Corneotherapy
 Human stratum corneum | |
| System | Skin |
|---|---|
| Significant diseases | atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis |
| Significant tests | Skin biopsy |
| Specialist | Corneotherapist |
Corneotherapy (from Latin corneum, outermost layer of the skin) is a concept of skin care that deals with repairing its cornified layer (stratum corneum), improving its function and the homeostasis of the skin. The term corneotherapy was defined in the mid-1960s by Albert Kligman, an American dermatology Professor. Corneobiology and corneobiochemistry are new terms used together with corneotherapy to illustrate this treatment regime.[1][2]
Overview
According to Kligman, Corneotherapy refers to preventive interventions that are primarily directed to the correction and restoration of the stratum corneum barrier that has been rendered defective and impaired by disease, genetics and a variety of mechanical, physical, chemical and psychological exogenous insults and stresses.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).[3]
Corneotherapy is also an ensemble of cures centered around corneobi¬ology, a science focused on the anatomy, physiology and biology of the stratum corneum.[4][5] Corneotherapy encompasses all therapeutic interventions aimed at repairing stratum corneum barriers impaired through dermatologic disorders including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis and chronic alipidic skin.
History
Until the last part of the 20th century, the human skin outer layer of desquamating corneocytes was perceived as a dead, inert, passive, metabolically lifeless membrane. It was also seen as a barrier impermeable to the environment that had no biological function.[6] The story of corneotherapy begins with observations by Tree and Marks in a 1975 paper titled An Explanation for the ‘Placebo’ Effect of Bland Ointment Bases. Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). The repeated application for cosmetic and therapeutic uses of these “moisturisers” improved common skin barrier disorders including atopic dermatitis, cornification disorders and dermatosis. As a result of this research, the upper layers of the epidermis were recognized as a significant player in immunity and protection.[7]
Methodology
The methodology of corneotherapy consists of achieving positive clinical effects with substances that emulate skin structure and function. The objective of corneotherapy is to restore the skin disrupted barrier defence (multi lamellar lipid structure, acid mantle, skin microbiome.), its lipid barrier and natural homeostasis with personalized products and natural homeostasis.[8] Corneotherapy rests on three core concepts: • Prevention – For preventive corneotherapy, it is essential to individually adapt skin care products to specific skin conditions. • Protection – Appropriate moisturizers and lipids support the integrity of the horny layer and the regeneration of deeper skin layers. • Personalization – A precise analysis of the skin leads to an individually adapted skin care.
Applications
Corneobiology has paved the way for the creation of improved commercial products for the treatment of common dermatologic conditions. These products include drugs, moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, skin barrier repair, enhanced wound healing.[9] Recent clinical studies have shown that a number of skin pathologies including barrier disorders (ex. atopic dermatitis), cornification disorders and dermatoses are treated with success in corneotherapy. These studies used products where the chemical and physical aspects of the membrane structures matched the condition in the stratum corneum.[10] An important precondition appears to be the presence of a natural component called phosphatidylcholine which plays a significant role in cell membranes.[11]
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Epidermis and dermis of human skin -
Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis. -
Cross-section of all skin layers -
Illustration of epidermal layers
Corneotherapy is recommended in treating dermatoses, ichthyosis, psoriasis, acne (oily/dehydrated skin), perioral dermatitis, and cheilitis. A major advantage of this therapy is the absence of side effects compare to topical pharmaceuticals. However, its success requires a precise diagnosis of the skin and knowledge of skin care products and their components. In Corneotherapy, the practice of daily applications of a moisturizing agent in high doses not only induces skin surface hydration but also repairs mild barrier dysfunction of the stratum as noted in atopic xerosis cutis.[12]
See also
Further readings
References
- ^ ""Corneotherapy" contra el envejecimiento prematuro". Consalud (Spain). November 4, 2015.
- ^ Sadowski T, Klose C, Gerl MJ, Wójcik-Maciejewicz A, Herzog R, Simons K, Reich A, Surma MA (2017). "Large-scale human skin lipidomics by quantitative, high-throughput shotgun mass spectrometry". Scientific Reports. 7: 43761. doi:10.1038/srep43761. PMID 28266621.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Menon, GK1; Kligman, A.M. (2009). "Barrier functions of human skin: a holistic view". Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 22 (4): 178–89. doi:10.1159/000231523. PMID 17621950.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ A. M. Kligman (2017). "Corneobiology and Corneotherapy – a final chapter". International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 33 (3): 197–209. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00644.x.
- ^ "Corneotherapy: The science of maintenance and restoration". Professional Beauty. September 2012.
- ^ Kligman, A.M. (2005). "3: How the Dead Stratum Corneum Became Alive". In Elias, PM; Feingold, KR (eds.). Skin Barrier. Taylor and Francis, NY, London. pp. 15–24. doi:10.1201/b14173-4.
- ^ Lautenschläger, Hans. (19 April 2005). "The history and current aspects of corneotherapy, IV". International Symposium on Aesthetic Medicine. 26 (2): 58–60.
- ^ "A Better Barrier With Corneotherapy". Skin Inc. November 1, 2016.
- ^ Supenya Varothai, Sunatra Nitayavardhana and Kanokvalai Kulthanan (2013). "Moisturizers for patients with atopic dermatitis". Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. 31: 91–98.
- ^ "Applied corneotherapy and skin care - guidelines for the anti-aging treatment". Dermaviduals. 2007.
- ^ Suvorova K. (2004). "Corneotherapy of skin diseases that are accompanied by the disorder of the epidermis". Les Nouvelles Esthétiques (Russian version) (in Russian). 4 (28).
- ^ Hachiro Tagami (2010). "Percutaneous Absorption and Principles of Corneotherapy/Skin Care". Therapy of Skin Diseases: 57–62.
External links
- [corneotherapy.org/ International Association for Applied Corneotherapy]