In an exclusive interview with renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Marco Bartolucci, we explore the revolutionary world of exosomes and their promising applications in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Bartolucci, who practices at prestigious clinics across Italy including Milan’s SOTHERGA Clinic, shares insights about this cutting-edge treatment ahead of his presentation at IMCAS World Congress 2025.
Q: Dr. Bartolucci, there’s growing buzz around exosomes in aesthetic medicine. Can you explain what they are?
A: Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles, ranging from 20 to 200 nanometres in size, that cells release to communicate with each other. They carry specific information – proteins, DNA, miRNA, mRNA, and lipids – that can trigger certain actions when they reach target cells.
Q: How do these microscopic messengers benefit our skin?
A: They’re bioactive molecules that regenerate tissues in multiple ways. They promote stem cell action, reduce inflammation, and repair damaged cells. We receive them as lyophilised powder, which we reconstitute with a diluting solution. This solution can contain various active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides, and enzymes to enhance the exosomes’ effectiveness.
Q: What’s unique about the exosome treatments available in your practice?
A: In Italy, regulations permit only animal, plant, and bacterial-derived exosomes, not human-derived ones. Interestingly, our recent study – conducted with four other physicians across three continents – demonstrated that “vegan” exosomes actually show superior results for certain aesthetic applications compared to human-derived ones. I’ll be presenting these findings at IMCAS World Congress 2025 in Paris.
Q: What conditions can be treated with exosomes?
A: The applications are extensive. We use them for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, burns, various dermatological conditions, hair loss, and even intimate rejuvenation.
Q: There seems to be some misconceptions about exosome therapy. Could you address these?
A: The main misconception is associating the risks of cellular therapies with exosomes. Exosomes contain only selected, known information that we choose to filter and use. The filtration process actually removes potentially pro-inflammatory debris, ensuring both safety and optimal efficacy.
Q: What developments can we expect in this field?
A: The future is incredibly promising. We’re seeing expanding applications supported by scientific evidence. Take-home creams are already available, though they currently need to be used within three weeks of reconstitution. The most promising exosomes – and the only ones I use – come from Damask rose and Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacteria naturally present in our skin microbiota. The latter is particularly interesting for its antimicrobial properties, as it competes with harmful bacteria and reduces inflammation.
John Davis is a seasoned health journalist with expertise in public health and medical research. Holding a degree in health sciences, John excels in making complex health topics understandable and engaging for his readers. His articles, featured in top health publications, cover everything from cutting-edge treatments to public health policies. Outside of journalism, John is an advocate for health education and frequently speaks at community events.