The use of exosomes in dermatology – current knowledge and future perspective – a review

The field of dermatological research has witnessed a rapid surge in interest surrounding exosomes – nanoscale extracellular vesicles with multifaceted biological functions. This bibliometric analysis, based on 171 publications extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, explores the evolving landscape of exosome research in dermatology. Using VOSviewer software, we visualized term cooccurrence networks, identified key contributors, and mapped thematic clusters, revealing that exosome-related research has expanded significantly since 2018, with exponential growth in both publication output and citation frequency. China and the United States emerged as dominant contributors, while Europe and Oceania showed growing engagement. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology led in publication volume and citation impact, reflecting its central role in disseminating high-quality research in this domain. Keyword mapping highlighted critical research themes such as skin regeneration, wound healing, immune modulation, and therapeutic applications in chronic and inflammatory skin conditions. High-impact terms – including melanocyte, angiogenesis, mesenchymal stem cells, and microRNAs – reflect both foundational molecular mechanisms and translational relevance. Furthermore, emerging trends suggest increasing interest in plant-derived exosomes and their potential integration with technologies like laser therapy for enhanced transdermal delivery. Despite their promise in diagnostics, therapeutics, and cosmetic applications, challenges remain in standardisation, scalability, and regulatory validation. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of exosome research in dermatology, offering valuable insights to guide future interdisciplinary innovations and clinical translation.