Exo-Xom Treatment: What You Need to Know

Written byEmily OrofinoUpdated on March 28, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.
Written byEmily OrofinoUpdated on March 28, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

Exo-Xom treatment from Benev harnesses the regenerative benefits of exosomes for hair and skin rejuvenation. Exosomes are a type of nanoparticle (aka vesicle) that’s naturally secreted by stem cells, to communicate with neighboring cells. 

These tiny messenger cells contain potent growth factors, amino acids, peptides, RNA, and anti-inflammatories.

Benev exosome facials feature the brand’s patented Exosome Regenerative Complex. Applied topically, this formula concentrates the power of these vesicles’ regenerative properties to promote elastin and collagen production, boost hydration, and improve the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin texture. 

“The Exo-Xom facial is the combination of a unique blend of exosomes with hyaluronic acid, minerals, coenzymes, and even more growth factors and peptides delivered into the skin via specific protocols—microneedling, lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, or chemical peels,” explains Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. 

When it's applied after these complementary aesthetic treatments, such as Benev’s Sylfirm X RF microneedling, Exo-Xom can significantly reduce downtime, relieve skin irritation, and improve results. 

Patients can also opt for Exosome Regenerative Complex +, an even more potent formula that can also hydrate the scalp, promote healthy hair, and reduce shedding. 

Benev exosomes differ from other formulas in that they are lyophilized exosomes, meaning they are freeze-dried and stable in the refrigerator, in contrast with others that must be stored in cryogenic tanks at -80°C to preserve their potency, says Dr. Cheung. They’re also dual-filtered via a patented purification process.

RealSelf Tip: Though exosomes and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments sound similar, exosomes are far more effective because the nanoparticles feature more growth factors, amino acids, proteins, and other goodies. Unlike PRP, this treatment option doesn’t involve a blood draw—unless you opt to combine your Exo-Xom facial with PRP treatment.

Pros:

  • Exo-Xom facials are customized to your skin concerns.
  • The Exosome Regenerative Complex can enhance the results of a variety of cosmetic procedures, including laser treatments, chemical peels, and RF microneedling.
  • Exosome facials nourish skin cells and tissues as they work, expediting recovery and reducing downtime.
  • It’s possible to see results from an Exo-Xom facial within just a few days of your treatment.

Cons:

  • Exosomes are a relatively new skincare treatment, so it may not be as easy to find a provider as with PRP (yet).
  • Treatment with this advanced technology can be on the pricey side.
  • To get the best results, you’ll likely need a series of Exo-Xom facial appointments, which may add up.

RealSelf Tip: Not all exosome manufacturers are reputable, so when looking for an Exo-Xom facial, make sure they’re using the Benev product. “There are many products on the market with unsubstantiated claims for the nature and number of their exosomes that may just contain growth factors,” says Dr. Cheung.

“Everyone is a good candidate for exosome therapy,” says Dr. Cheung. 

This is especially true with an Exo-Xom facial, considering that your provider can tailor the treatment to your specific skin conditions, from fine lines and age spots to skin lesions, scars, and more.

Your provider will first abrade the surface of the skin with a laser treatment, chemical peel, RF microneedling, or another cosmetic procedure, to make it easier for the Exosome Regenerative Complex to penetrate. 

Then they’ll apply the exosome serum. They will likely feel cooling and soothing on the skin. Because they offer regenerative properties, you should experience minimal to no downtime, depending on the depth of your prior treatment. 

Your provider will provide you with post care instructions, but most recommend avoiding the use of any topical products or washing your skin for at least 24 hours after treatment.

If your skin is particularly inflamed or sensitive, or you want to further improve its texture, your provider may recommend adding EXO Balm to your post-op care routine. This at-home treatment option must be stored in the fridge and used within 21 days of mixing, to ensure its potency.

To really get the most out of an Exo-Xom facial, you may need to book a treatment series. “A single treatment will boost your skin quality and turn back the clock, but you may want more treatments if you have a lot of sun damage or deep wrinkles,” says Dr. Cheung.

According to Dr. Cheung, most patients see an improvement pretty quickly. “Depending on the delivery method, you may wake up a little dry, but should notice a glow to the skin after a few days, smoothing and tightening over the next few weeks to months,” she says.

There are no negative effects associated with exosome therapy.

Any side effects will come courtesy of the treatment performed before the application of the Exosome Regenerative Complex, such as a chemical peel or microneedling.

Exo-Xom facials sound comparable to Vampire Facials, which combine microneedling with topical PRP, but exosomes and PRP differ significantly. 

PRP relies on the growth factors in platelet cells to treat skin. 

Exosomes are not cells (though they can be derived from platelet cells); they’re vesicles loaded with many more growth factors, amino acids, proteins, peptides, and RNA. The concentrated power of exosomes delivers enhanced outcomes.

“It may be difficult now to find a provider offering exosome therapy, but just as the use of PRP has become more common over the past 20 years, exosomes should soon be readily available even at common medspas, at a price point similar to PRP,” says Dr. Cheung.

Updated March 28, 2023


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