Corneotherapy
Understanding the Skin Barrier
Corneotherapy is a holistic philosophy that focuses on the repair, restoration and maintenance of the skin’s most outer layer, the Stratum corneum. Comprised of Corneocytes and lipids (plus a microbiome & PH) and referred to as the skin barrier, this layer holds the key to healthy skin. A simple analogy is to think of your skin barrier like the roof of a house – A roof is designed to protect the house; it keeps warmth inside and the outside elements out. This maintains the structure of the house.
In the same way the skin barrier’s function is to protect from the outside elements, including ultraviolet radiation, pollution, pathogens and allergens, whilst preventing abnormal water loss, TEWL (transepidermal water loss.)
Why does this Matter?
Skin cells communicate to regulate and maintain skin health. The skin barrier is no exception as it communicates with the underlying epidermis and influences regeneration, which occurs in the deeper skin layers. When your skin is out of balance (dysbiosis), immune responses are triggered below the surface, resulting in inflammation and irritation. Because the layers of the skin function together as a whole, upset at the skin’s surface compromises overall skin health, resulting in unwanted symptoms of redness and sensitivity and other symptoms.
A corneotherapeutic approach aims to restore homeostasis, enabling the skin to function optimally and maintain a healthy appearance.
The image seen here shows what’s called the ‘wash-out effect.’ This happens when emulsifiers (commonly found in skincare) break down essential skin lipids, which make up part of the skin’s barrier, and accumulate within the skin itself. Then, they are reactivated when the skin comes into contact with water, producing a skin-drying effect.
What is Applied Corneotherapy
The use of biomimetic skin care (skin-similar) and treatment modalities that restore and care for your skin’s barrier. By initially assessing the skin to find out what it needs, only then applying a therapeutic solution. In this way, we treat the cause of a skin concern rather than the symptoms, achieving lasting results and skin that glows from within.
Corneotherapy is a progressive approach to caring for your skin’s health, and it’s also backed by science. To learn more about Corneotherapy and skin, visit https://corneotherapy.org/
This image shows how the loss of skin lipids leads to further skin dryness and dehydration through abnormal transepidermal water loss.
Corneotherapy: is it good for ageing skin?
We will all show signs of age individually; this is a fact of life. Your skin is influenced by the body it’s attached to, its environment, its history and much more – in short it has a lot to contend with!
Taking care of your skin’s barrier is like giving your skin a helping hand. In return, your skin will feel and look its best. By strengthening your skin’s barrier and maintaining this health, your skin will naturally be more resilient and resistant to all the challenges it faces, from UV exposure to hormonal fluctuations, the natural ageing process and much more.
Additionally, adopting a skin barrier health first approach, your skin will also be primed, ensuring an optimal response to advanced treatments such as Microneedling for skin rejuvenation.
I embarked on my skin health journey with Jo over a year ago, and I can genuinely say my skin has never looked healthier! Recently, I had my first microcurrent treatment, and the results absolutely blew me away. What sets Jo apart is her ability to tailor each treatment to the individual. This personalised approach is, in my opinion, the key to the fantastic results I continue to see. If you’re looking for a transformative experience for your skin, I highly recommend Jo!
I have been working with Jo for 3 months now and the results have been absolutely fantastic. Jo has an expert eye for what my skin needed. The Dermaviduals skin care range has been a game-changer for my daily routine!
I really love the results from my dermaviduals facials with Jo and my home care routine. I cannot thank Jo enough for all the advice, regular facials and for my results so far. I approached Jo when I was struggling with adult acne and uncertainty about what was good for my skin and she has really helped and built up my skin confidence. Thank you Jo!
I have been having treatments with Jo for around two years now and I have seen a marked difference in my skin especially where my rosacea flares under my chin. My skin always looks so plump, hydrated and glowing after my appointments. I believe having developed my skin barrier, with Jo’s dermaviduals facials and products, that my rosacea has improved immensely. Plus, I find it so liberating that I no longer succumb to new products hype and promises for better skin. After the lift and tone facial my skin felt smoother and plumper and I will definitely be going back for more.
Jo is wonderful! She started by getting a history of my skin and the multiple problems I am having (predominantly acne, acne scarring, & blackheads), which I really appreciated as it felt like she was taking the time to learn about my personal experience and what had or hadn’t worked in the past. She then explained the fundamentals of skin and which treatments she thought would work for me, explaining how they work & what the results are. She was very understanding of budget, and tried to offer me lots of different options to suit mine whilst not putting any pressure on me to make a decision then and there. Since the appointment I have started with a dermaviduals skincare routine, and within a few weeks it had already transformed my skin. Throughout this time Jo was on hand to offer advice and check in with how I was getting on. I have struggled with my skin for 10+ years, and Jo has been the first person to really help make a difference, thank you so much!
What causes Skin Barrier Upset?
Many factors can cause the skin’s barrier to become compromised. The wrong skin care and misuse of products, especially those with active ingredients, is a common cause. Harsh cleansing and too much exfoliation can strip the skin of its beneficial lipids, creating dryness and dehydration.
Skin treatments that partially or completely remove the skin’s barrier, such as dermaplanning (face shaving), microdermabrasion, peels and laser treatments, can contribute to or cause skin problems, in both the short and long term.
Ingredients
Many skincare products today contain ingredients that the skin doesn’t need and doesn’t like. These include emulsifiers, fragrance, preservatives, colours, mineral oils, silicones and amines.
UV Radiation
Repeated sun exposure has a negative impact upon the skin’s barrier, affecting the skin cells and the lipids which hold the cells together.
Medications
Some medications can impact the skin, causing photosensitivity, irritation and thinning of the skin.
Diet
A poor diet, lacking in nutrients can compromise the skin’s barrier functions. If you eat lots of high sugar foods and or processed foods, you may not get all the nutrients required by your skin for optimal cellular functions.
Rosacea
Symptoms of rosacea include inflammation, redness and irritation. This can made be worse by a compromised skin barrier.
Ageing
As a natural part of the ageing process the skin’s barrier can become impaired, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity while exacerbating any dryness or dehydration, making your skin appear more lined and wrinkled. A side effect of optimising your skin barrier is resilient skin with a slower response to the natural processes of skin ageing.
Poor Skin care routine
Not cleansing your skin in the morning and evening, and not wearing moisturiser can easily lead to a compromised skin barrier. Also, using too many potent actives on your skin can create over-sensitisation and irritation.
Skin conditions
Eczema and Psoriasis are inflammatory skin conditions and naturally compromise the barrier. Symptoms of dryness and itching can then lead to further susceptibility to irritation.
Stress
Stress affects the body in many different ways, including the skin’s ability to maintain a healthy function.
Environment
Seasonal changes can cause additional stress for the skin barrier, combined with lifestyle factors or work-related challenges such as spending lots of time outdoors, air conditioning or frequent travel.
Water PH
Your water supply can challenge your skin. If you have a compromised skin barrier, or a skin condition such as Eczema, Psoriasis or rosacea – the water you use can have an impact.
Menopause
Although part of the natural ageing process, the menopausal years challenge the skin in new ways. Hormonal fluctuations can cause dryness, breakouts and sensitivity that you have not experienced before. Supporting the skin barrier at this time helps your skin to be more resistant and resilient to these hormonal changes.
Consultations & Skin Assessments
Take the first step towards healthier, stronger, more balanced skin.
Please note
My consultation service is designed for clients who are ready to understand their skin properly and follow a personalised plan. If you are looking for a quick fix, a one-off opinion, or a treatment without commitment to homecare, this may not be the right starting point.
My in-person consultation includes a full skin assessment, Woods Lamp analysis, a bespoke skin treatment and a skin report.
Consultation & Skin Assessment
Suitable for clients with ongoing skin concerns and those wanting a more structured rejuvenation plan.
90 Minutes £160
Online Skin Consultation
For clients who are not local to my Fleet skin studio, I offer a skin-focused consultation via Zoom.
This appointment includes personalised skin advice, education, and professional skincare recommendations where appropriate. Following your online consultation, I will summarise the skin care advice I have given in writing and provide a skin care prescription.
60 Minutes £50
Teen Skin Consultation
I also offer a dedicated consultation for teenagers who are struggling with their skin.
This includes the same thorough consultation process, with guidance and skincare education tailored to the changes that happen during puberty.
For under 18s. A parent or legal guardian must attend.
50 Minutes £50
Testimonials
★★★★★
Corneotherapy FAQ’s
What is a Corneotherapy treatment?
Corneotherapy is a holistic philosophy of skin care that focuses on repairing, restoring, and maintaining the skin barrier. Based on science, corneotherapy isn’t a new or fad concept, touted on social media and promising an instant glow-up. Rather, an approach that respects the innate intelligence of the skin’s biology, which is designed to be healthy (homeostasis). This approach also works with the skin to reduce the signs of ageing and rejuvenate the skin.
A Corneotherapy treatment includes using skincare products that are physiologically similar to the skin itself and are free of harmful ingredients, including conventional emulsifiers, silicones, amines, fragrance, and preservatives, and may include treatments such as massage, microcurrent, and LED Phototherapy.
With Microneedling treatment, controlled trauma is created, triggering the wound-healing process and inducing collagen production. It is essential to develop healthy skin before commencing any microneedling treatment or course of treatments, to minimise the inflammatory response and any unwanted side effects that may result in unhealthy skin. For this reason, I prepare the skin before microneedling to ensure the best results.
For better skin barrier health, start your Corneotherapy skincare journey in Fleet with a consultation.
What are the principles of Corneotherapy?
Corneotherapy acknowledges and respects the skin’s first line of defence -the skin barrier. And seeks to preserve it at all times.
This means that corneotherapists do not offer harsh skin-stripping treatments, peels, or ablative laser treatments. We work with the skin, nurturing its health and vitality.
For better skin barrier health, start your Corneotherapy skincare journey in Fleet with a consultation.
Does Corneotherapy work?
Corneotherapy acknowledges and respects the skin’s first line of defence -the skin barrier. And seeks to preserve it at all times.
This means that corneotherapists do not offer harsh skin-stripping treatments, peels, or ablative laser treatments. We work with the skin, nurturing its health and vitality.
For better skin barrier health, start your Corneotherapy skincare journey in Fleet with a consultation.
Will Corneotherapy tighten loose skin?
Corneotherapy is a practical approach to help manage skin ageing symptoms such as loose skin, with treatments such as microcurrent and microneedling offering skin firming.
It’s important to know that Corneotherapy offers a gradual process in which skin can improve over time, and that the natural ageing process can be reduced as a result of achieving optimal skin health.
For better skin barrier health, start your Corneotherapy skincare journey in Fleet with a consultation.
What are the 3 R’s of Corneotherapy?
Corneotherapy is a skin care philosophy that respects the skin’s physiology and intelligence. The 3 R’s of corneotherapy provide a systematic, safe and therapeutic journey towards healthy skin.
This method is suitable for all skin with a compromised barrier. Anyone can have a compromised skin barrier. Still, common signs include skin inflammation, which can appear as redness and irritation, along with dryness, a tight feeling after cleansing, and sensitivity. Inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis often involve barrier dysfunction and can benefit from the 3 R’s described below. Harsh cleansing products, overuse of active skincare, the natural ageing process, illness, lifestyle factors, and medication can also compromise the skin barrier.
Repair
The first essential stage is to ‘Seal’ the skin’s barrier. Think of the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis) like the roof of a house. If the roof has holes, it will let in the elements, cause damage, and let heat escape! When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes ‘leaky and permeable’, allowing pathogens, irritants, and pollution in. At the same time, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) increases, leading to reduced skin hydration and dehydration (fine lines become more visible). During the repair process, skin begins to feel more comfortable, inflammation and irritation subside, and, if spots are present, they may reduce in size and heal faster.
What’s involved – A simple skin care routine using skincare that contains skin-like substances like ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids, that is also free from skin-harmful ingredients, such as perfume, colours, preservatives, silicones, mineral oils, emulsifiers and amines.
Dermaviduals in-studio treatments and LED Phototherapy can both support and accelerate results.
Restore
The restore stage is all about reinforcing the skin barrier and normalising the skin’s functions. By doing so Skin has normalised transepidermal water loss (minimal), so hydration is maintained.
Corneocyte cells (skin barrier cells) are compact, forming a strong line of defence.
Bi-layer lipids (a sandwich of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids with hyaluronic acid) fill the spaces between the corneocytes, much like cement in a brick wall.
Cell-to-cell communication is optimised, meaning cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, immune cells, fibroblasts) function correctly.
The skin’s innate immune system can switch from alarm mode (always on) to surveillance mode (keeping an eye)
Both surface and deeper inflammation are gone or reduced.
Skin appearance is healthy – feels comfortable, hydrated, with a true glow, and a more even tone.
Completing the Restore stage means achieving healthy skin which cannot be easily triggered or upset. For many inflammatory skin conditions, this can be life-changing and can sometimes offer an alternative to medication and hope when medication hasn’t previously worked. Skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can find that with a strong skin barrier, their skin is calmer and more resistant to flare-ups.
What’s involved: a customised skin care routine and support, using Dermaviduals skincare. Dermaviduals in studio treatments, LED Phototherapy, and microcurrent enhance the restoration stage.
Rejuvenate (or Replenish)
Rather than hoping to go straight to skin rejuvenation, corneotherapy, with its framework of first repair, then restore, simply places the skin in an optimal position for more advanced treatments such as Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy. After a time (length is individual to each skin) of nurturing, not forcing but working with the skin’s physiology, the reward is calmer skin that’s hydrated and more resilient to external and internal stressors, meaning that the best individual treatment results can be achieved.
What’s involved
A tailored skincare plan to stimulate cellular renewal while respecting the healthy skin barrier.
Treatments such as microcurrent, LED therapy, and Microneedling can work together to stimulate cellular energy (ATP), improve microcirculation, aid lymphatic drainage, increase cell renewal, stimulate collagen and elastin production, enhance skin elasticity, tone facial muscles, lift facial contours, treat the eye area and around the mouth, promote healing, reduce hyperpigmentation, minimise pore size, treat scar tissue, and increase skin plumpness.
The 3 R’s guide the skin towards lasting health and vitality. It’s a personalised and guided process compared to trying to fix a skin condition or concern alone, and one that delivers results.