Microneedling with exosomes, exoPDRN or FGF10: what's the difference?
Microneedling works by creating thousands of controlled micro-punctures in the skin to trigger your body's own collagen production — but the serum applied during treatment changes what it's best for. Exosomes, MEDIK8's exoPDRN and FGF10 are three genuinely different active ingredients, each suited to slightly different skin goals.
TL;DR
- Microneedling creates micro-channels in skin to trigger collagen production
- Three serum options: exosomes (brightening/barrier), exoPDRN (reduced downtime), FGF10 (adjustable depth)
- Effective for general rejuvenation, acne scarring and stretch marks
- From £100, 30-minute appointments
How microneedling actually works
A sterile microneedling device creates tiny channels across the treatment area. Your skin responds to this controlled "injury" by ramping up its natural repair process — producing new collagen and elastin — while the micro-channels also let your chosen serum penetrate far more deeply than it would on unbroken skin.
Exosomes, exoPDRN and FGF10 — how they differ
- Exosomes are Lactobacillus-derived and work by supporting visible skin renewal, brightening uneven tone, reducing redness and strengthening the skin's barrier function.
- MEDIK8 exoPDRN uses Prismatic Vegan PDRN combined with dual miniproteins. It's formulated to reduce downtime while diminishing wrinkles and improving brightness, texture and hyperpigmentation.
- FGF10 uses 100% hyaluronic acid at varying molecular weights — around 10 to 20 times the concentration found in most skincare products — which lets it be tailored to penetrate at different depths depending on the goal.
Who it's for
What can microneedling actually improve? Beyond general rejuvenation, microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring and stretch marks, since both respond well to the collagen remodelling the treatment triggers.
For current pricing on each serum option and to book, see the Microneedling page →.
Ready to find the right serum for your skin? See pricing and book microneedling →
Which serum is best for acne scars or stretch marks?
All three serums support collagen remodelling, which is what improves scarring and stretch marks over time. exoPDRN's downtime-reducing formula makes it a popular choice for visible scarring specifically, while FGF10's adjustable depth makes it versatile for both. A free consultation is the best way to get a specific recommendation for your skin.
Does microneedling hurt?
Most clients describe a mild scratching or vibrating sensation rather than pain, and a numbing cream can be applied beforehand if needed.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies by goal — general rejuvenation may need fewer sessions than scarring or stretch marks, which typically respond best to a short course.
Is this the same as the SKINSTORM facial?
No — SKINSTORM includes its own oxygen-based needling step as part of its six-step system, but this treatment uses a separate, dedicated machine for a more targeted result.