Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Photoaged Facial Skin: An Investigator-Blinded, Split-Face, Non-Inferiority Trial

This study compared the efficacy and safety of adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating photoaged facial skin in a split-face trial. Participants with mild to moderate photoaging received three radiofrequency microneedling treatments, with PRP applied to one half of the face and topical exosomes to the other. Both treatments equally improved skin wrinkling, dyschromia, erythema, texture, and overall appearance, with histological analysis showing increased collagen I and glycosaminoglycans in both groups. The study concluded that ASC exosomes are a promising alternative to PRP, particularly for needle-averse patients, as they eliminate the need for phlebotomy and centrifugation, potentially reducing office visit duration.