Expert Skin Care Guide: Stem Cells vs Exosomes Debate

Stem Cells vs Growth Factors vs Exosomes In Skin Care

This is a guide that explains the difference between human stem cells vs growth factors vs exosomes in face serums.

There are many antiaging ingredients, and it can get confusing and hard to decide which are the best for you to use on your face.

It would be a shame for you to buy an expensive antiaging serum and then waste your money by use it incorrectly or using it in the wrong step of the skincare routine.

And guess what?

Most stem cell or growth factor skin care products are not worth the money!

I am a skin care expert and I can guide you to find the best antiaging products with stem cells, growth factors or exosomes for your skin type.

Take the free quiz and get a personalized custom skin care routine. We will tell you exactly what step to use stemcells, growth factors and exosomes in your skin care routine and what other products to layer them with.

All you need to do is take the skin care routine quiz and hop by your Baumann Skin Type.®

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Stem cells vs growth factors vs exosomes in antiaging skin care

Human Stem Cells in Serums

Problems with Stem Cells in Skin Care Products

Human Growth Factors in Serums

Problems with Growth Factors in Skin Care

Exosomes

Why exosomes are better than stem cells and growth factors

References

Stem cells vs growth factors vs exosomes in antiaging skin care

This can be hard if you do not understand the science. This blog explains the difference between stem cells, growth factors and exosomes.

Note that this article only discusses human growth factors. Growth factors and stem cells from plants such as apples are a complete waste of money. We are not apples, our skin is completely different than apple skin, and we do not need the same growth factors they do. So just forget about apple stem cells and do not waste money buying them. They are not worth it.

Exosomes made by stem cells

Human Stem Cells in Serums

There are different layers of skin. Each skin layer has different types of cells and therefore different types of stem cells.

The human derived stem cells that are found in skincare products are stem cells from:

Keratinocytes in the epidermis

Fibroblast from the dermis

The hair follicle

Body Fat

Umbilical chords

Placenta

The function of the stem cell and the signals, growth factors, and exosomes they give off is determined by which layer and cell type they come from.

We will focus on stem cells in the dermis because these are more important in antiaging skin care products because they make:

Collagen

Elastin

Hyaluronic acid

Glycosaminoglycans

Other important cell components

In the skin’s dermis, stem cells turn into mature fibroblasts. Lots of research has shown us that stem cells, when placed in wounds in in cell cultures, change the way the cells around them act. They do this by releasing exosomes and growth factors like TGF-beta. (Exosomes also contain growth factors).

This is why stem cells have been used in antiaging skin care and wound therapy for many years. It is undisputable that they have dramatic effects and naturally occurring stem cells in the skin are important to have young skin.

However, there are problems with stem cells in skin care products.

Problems with Stem Cells in Skin Care Products

There are many reasons that stem cells in skin care are not good. This first is that when they are plant derived stem cells such as apple stem cells, they do not carry the correct cell signals that human skin needs to increase collagen production and block the causes of aging such as cellular senescence.

Here are more reasons that stem cells do not work:

Human stem cells must come from fat, bone marrow, placenta, skin biopsies, cell cultures and other biologic material.

This is expensive

FDA is changing requirements for use

May not be safe- it depends on the source

Stem cells do not live in the skin product bottles and jars. They die quickly

Topically applied stem cells cannot get down into the dermal layer of the skin to perform their functions

For these reasons, stem cells in topical antiaging skin creams are worthless and not worth the money.

Human Growth Factors in Serums

Growth factors are secreted by many cell types, including stem cells. They are signaling molecules used in cell-to-cell communication. Once growth factors are excreted by cells, they then must move through the extracellular matrix between cells to get to the target cell. Once at the target cell, growth factors bind a receptor on the target cell so the target cell can “hear” the signals of the growth factor.

Each type of growth factor has a different message, target receptor, and action that is causes. For example, some growth factors cause more blood vessels to form, while others stimulate cells to make more collagen. Growth factors work best in groups, with each playing its role. The best growth factor to get skin to increase collagen production is TGF-beta.

There are many types of growth factors in human skin. Find a list of growth factors used in skin care here.

Problems with Growth Factors in Skin Care

Many growth factor serums are either not worth the money, don’t work, or have safety issues.

The problem with growth factors in skin care products are:

Growth factors may not be safe such as EGF.

They may not remain active in a skin cream that has sat on the shelf for months

They get broken down before they reach the target tissue

You need the right combination of growth factors to cause the desired results

We often do not know which growth factors are actually in the skin care products

Old skin cells cannot “hear” them. (Heparan sulfate helps this problem)

Exosomes

Exosomes are protective spheres known as extracellular vesicles that contain many signaling molecules including growth factors. They are little spherical capsules surrounded by a bilayer membrane. Their function is to hold signaling molecules in a safe environment and deliver them directly to the target cell.

New data has shown that the beneficial effects of stem cells actually occur because of the exosomes that stem cells secrete. In fact, applying the exosomes instead of stem cells has the same effect! So new science has shown us that it is the exosome containing the growth factors that is important, not the stem cell.

In this video I discuss exosomes and skin aging with a Regenerative Medicine Dermatologist and a Transplant Cardiologist who have done a lot of research on the rejuvenation effects of exosomes. They developed the exosome skin care line known as Plated Skin Care.

Exosomes are better than stem cells and growth factors in antiaging skin care

Exosomes are secreted from stem cells, They carry growth factors, RNA and other cell signals. Exosomes protect the growth factors and carry them directly to the target cells.

Exosomes carry important molecules such as:

mRNA

micro RNA

growth factors

immune signals

So the answer is exosomes are better than growth factor and stem cells serums. Exosomes contain growth factors and are what is in stem cells that gives stem cells skin rejuvenation properties.

The best exosomes are derived from platelets and umbilical chords because these carry the cell signals needed for wound healing and production of structural cellular components like collagen and glycosaminoglycans.

But the real question is- do you need an exosome serum? Or should you be using a different antiaging ingredient such as retinoids?

Well- it depends upon your Baumann Skin Type.

Don’t guess on what skin care serums to buy. Let us help you shop for antiaging skin care products using your Baumann Skin Type.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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