This ingredient can reduce the appearance of five years from your skin and may also strengthen fine hair.

      I have always had fine hair. Throughout the years, I have gone back and forth between disliking it and accepting it, but it wasn't until my mid-20s that I decided to take action. During that time, I began facing some new health issues, including extreme fatigue, weight gain, and irregular hair thinning. After consulting with my doctor, I was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Unbeknownst to me, I had been experiencing PCOS symptoms for years, with the noticeable hair thinning being just one of them. I quickly started investing in products for scalp and hair care to both A) nurture the hair I had and B) promote new growth. To this day, I apply hair masks at least once a week, test growth-enhancing scalp serums (this one is my favorite so far), and even use a scalp massager to improve circulation while I wash my hair. Recently, however, I discovered a completely new category of scalp and hair serums and began to wonder if I had overlooked a possible solution to my thinning hair problem all along: exosome serums. I was familiar with exosomes in the realm of skincare, as they are incorporated into facial serums, creams, and treatments for their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Promoted by experts and various online sources as an effective skincare component, exosomes are apparently just as beneficial for the scalp and hair. With my keen interest in scalp and hair health, I knew I needed to learn more, so I reached out to a leading expert. Below, you'll find everything I learned about exosomes and their potential to thicken fine hair.

      What Are Exosomes? "Exosomes are vesicles produced by cells that contain growth factors, RNA, mRNA, and other beneficial substances," Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist at Facet Dermatology, explained to Who What Wear. "You can think of them like email—when cells 'send' exosomes, the contents deliver essential messages to other cells in the body, providing information and instructions." The theoretical role of exosomes is to activate and increase the number of hair follicles, but is this an accurate description of their function? And if so, how effective are they? To get answers, I spoke with Rafael Gonzalez, PhD, chief science and development officer at JuveXO and an expert in cell biology, health, and regenerative medicine. “The cell is the most crucial and foundational element of life,” he states. “Every cell in your body communicates with its neighboring cells.” While some communication occurs directly between cells, there is also a need for “long-distance” communication, which exosomes facilitate. “The prefix ‘exo’ means outside, and ‘some’ refers to a body,” he says. These vesicles have a protective bilayer, allowing them to travel and convey their bioactive “messages” or “signals” to different areas of the body, initiating essential processes. While the messages they deliver can benefit the health and appearance of skin and hair, the potential applications of exosomes extend well beyond aesthetic purposes. In fact, researchers are exploring the use of exosomes in medical treatments.

      How Can Exosomes Benefit the Scalp and Hair? Exosomes, while new to me, have been utilized in the aesthetic industry for some time now. They are often used in professional clinics and as part of in-office treatments. “They are particularly valuable when used after procedures to accelerate and enhance skin recovery,” Yadav shared with Who What Wear. “Because they are not actual cells but rather material derived from cells, they are compatible with all individuals [and] skin types." A prime example is hair transplants. Gonzalez mentions that in some instances, up to 50% of implanted hair follicles can be lost during and after a hair transplant. However, when exosomes are utilized, the viability of the hair follicles improves, and the average healing time decreases. Beyond hair transplants, patients who have undergone exosome hair treatments have reported achieving thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking hair. This is because exosomes can revive dormant hair follicles and promote new growth. While it's clear that exosomes can benefit the scalp and hair, seeking professional treatment is recommended for more significant results. Although over-the-counter (OTC) exosome-based products might be effective, Gonzalez notes that determining their efficacy timeline, intensity, or suitability for individuals is challenging, as these products aren't regulated or studied in the same way as professional exosome treatments.

      Take JuveXO, for example. This company specializes in exosome rejuvenation, relying on extensive research, advanced formulas, specialized application methods, and strict storage and shipping standards. Its formula incorporates exosomes along with human growth factors, aimed not just at stimulating but also proliferating hair growth.

      Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Exosome Scalp & Hair Serums Effective? The quick