces them?

That's a good question. Our skin naturally produces exosomes, so what's the point? Well, unfortunately, as we age, this production slows down (similar to the slowing of collagen production as we age, but that's for another blog!). This slowing also means that repair takes a little longer as well, and we start to see those pesky fine lines and a loss of elasticity. Applying exosomes through skincare can give your skin that little extra support it needs. 

But it's not just aging that slows repair. Sun damage, pollution, acne and general irritants can also slow things down. So if you got to the last paragraph and rejoiced that you're in your 20s and you don't need to worry about exosomes, sorry! 

Exosomes are also usually combined with other super skingredients, such as peptides or antioxidants, which can help to enhance the efficacy of your products as the exosomes will help them to reach the cells that need them (remember we spoke earlier about how they like to boss the other cells around?).

Exosomes also help to improve hydration and your skin's barrier function (ideal for anyone with sensitive skin), and they even encourage a quicker turnover of dead skin cells, leading to a more radiant appearance. 

So, in a nutshell, it helps to think of exosomes as like a personal trainer but for your skin. Your skin already knows what to do, but exosomes give it the encouragement and support it requires.

Are Exosomes Necessary?

It depends. Exosomes aren't a bread and butter skincare staple like SPF, per say. Think of exosomes as the supporting act to your skincare routine, not the starring role. They're certainly a bonus for skin regeneration, improving texture and enhancing glow. So whilst they don't take the lead, they make the overall performance much better. Exosomes won't replace your existing staples in your routine, but they will enhance them. 

I use other actives in my skincare, can I combine them with Exosomes?

Yes. One of the best things about exosome skincare is its compatibility with other actives in your skincare routine. You can use your exosome skincare with retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide. 

You should, however, avoid using exosomes in combination with any strong chemical peels or very high concentration acids, especially if you have more sensitive skin.

Are Exosomes for day or night?

Both! Exosomes are both morning and bed-time friendly. For day time, simply use before your moisturiser and SPF. For evening, use after cleansing but before any serums or night cream. 

Where can I find Exosomes?

Whilst exosomes have been around since the beginning of time, they're still relatively new in the skincare sphere. At BeautyFeatures, we always want to serve you with the latest and greatest on the scene, and our curated selection of Exosome-packed skincare favourites is sure to leave you with ample choice. Check out some of the options below:

Dermalogica Phyto Nature E2 Regenerating Daily Exosome Leave-On Treatment 100ml

Dermalogica Phyto Nature E2 is a daily leave-on treatment designed to support your skin’s natural renewal cycle with a blend of plant-derived exosomes and exfoliating enzymes. It's actually neither a serum or a cream, it’s a lightweight treatment you apply after cleansing and before the rest of your routine.

In this formula, the exosomes are plant-based, they’re included to support cellular communication and natural regeneration in the skin, rather than create new cells or transform skin overnight. The idea is that these tiny messengers help your skin’s own processes work a bit more efficiently, especially if those processes have slowed with age or environmental stress.

The results? With regular use, skin becomes subtly brighter, firmer and more radiant, with fine lines softened and surface imperfections refined, and all without any harsh scrubs or strong acids.

VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100 - Microneedle Face Booster