As an editor deeply immersed in the world of beauty and wellness, gaining early access to new skincare products is a significant perk. However, it also means that only truly exceptional products can capture my attention, especially those backed by rigorous clinical research rather than just marketing hype. My skepticism was piqued when three independent aestheticians raved about Plated Skin Science's Intense Serum, a product rich in exosomes and antioxidants, powered by the brand's proprietary Renewosomes cocktail. While I was initially intrigued by its growth factor and antioxidant content, and noted its reported popularity with celebrities like Megan Fox, my loyalty to SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum kept me from giving it a second thought.
My perspective shifted dramatically after a minor car accident resulted in glass shattering on my face. Fortunately, the injury was limited to a small cut on my right cheek, but the concern about a potential scar loomed large. Leveraging my network of top aestheticians, dermatologists, and nurse injectors, I sought advice. While suggestions ranged from red light therapy and silicone patches to neurotoxin treatments, a surprising number of unaffiliated experts recommended Plated Skin Science's Intense Serum. This led me to reconsider the aesthetician-approved formula I had previously dismissed.
A conversation with Shawna Chrisman, Nurse Practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa, further solidified my interest. Chrisman, whom I met at an Allergan event, suggested a topical exosome serum, specifically Plated Skin Science Serum, as a potential solution. She acknowledged its higher price point but highlighted its versatility, noting it could be applied to the entire face, not just the scar area.
Understanding Exosomes in Skincare
While exosomes have been known in clinical settings, they are rapidly emerging as a popular ingredient in topical and at-home skincare treatments. Chrisman explained, "Exosome treatments have gained significant attention in regenerative medicine and aesthetics due to their powerful ability to facilitate cell-to-cell communication and support the body’s natural healing processes."
In her practice, Chrisman utilizes exosomes topically to accelerate healing after procedures like microneedling, thereby minimizing downtime. Beyond post-procedure care, exosomes can address various skin concerns. These include reducing redness and inflammation, improving skin laxity, softening fine lines and wrinkles, and fading scars by promoting collagen production and enhancing skin cell turnover. Notably, these benefits are achieved without the side effects often associated with other potent actives like retinoids and chemical exfoliants.
Addressing Multiple Skincare Concerns with Intense Serum
Beyond preventing scarring, my personal skincare goals include reducing redness and inflammation, diminishing fine lines, reversing sun damage accumulated over years, and combating sagging in the lower face. Plated Skin Science's Intense Serum boldly claims to address all these concerns within an accelerated timeframe of just 30 days-a claim I found remarkably ambitious, as I typically expect noticeable results to take six to eight weeks.
The serum's purported fast-acting nature is attributed to its gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly formula. Chrisman emphasizes, "Since exosomes work by supporting natural cellular functions rather than physically altering tissues, patients can experience quicker results with minimal discomfort and downtime." This approach, which works *with* the skin rather than against it, was particularly appealing to me, given my complicated relationship with tretinoin.
Before and After: Personal Experience with Plated Intense Serum
Following Chrisman's advice, I waited for my cut to heal completely before incorporating the serum into my routine, applying it both morning and night, with a concentrated focus on the injured area. Post-cleansing, I applied the INTENSE serum first, allowing it to absorb for at least ten minutes before proceeding with moisturizer and SPF during the day, and a night cream in the evening. I adhered to Chrisman's emphasis on daily SPF use to prevent new scarring.
Within approximately one week, I observed a significant reduction in redness and broken capillaries around my nose. This benefit alone was remarkable, as I've struggled to find topical treatments that effectively calm inflammation and redness. By the ten-day mark, my skin felt exceptionally soft and smooth, with a noticeable improvement in texture and a reduction in rough patches, akin to the results of dermaplaning or a resurfacing treatment.
After 30 days of consistent use, the scar on my cheek was virtually undetectable. While the scar was not severe, thanks to prompt treatment and the serum's efficacy, the speed at which it faded was impressive. The before image clearly shows the scar's presence, which was only visible to me and those in close proximity. Furthermore, I noticed a significant improvement in the UV-induced sun damage along my temples.
Having completed a bottle, I took a two-month break before securing a second. I am eager to observe the results of an additional 30 days of daily use, anticipating further benefits from this versatile and clinically validated serum.
Is Plated's Intense Serum Worth the Investment?
The Plated Intense Serum, like many high-tech serums featuring advanced ingredients such as growth factors, represents a significant financial investment. Priced at $258 for 0.5 fluid ounces, which provides a 30 to 50-day supply, it is undeniably an investment. However, considering that many growth factor-powered serums fall within a similar price range, the cost seems justifiable, albeit high.
From my perspective, this single serum effectively replaced my daily regimen of antioxidant (Vitamin C), growth factor, and retinoid serums, which collectively would have cost approximately $400. Given the rapid and noticeable results, I highly recommend this serum to individuals who can afford it, or for those preparing for special events like weddings or vacations, seeking to enhance their skin's appearance without downtime or irritation.
Plated Skin Science INTENSE Serum: Key Features and Benefits
Plated SkinScience INTENSE Serum is a concentrated anti-aging facial serum engineered to combat visible signs of aging. It leverages the brand's proprietary Renewosome technology, which utilizes exosomes-minute particles derived from platelets-to support skin cell renewal and rejuvenation.
- Clinically Proven Results: The formula is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of brown spots and other hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone.
- Anti-Aging Effects: With consistent use, Intense Serum diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a smoother, more youthful complexion.
- Skin Type Compatibility: This fragrance-free serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Usage Instructions: Apply the serum once daily to clean, dry skin, allowing it to fully absorb before layering other products. It can be effectively integrated with other skincare products like Vitamin C and retinol.
- Targeted Action: Intense Serum offers the most concentrated formula in the Plated Skin Science product line, specifically addressing mature or damaged skin exhibiting visible signs of aging.
- Product Line Integration: Following an Intense treatment, users can transition to Plated Daily Serum for ongoing maintenance.
The Science Behind the Serum: Exosomes and Renewosomes
The primary active ingredient in Plated Intense Serum is platelet-derived exosomes. These are ethically sourced from select blood banks in the United States and are integrated into Plated Skin Science's proprietary manufacturing process. The brand emphasizes the safe and ethical sourcing of these human platelet extracts.
It is important to note that while formulated with safe ingredients, the serum has not been specifically evaluated for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and consulting a physician is advised in such cases.
Maximum Regeneration for Aging Skin
The INTENSE Serum is specifically designed for individuals seeking significant age-reversing results. It provides targeted support to improve visible signs of aging, including deep lines, sagging, rough texture, and uneven tone.
As noted by experts, "If you’re dealing with deeper wrinkles, laxity, or stubborn discoloration, plated INTENSE is the serum I recommend. It feels super light and delivers powerful results-supporting collagen, firming the skin, and helping smooth out scars or uneven tone."
Rebuilding Skin Resilience Over Time
With continued use, the Intense Serum demonstrably improves skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and supports long-term collagen production. This makes it an ideal choice for:
- Mature or Aging Skin: Those with advanced signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, thinning skin, or loss of firmness.
- Post-Procedure Recovery: A potent option to support healing after professional treatments.
Compared to the Daily Serum, which is better suited for early aging and daily glow maintenance, and the CALM serum, designed for redness, rosacea, and barrier repair, the INTENSE serum is more advanced. It focuses on firming, collagen support, and improving wrinkles, scars, and discoloration.
Compatibility and Safety
The Plated Intense Serum is designed to work harmoniously with other anti-aging products, including retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. Despite its potency, the formula is hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, alcohol, and known irritants, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.
A minor note on product integrity: a grey gasket may occasionally dislodge from the pump during refill changes. Ensuring this gasket is correctly replaced is crucial for maintaining the airtight seal and proper pump functionality.
Authenticity and Quality Assurance
As an authorized Plated Retailer, products are guaranteed to be 100% authentic and factory-sealed. Items are shipped directly from an environmentally controlled facility to preserve their quality and efficacy, ensuring customers receive genuine products used daily in professional skincare clinics.
Important Considerations for Usage and Results
Application: Apply the serum to clean, dry skin as the very first step in your routine, before any other skincare or makeup products. Allow approximately five minutes for absorption before layering.
Consistency is Key: Consistent application is vital for achieving optimal results. Ensure your skin is exposed to the exosome benefits without dilution from other products.
Individual Results May Vary: The described skincare benefits are based on the product's intended use and active ingredients. However, individual results can vary significantly due to factors such as skin type, condition, lifestyle, and the consistency of product use. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
NEW Exosome Serum for Under your Eyes from ( plated )™ Skin Science
An Aesthetician's Unsolicited Recommendation
The experience of discovering Plated Skin Science's serum was unique. It began with an aesthetician enthusiastically recommending an unsponsored, unaffiliated serum during a facial. The aesthetician's insistence-"Seriously, you need to try it"-stemmed from her personal experience and that of her colleagues, who were equally impressed.
My skin, prone to redness, irritation, and dehydration, was particularly reactive at the time. While the facial provided some relief, the introduction to this high-tech serum proved transformative. Within 30 days, it effectively soothed redness, smoothed texture, calmed irritation, and plumped the skin.
Plated Skin Science Daily Serum vs. Intense Serum
The aesthetician initially recommended Plated Skin Science's Daily Serum, describing it as a "unicorn" serum due to its ability to provide holistic anti-aging effects while remaining soothing, non-irritating, and redness-calming. Its effectiveness lies in its star ingredient: exosomes.
Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that "exosomes are vesicles secreted by cells that contain growth factors, RNA, mRNA, and other goodies." Once thought to be waste products, exosomes are now recognized for their valuable contents, which promote wound healing (including collagen production), improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. They are particularly beneficial for post-procedure recovery.
The exosomes in Plated's Daily Serum are fortified with antioxidants, a growth factor complex, and hydrating ingredients, clinically proven to minimize wrinkles, redness, and brown spots. My own skin served as testament to these claims.
While the Daily Serum was recommended first, the aesthetician mentioned the Intense Serum as an "even better" option. The Intense Serum contains a higher percentage of exosomes, making it more potent yet equally soothing and redness-reducing. I had the opportunity to test both serums concurrently, using the Intense Serum at night and the Daily Serum in the morning for 30 days.
The results were dramatic. Beyond calming redness and irritation, the serums significantly minimized the brown spots and discoloration from sun exposure. Despite the considerable expense, I highly recommend these serums to anyone who can afford them.
Maintaining Results and Product Recommendations
To maintain the achieved results, I now use the Daily Serum. The brand suggests it as a suitable daily maintenance product for individuals under 40. For those with more mature skin, incorporating the Intense Serum as needed is recommended.
Other Recommended Products Mentioned:**
- Retinol Serum: A go-to effective retinol serum.
- Gentle, Redness-Reducing Moisturizer: A highly praised soothing moisturizer.
- Firming, Exfoliating, and Hydrating Face Mist: A multi-tasking mist.
- Redness and Irritation Reducing Face Mist: Another effective mist for calming the skin.
- Firming Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A combination of beneficial ingredients.
- Soothing and Cooling Roll-On Serum: A highly recommended calming serum.
- Merit's Firming Moisturizer: Doubles as a makeup primer.