Corneotherapy is a young science that has revolutionized the world of cosmetology. Literally meaning "treatment of the stratum corneum," it serves as a link between cosmetics and dermatology. In this article, we'll explain what it is and how it works.
A Brief Excursion into History
The term "corneotherapy" was first introduced by American professor and dermatologist Albert M. Kligman in the early 1990s. Today, he is considered the founder of corneotherapy, a concept of preventive and therapeutic skin care aimed at strengthening the structures of the stratum corneum. It was he who put forward the concept of "Outside-in-Therapy," meaning: "the external use of substances that normalize the integrity of the stratum corneum, which after some time leads to an effect analogous to the use of pharmacological drugs, but without side effects." Scientists conducted systematic research on the impact of various moisturizing components through their sequential application to the skin, which led to a visible improvement in its condition. The founder of corneotherapy, A. Kligman, once said: "When you see skin inflammation, regardless of the cause, it means that the integrity of the stratum corneum is disrupted. But if you restore its integrity, the underlying tissues will receive a signal that there is no longer any danger in the environment."
What Exactly Is the Stratum Corneum?
The key principle of corneotherapy is the treatment of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). And, thanks to Kligman, the layer that was once considered a layer of dead cells, whose sole function was to provide an impenetrable barrier, the stratum corneum "came alive."
The foundation of the stratum corneum is corneocytes. They are a double-layered membrane, connected by corneodesmosomes, which are in close contact with each other. The stratum corneum is the very top layer of the skin. This is where we apply cosmetics. The skin performs about 10 different functions, including respiration and thermoregulation, and its main function is protection. The skin protects us from dehydration, microorganism penetration, solar radiation, dust, dirt, and smog.
How Does Corneotherapy Work?
The main principle of corneotherapy is to use skin-identical ingredients in cosmetic products and to avoid products with harmful substances such as irritants and allergens, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and emulsifiers. The internal structures of the skin consist of water, fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, and cholesterol. For example, fatty acids found in natural oils are an excellent alternative to mineral products, as their composition is similar to that of the stratum corneum. Cholesterol is also an important component of the barrier, which can be replaced by Argan oil, which contains a high percentage of plant sterols related to cholesterol.
Thus, corneotherapy is a highly effective, new-generation approach to caring for various skin types, aimed at restoring and protecting the damaged stratum corneum.
To keep your stratum corneum in order, pay attention to skincare products containing valuable plant oils. They are beneficial for all skin types; you just need to choose them correctly according to your specific skin type.
