Do exosomes slow down skin ageing? A cell biologist explains 

Ageing skin doesn’t happen overnight. Skin that used to recover quickly takes its time, reacts more and holds onto moisture a little less easily. Beneath it all, the real change is happening at a cellular level — in how skin repairs and communicates.

In recent years, exosomes have entered the skincare conversation as a new way to support these shifts. But what are they, and what can they realistically do?

We spoke with cell biologist Anna Ramata-Stunda to unpack what exosomes are and what they can offer when it comes to ageing skin.

Anna Ramata-Stunda has collaborated with MÁDARA for over a decade, bringing an advanced understanding of plant actives into formula development. Her work on plant stem cell actives and the regenerative effects of birch sap has focused on proving their impact through cellular research.

Today, these ingredients sit at the heart of many MÁDARA formulas, with Anna also serving as a member of the MÁDARA board.

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Skin ageing is driven by both internal and external factors. Internally, cells gradually lose their ability to divide, repair and communicate efficiently. This leads to reduced collagen production, slower regeneration and a weakened barrier.

At the same time, external stressors such as UV radiation, pollution and lifestyle factors increase oxidative stress and inflammation. These processes accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin and contribute to visible changes like wrinkles, dryness and uneven pigmentation.

So ageing skin reflects both biological time and accumulated environmental impact.

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Exosomes are relevant because they regulate how cells communicate, repair damage and respond to stress. Ageing skin is not only about structural decline, but also about disrupted intercellular signalling, increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Exosomes act as carriers of biological signals, delivering molecules such as lipids, antioxidants and RNAs that can influence these processes. By interacting with multiple mechanisms at once — including collagen production, barrier function and inflammatory pathways — they are considered relevant in supporting both intrinsic ageing and the effects of environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Studies indicate that exosomes can stimulate dermal fibroblasts and support collagen production. They may also influence the production of other extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin, laminin and vimentin, which contribute to skin structure and resilience. 

Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also help reduce processes that lead to collagen degradation, supporting the maintenance of the skin’s structural integrity.

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Hydration is closely linked to barrier function. Ageing skin often experiences increased transepidermal water loss due to a weakened barrier. 

Exosomes, particularly plant-derived ones, contain lipids such as phosphatidic acid, phospholipids and phytosterols that can support barrier integrity. They may also influence the expression of aquaporins, which are involved in water transport in the skin. 

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, they help maintain the structures necessary for moisture retention. 

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Pigmentation is often linked to UV exposure and inflammation, which affect melanocyte behaviour.

Exosomes can deliver signalling molecules and microRNAs that help regulate melanogenesis pathways. They may influence key regulators such as tyrosinase* and MITF**, which are involved in melanin production.

Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects also help reduce factors that contribute to hyperpigmentation.

*Tyrosinase — an enzyme that plays a central role in melanin synthesis. 

**MITF — a transcription factor protein that regulates genes involved in melanin synthesis, including tyrosinase production in melanocytes. It also regulates the survival functions, proliferation and differentiation of pigment-producing cells, melanocytes. 

Anna Ramata-Stunda: Yes. In younger skin, exosomes mainly support existing functions and help maintain balance.

In mature skin, where processes like regeneration and communication are already reduced, their effects can be more noticeable. They can help support communication, reduce oxidative stress and improve fibroblast function.

However, the response depends on the condition of the skin cells themselves.

This is where exosome support turns into something you can actually notice. Powered apple-derived exosomes, postbiotics and bioactive peptides, the formula supports barrier strength, hydration and that subtle kind of firmness that just looks right.

Try the next-gen Exosome Longevity Radiance Peptide Serum today for skin that looks more radiant and feels noticeably more alive tomorrow.