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Corneotherapy was a term first coined by Professor Albert Kligman who was a pioneer in the realm of skin care. It refers to the repair of the stratum corneum, the outer layer of our skin.
Corneotherapy is a preventative approach to skin care that works from the outside in. The focus is on repairing and strengthening the protective, outer layer of skin. This not only prevents allergens and irritants from passing through and cause inflammation and damage further down in the skin but there is evidence that effective care of the stratum corneum causes positive results in the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Between our skin cells are lipids (oils) and moisturising factors that keep the cells lubricated and which influence the appearance and texture of our skin. Together they form the intercellular matrix which is our skins first line of defence. It prevents harmful substances from entering the skin and prevents moisture from being lost through it (trans epidermal water loss - TEWL). If this barrier becomes disordered or depleted in any way the skin may start to look red and flakey, may feel tight, hot, itchy, irritated and uncomfortable.
In cases of Sensitised Skin, Eczema, Rosacea and other inflammatory disorders you will nearly always find that this intercellular matrix is impaired.
Replenishing these lipids (oils) and moisturising factors is the first step towards healthy, balanced skin, free from problems. Some of the knock on effects of restoring barrier function are:
* Your skin becomes less reactive and less red
* You no longer have a problem with trans epidermal water loss
* Your skin becomes more hydrated and moisturised which makes it look better
* Functions such as desquamation - the shedding of dead skin cells- which require a certain amount of free water in the
skin work more efficiently
* More efficient shedding of dead skin cells prevents a build up on the surface which would otherwise cause a dull
appearance
* Preventing a build up on the surface means your pores are less likely to clog up and your skin is less prone to
blemishes and blackheads
To summarise, restoring barrier function results in a healthier functioning, looking and feeling skin
How does Corneotherapy achieve this?
In essence by giving the skin what it needs and by not giving it what it doesn't need.
This translates into:
* No to ingredients that can stress the skin - petrochemicals, preservatives, fragrance, emulsifiers and silicones.
* Yes to skin identical ingredients that are compatible with your skin's own chemistry. These include natural moisturising factors (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholidids, urea, glycerin) and ingredients that mimic the lipids within your skin (olive oil, shea butter, squalene, essential fatty acids).
The skin is able to easily integrate and metabolise these skin identical ingredients which then help to stabilise and maintain the natural intercellular skin matrix that is so crucial for healthy skin.
Remember your skin is a living organism and will respond to whatever you feed it. By working with the physiology of the skin, Corneotherapy works with your skins natural ability to repair and regenerate itself.
Corneotherapy Facials are ideal for all skins but in particular for any kind of problem skin or any skin that has become imbalanced.
The range of Skin Care that I use that is based on the principles of Corneotherapy is Dermaviduals. For more information on Dermaviduals products visit the Dermaviduals section on my website (currently under construction).
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