Exploring Acne Interventions and the Future of Exosomes in Dermatology

At the 2025 South Beach Symposium, held from February 6-8 in Miami Beach, Florida, Michael Gold, MD, delivered insightful presentations on several pivotal topics, including "Exosomes" and "Acne Vulgaris: Medical and Procedural Interventions." Gold shared insights into his lectures in an interview with Dermatology Times.

Exosomes have emerged as a promising component in the field of regenerative medicine. Gold introduced exosomes as extracellular vesicles that play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication. He explained, "Exosomes are part of the world of what we call regenerative medicine, and the exosomes are gaining popularity every day."

Despite their potential, Gold cautioned about the current regulatory landscape. He emphasized, "Exosomes are never to be injected in the United States, into the skin. It's against FDA guidelines and rules."

Instead, he advocated for topical application methods, often enhanced by delivery systems like microneedling or lasers, to facilitate skin absorption.

The therapeutic potential of exosomes is vast. Gold highlighted their ability to improve skin health and promote wound healing. He noted, "We know that exosomes can improve the skin health. We know that it can make wounds heal better."

However, he urged practitioners to remain discerning, emphasizing the importance of supporting companies that invest in rigorous scientific research.

"We encourage everybody to find out more about the companies and their science, and what they've published, and what they're publishing," Gold said. "If they have no data, then I don't want to know they exist."

Acne vulgaris remains one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions, affecting individuals across various age groups. Gold emphasized a dual approach to acne management, combining traditional medical therapies with advanced procedural interventions.

In his discussion, Gold highlighted the evolution of device-based treatments over the past 2 decades. He noted, "We have some great devices, some that target the C. acnes bacteria itself and some that target the sebaceous gland now."

This dual targeting is significant, as Cutibacterium acnes plays a central role in acne pathogenesis, and overactive sebaceous glands contribute to lesion formation.

He also stressed the importance of evidence-based practice, advising clinicians to critically assess the available data before adopting new technologies. "We also look at the clinical work: Have the companies published? Have they shown that device can actually stand the test of time?" he asked.

This approach ensures that patients receive treatments that are both safe and effective.

Stay tuned for more coverage from the South Beach Symposium, including session highlights and expert insights.