Cover From platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to exosomes, here are some common terms used when talking about regenerative aesthetics (Photo: Shubham Dhage/Unsplash)
From platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to exosomes, here are some common terms used when talking about regenerative aesthetics (Photo: Shubham Dhage/Unsplash)
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Exosomes, biostimulators and more: learn what these regenerative beauty terms mean before committing to a treatment plan
“Regenerative beauty” has become a catch‑all label for treatments that claim to help skin repair itself rather than simply cover signs of ageing. It now appears on menus at dermatology clinics, medispas, longevity centres, recovery studios and hotel wellness programmes.
The category includes established injectables, energy‑based devices and newer add‑ons with more limited cosmetic evidence. Some have defined indications and regulatory approvals; others are familiar procedures presented with newer terminology.
Most treatments fall into a few formats: in‑clinic injectables, energy‑based device sessions, topical products layered onto other procedures, or oral/IV protocols associated with longevity medicine. For each term below, you’ll see what it is in one line, what the current interest is about, and factual basics on how it is delivered, typical downtime and frequency.
1. Biostimulators
What is it?
Injectable products that stimulate the body to produce more of its own collagen over time, instead of providing immediate volume.
What’s the hype about?
They are associated with gradual structural support and firmness that can persist beyond the active lifespan of many fillers.
How it’s done
Injected in clinic with a needle or cannula, usually in the deeper tissue layers.
Typical downtime
- Swelling, tenderness and possible bruising for several days, occasionally up to around two weeks in some areas.
- Visible changes develop over months as collagen forms.
Frequency and maintenance
Often performed as 2–3 initial sessions several weeks apart, with maintenance commonly in the range of every 1–2 years.
Factual cautions
- These products are not routinely dissolved with hyaluronidase the way standard hyaluronic acid fillers can be.
- Outcome depends on product choice, dilution, placement and injector experience.
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2. Exosomes
What is it?
Cell‑derived particles, packaged into aesthetic products, used mainly as topical add‑ons to procedures.
What’s the hype about?
They are promoted as “cellular messengers” that may support healing, collagen production and skin quality after treatments such as lasers or microneedling.
How it’s done
- Typically applied onto the skin immediately after procedures like microneedling or laser.
- Also available as serums or ampoules for short‑term post‑treatment home use.
Typical downtime
Downtime is primarily determined by the main procedure; topical exosome products alone usually have minimal visible downtime.
Frequency and maintenance
Used alongside each device‑based treatment, or repeatedly over a recovery period according to clinic protocol.
Factual cautions
- In some markets there are no specific approvals for exosome products for aesthetic indications, and regulation and product standards vary.
- Source, manufacturing methods and composition differ across brands.
3. PRP (Platelet‑Rich Plasma)
What is it?
A concentrate of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood and used on skin or scalp.
What’s the hype about?
It is positioned as an autologous (self‑derived) way to deliver growth factors linked to repair, with established use in some medical fields and for certain types of hair loss.
How it’s done
Blood draw, centrifugation to concentrate platelets, then injections or topical application to treated areas.
Typical downtime
- Face: redness, pinpoint bleeding, mild swelling and possible bruising for several days.
- Scalp: tenderness and sensitivity for a few days, often with limited visible signs.
Frequency and maintenance
Common protocols use 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6–12 months.
Factual cautions
- Outcomes vary with preparation system, platelet concentration and protocol.
- Evidence is stronger for some indications than for general facial rejuvenation.
4. Polynucleotides
What is it?
Injectable DNA fragments used as skin‑quality treatments focused on hydration and repair support.
What’s the hype about?
They are promoted as a newer class of injectables for texture, elasticity and post‑procedure recovery, especially in Asian aesthetic markets.
How it’s done
Administered as multiple small injections across areas such as the face, neck, under‑eyes or scalp.
Typical downtime
Small, transient bumps at injection sites for hours to a couple of days, with potential bruising and mild soreness.
Frequency and maintenance
Often used in 2–4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with periodic maintenance according to product and clinic protocol.
Factual cautions
- They are not designed as volumising fillers or lifting procedures.
- Formulations and regulatory classification differ by brand and region.
5. Stem cells
What is it?
A broad marketing term that can refer to plant stem‑cell extracts, conditioned media, growth‑factor blends or other cell‑related products, usually without live stem cells in the cosmetic context.
What’s the hype about?
These treatments borrow language from regenerative medicine and are promoted for supporting repair, firmness and “youthful” skin behaviour.
How it’s done
- Most commonly as topical serums during facials, sometimes combined with microneedling or lasers.
- Less frequently as injectables or infusions offered in more medical‑style settings.
Typical downtime
- For topical facials: minimal, aside from any device‑related effects.
- For injectable or systemic protocols: downtime and risk profiles depend on the specific medical treatment used.
Frequency and maintenance
Typically offered as part of premium facial packages or as an add‑on to device‑based procedures.
Factual cautions
- The same label (“stem‑cell facial”, for example) can describe different underlying products.
- In some jurisdictions, regulators have issued warnings about unapproved regenerative medicine products.
6. Senolytics
What is it?
Compounds under investigation for their ability to target and clear senescent (non‑dividing, aged) cells.
What’s the hype about?
They are discussed in longevity medicine as a way to influence ageing biology and are sometimes connected to claims about skin and tissue quality.
How it’s done
Primarily as oral medications or supplements in research and longevity settings; occasionally as part of infusion protocols.
Typical downtime
Little visible skin downtime; side effects, when present, are systemic and depend on the specific agent and dose.
Frequency and maintenance
Protocols often use intermittent “pulses” or cycles rather than continuous dosing, but there is no single cosmetic regimen.
Factual cautions
- Evidence for direct cosmetic outcomes is limited; most data focus on general ageing biology.
- Use is typically overseen by physicians trained in internal or longevity medicine.
7. NAD+
What is it?
A coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, administered as IV infusions, injections or supplements.
What’s the hype about?
NAD+ protocols are marketed in longevity and performance settings for perceived energy, recovery and cellular‑health benefits, sometimes linked to skin vitality.
How it’s done
Most commonly via slow intravenous infusions; also available as intramuscular injections and oral forms.
Typical downtime
- Infusions take from about one to several hours and can cause transient flushing, nausea or chest tightness during administration.
- Minimal visible skin downtime beyond the cannula or needle site.
Frequency and maintenance
Many programmes suggest a series of infusions over weeks, followed by periodic maintenance, such as monthly or quarterly sessions.
Factual cautions
- The biological role of NAD+ is well described, but cosmetic outcome data for aesthetic protocols are limited.
- High‑dose IV use is usually screened for cardiovascular and other medical considerations.
8. Collagen banking
What is it?
A descriptive term for starting collagen‑stimulating treatments earlier in adulthood with the intention of preserving skin structure over time.
What’s the hype about?
It reflects the idea of “pre‑juvenation”: maintaining collagen as it declines with age rather than focusing only on correction later.
How it’s done
Typically with energy‑based devices (lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound), microneedling and/or injectable collagen stimulators.
Typical downtime
Ranges from almost none with some radiofrequency devices to several days of redness, swelling and micro‑crusting with more aggressive lasers.
Frequency and maintenance
Often packaged as yearly or twice‑yearly treatment plans, sometimes with additional lighter sessions in between.
Factual cautions
The term has no single clinical definition; protocols and intensity vary by clinic and by patient age.
9. Skin boosters
What is it?
Micro‑injected products—often hyaluronic acid or similar formulations—aimed at hydration and fine‑texture improvement rather than contour changes.
What’s the hype about?
They are positioned as “glow” treatments that increase superficial hydration and smoothness without altering facial shape.
How it’s done
Multiple small injections just beneath the skin across the chosen area (face, neck, décolletage, hands).
Typical downtime
Small bumps and needle marks for around 1–3 days, with possible bruising.
Frequency and maintenance
Frequently delivered as 2–3 initial sessions spaced a few weeks apart, then repeated roughly every 6–12 months.
Factual cautions
- The term “skin booster” covers different active substances; some are non‑cross‑linked, others behave more like fillers.
- Risk profiles, including rare vascular complications, depend on the specific product and injection technique.
10. Peptides
What is it?
Short amino‑acid chains used in skincare and some injectable formulations to deliver specific biological signals.
What’s the hype about?
They are promoted as targeted messengers that may influence collagen synthesis, repair processes or inflammation with relatively gentle profiles.
How it’s done
Predominantly in topical serums and creams; in some settings as injectable blends.
Typical downtime
- Topicals: usually none, apart from possible irritation from the formula.
- Injectables: standard post‑injection redness, swelling and bruising.
Frequency and maintenance
- Topical peptides are generally used daily over long periods.
- Injectable protocols often involve a short series of sessions repeated periodically.
Factual cautions
“Peptides” is an umbrella term; evidence and effects vary widely between specific molecules and indications.
Overview
Regenerative aesthetics groups together established dermatology tools, newer procedures with emerging evidence and treatments described mainly with marketing language. Some products, such as certain collagen‑stimulating injectables, have defined aesthetic approvals; many others are used off‑label or have variable regulatory status between countries.
For any treatment, knowing the exact product or device, how it is delivered, the usual downtime and how often protocols are repeated provides a more concrete basis for understanding what is being offered than category labels alone.
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
