Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Skin Antiaging Treatments

ACS Nano. 2025 Jul 1;19(25):22504-22527. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.4c17406. Epub 2025 Jun 17.

Abstract

As the median age of the global population rises and the demand for aesthetic enhancement increases, interest in antiaging skin technologies has been growing significantly. This review first addresses the molecular mechanisms underlying skin aging, followed by an overview of traditional antiaging approaches and their benefits and limitations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as promising alternatives to address the shortcomings of conventional strategies. This article highlights the antiaging effects and therapeutic mechanisms of MSC-EVs in the skin microenvironment and identifies promising targets for skin antiaging interventions based on the functional properties of MSC-EVs. Finally, this review introduces the recent advances and future directions for MSC-EV-based antiaging strategies.

Keywords: antiaging therapies; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; regenerative medicines; regenerative therapies; skin aesthetics; skin aging; skin rejuvenation; stem cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / metabolism
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin Aging* / drug effects