India, July 17 -- As the skincare industry goes, so do its buzzwords. One making waves in skincare clinics and on social media is the exosome treatment. But what are exosomes? They're tiny, cell-derived messengers (mainly from stem cells) that carry growth factors and proteins to help cells communicate and regenerate. The hashtag #exosome has already racked up over two million views on social media, thanks to its buzzworthy promise: improved skin texture, a youthful glow, and overall rejuvenation. These treatments use exosomes to activate skin cells through both invasive and non-invasive methods. Exosome treatments have already earned the celebrity stamp of approval. Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has used this treatment post-laser for accelerated healing and enhanced glow. Her sister Kendall Jenner, actor Sandra Bullock and singer Ariana Grande are also said to be a proponents of exosome treatments. In South Korea, the hub of K-beauty, many K-pop idols reportedly swear by this therapy. Invasive techniques include microneedling, injectable delivery into the dermis, and laser-assisted application, where lasers create micro-channels in the skin for deeper absorption. Non-invasive methods apply exosomes topically after mild procedures like chemical peels, dermabrasion, or radio frequency - which remove the outer layers of the skin - to enhance penetration and effectiveness. Exosome-based skincare products like serums and creams - from Indian-origin brands like The Bath and Care and Dr Su - are gaining popularity for at-home use. While they don't reach the deeper skin layers, regular use may help improve hydration, tone, and mild texture issues. That said, microneedling remains the most common and widely used method for exosome therapy. "Combining exosomes with microneedling creates microchannels in the skin, which helps better penetration of any topical agent applied. Exosomes, which contain growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules, may assist in boosting collagen formation and reducing inflammation," notes Dr Bhawuk Dhir, dermatologist, PSRI Hospital. According to Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, an aesthetic doctor and skincare expert, exosomes affect your skin in multiple ways. "Some of the benefits include boosting collagen production and stimulating skin repair and elasticity for firmer, younger-looking skin. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimises visible signs of ageing by enhancing skin regeneration, and improves skin texture and tone. It also smooths out rough patches and evens out complexion," she says....