What it is
Aesthetic and hair regenerative care describes a group of cosmetic and wellness-oriented services. They are usually offered in outpatient or med-spa style settings. People often look into them for thinning hair, uneven skin texture or changes in how the face looks with age.
PRP is made from a person's own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a device to concentrate the platelets, and the result is then applied to the scalp or skin. Microneedling uses very fine needles to create tiny controlled pricks in the skin's surface. Sometimes the two are combined, and sometimes other topical products are added.
Exosome-marketed products are a separate category. Exosomes are tiny particles released by cells, and some clinics promote them for hair and skin. No exosome product is FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved exosome products. The same caution applies to clinic offerings described as stem cell therapy, adipose or SVF products, umbilical cord or Wharton's jelly products, or other perinatal-derived products. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders, used in specialist transplant settings.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, hair thinning and skin concerns have been approached by starting with a conversation and an exam. Clinicians such as dermatologists and other licensed providers may look at medical history, medications, hormones, nutrition, stress and family patterns. They may also consider whether a skin or scalp condition needs its own attention.
Common conventional options have included topical products, sun protection, skin-care routines and in-office procedures. Many people also adjust daily habits such as sleep, diet and hair care. Some choose to do nothing and simply monitor changes over time.
PRP and microneedling have been used by some clinicians as add-on options, and interest in them has grown. The evidence for specific uses is often limited or still being studied, and results are not guaranteed. Holistic or alternative framing of a service does not change its FDA status, so it is wise to ask about regulation no matter how a service is described.
How the right provider may help
The right provider may help you sort through options in a calm, unhurried way. A first visit is generally a consultation. The provider may ask about your goals, health history, medications and past treatments, and look closely at your scalp or skin. A good provider may also say when something is outside their scope or suggest another specialist.
Useful questions include these. Is this product or device FDA-approved or cleared for this use, and if not, what does that mean? Is any study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight? What are the risks, the alternatives and the limits of the evidence? Who will perform the procedure, and what is their training?
Before anything is done, verify the clinician's license with your state medical board. Ask for written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives, and take time to decide. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
The whole-person view
Hair and skin changes can touch how people feel about themselves. Body, mind and stress affect each other, so worry about appearance can add tension, and stress, sleep and health can show up in the hair and skin. Looking at the whole person, not just the surface, can make the conversation more helpful.
If you are carrying stress or body-based tension, Somatic Experiences offers body-based support that some people find grounding. If appearance concerns are bringing up difficult feelings, Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are complements to, not replacements for, evaluation by a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice; talk with a licensed clinician about your situation.
- No exosome product is FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products. Be cautious about any clinic that offers them.
- Watch for red flags: cure-all or "treats everything" claims, paying to join a "clinical trial," testimonials in place of evidence, and pressure to travel abroad or across states for treatment.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any serious condition; for emergencies call 911, and in a crisis call or text 988.
No exosome product is FDA-approved; the FDA has warned about unapproved exosome products.
Providers
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Frequently asked questions
What is aesthetic and hair regenerative care?
Aesthetic and hair regenerative care is a broad label for services such as PRP, microneedling and exosome-marketed products that people explore for hair thinning, skin texture and facial rejuvenation. Some are established procedures used in various settings, while others are unapproved products. A licensed clinician can explain which is which.
Is stem cell therapy for hair and skin FDA-approved?
No, stem cell therapy for hair and skin is not FDA-approved. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders, used in specialist transplant settings. Ask any provider about the FDA status of what they offer.
Are exosome products for hair and skin approved by the FDA?
No, no exosome product is FDA-approved. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved exosome products. If a clinic offers them, ask about regulatory status, risks and whether any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight.
What is PRP, and how is it different from exosomes?
PRP is platelet-rich plasma, made by concentrating platelets from a person's own blood sample. Exosomes are tiny cell-released particles in products that are generally unapproved. The two are different, and a provider should be able to explain what they use and its regulatory status.
How is microneedling different from PRP?
Microneedling is a procedure that uses fine needles to make tiny pricks in the skin, while PRP is a blood-derived preparation. They are sometimes used together. Evidence for specific uses can be limited, and results are not guaranteed.
How do I choose a provider for aesthetic or hair regenerative care?
Start by confirming the clinician's license with your state medical board and asking about the FDA status of every product. Request written informed consent covering risks and alternatives. Be wary of cure-all claims, testimonials in place of evidence, paying to join a "clinical trial," or pressure to travel for treatment.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.