The Curated Beauty Podcast
Interview w/ Dr. Alan Widgerow: Innovations in Skincare Including His Thoughts on Exosomes
In today's episode, we’re sitting down with Dr. Alan Widgerow, who is a Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of California as well as the Head of Alastin Innovations. We discuss the impact that Alastin’s commitment to science-backed product development has had throughout his career.
Dr. Widgerow highlights the shifting perspective among plastic surgeons who now integrate skincare into their practices. He outlines the development of TriHex technology, which originated from wound healing research and has revolutionized skin bed preparation. This technology facilitates the removal of extracellular matrix debris, thus enhancing the effectiveness of surgical procedures and improving skin health. We explore the critical role of preparing the skin prior to treatments, which leads to better healing and results.
We touch upon the advancements in dermatology, particularly in stimulating elastin production within the skin. Dr. Widgerow explains how new staining techniques and the incorporation of vitamin C have contributed to these breakthroughs. He also describes an antioxidant formula that combines a sodium salt of ascorbate with lactoferrin, yielding a product that supports both collagen and elastin without the irritation often associated with previous formulations.
We also examine the challenges of exosome-based therapies, especially concerning the delivery and cargo complexities. The conversation turns to the need for meticulous validation of exosome counts and sizes, as well as the source of derivation. He explains the concept of designer exosomes, which harness the body's natural delivery systems to augment specific peptides.
Finally, we get into the regulatory considerations surrounding exosome technology. The discussion brings to light the ethical concerns and the need for validated methodologies in this innovative field. We question the practicality of using complex technologies for conditions that could be managed with simpler methods, and stress the importance of ensuring the anti-inflammatory properties of platelet-derived exosomes.