Exosome-Based Therapies in Dermatology: A Scoping Review

A user's father experienced hair regrowth and other health improvements after two IV exosome treatments. The user also had four rounds of exosome therapy, noting significant hair regrowth and relief from headaches, but no change in gray hair.

Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells can increase hair growth by enhancing anagen duration and hair shaft thickness through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Phase 2 trials show improved hair counts over 24 weeks.

Exosome hair therapy involves injecting stem cell-derived exosomes into the scalp to boost hair follicle regeneration and repair. Exosomes, which are not stem cells but products of them, contain bioactive chemicals and specific growth factors that promote new blood vessel formation, increase cell proliferation, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair, all crucial for hair health.

The discussion is about using ASCEplus HRLB exosomes for hair loss treatment, which combines 10 billion exosomes with growth factors, nutrients, biotin, and copper tripeptide. The treatment is expensive and typically administered via scalp injections, but in Europe, it's done with microneedling.

Microneedling with exosomes is being considered for hair regrowth, but concerns exist about their effectiveness and safety, especially since exosomes degrade quickly and lack FDA approval. The user is seeking alternatives for non-responders to minoxidil and dutasteride, as exosomes may not provide additional benefits.

A 22-year-old is frustrated with ongoing hair loss despite using treatments like topical minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, oral dutasteride, and oral minoxidil. Their dermatologist suggests treating scalp inflammation with oral tretinoin and using exosomes for alopecia.