Modern skincare often focuses on quick fixes, but what if the secret to healthy skin lies in protecting and strengthening its natural barrier? Enter corneotherapy—a science-backed approach that nurtures the skin from within.
What is Corneotherapy?
This is a holistic approach to skincare that focuses on supporting the skin's stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the epidermis. This layer is primarily composed of dead skin cells - corneocytes (which need to be gently removed on a regular basis), and lipids.
Top layer serves as a barrier that protects the skin from damage, prevents water loss, and maintains overall skin health.
When the skin barrier is taken care of and is in a good condition, then the top layer send signals to the deeper layer to produce new healthy cells.
At the other side, when the skin barrier is compromised, we loose those signals and our skin is not regenerating properly. It can lead to dryness, irritation, premature aging, inflammation, and conditions like eczema or acne.
What is the best way to support our top skin layer?
The main goal is to maintain healthy lipid balance. This could be done with the help of plant-based face oils.
How face oils can help?
High quality natural oils are super important for this concept, and are the easiest and most natural way to take care of the skin. They mimicking the natural lipids found in the skin's top layer, helping to replenish and repair the barrier function.
Here's how plant-based oils support Corneotherapy and help improve skin barrier function:
1. Restoring the Skin's Lipid Barrier
The stratum corneum (outermost skin layer) is made up of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Many plant-based oils contain fatty acids that help replenish these lipids, supporting the skin's natural barrier and helping it retain moisture.
-Example: Jojoba oil is structurally similar to human sebum and can help restore balance to the skin’s natural oil production. It helps support the lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and promoting healing. Found in Bakuchiol Oil, Cleansing Oil, and Acne Prone Skin Support Oil.
2. Reducing Inflammation and Soothing the Skin
In corneotherapy, the focus is often on reducing inflammation and irritation to allow the skin to heal. Many plant oils contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds that calm redness and swelling, which can help to alleviate conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne.
-Example: Calendula oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin, providing relief for conditions like eczema or dermatitis, which often result from a weakened skin barrier.
3. Enhancing Skin Repair and Regeneration
Oils rich in essential fatty acids (like omega-3s and omega-6s) help support the skin’s natural regenerative processes, aiding in the repair of damaged skin cells and improving overall skin health. They can assist with healing and promote smoother, more supple skin.
-Example: Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A (a precursor to retinoic acid), which encourages cell turnover, helping to regenerate the skin. It’s particularly beneficial for acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines. Found in Age Delay Lifting Serum and Dark Spot Corrector.
4. Providing Antioxidants for Skin Protection
The skin's lipid barrier also plays a role in protecting the deeper layers from oxidative stress. Plant oils are often rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radical damage, support collagen production, and reduce the signs of aging.
-Example: Argan oil is packed with vitamin E and other antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative damage, helping maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
5. Hydration Without Clogging Pores
Oils help to lock in moisture, especially when applied to damp skin. In Corneotherapy, maintaining proper hydration is key to the function of the skin barrier. Some oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores while still providing essential hydration. This makes them suitable even for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
-Example: Squalane derived from olives is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that provides excellent hydration without clogging pores. It mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it a great option for maintaining a healthy, balanced skin barrier. Found in Fragrance Free Face Oil and Age Delay Lifting Serum.
6. Supporting the Skin’s pH Balance
The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, typically around 4.5 to 5.5, which helps protect against bacteria and pathogens.
Some oils, like rosehip oil and squalane, can help maintain the skin’s pH balance, ensuring the barrier remains intact and resilient. A disrupted pH can lead to skin problems like acne, irritation, or infections.
7. Balancing Sebum Production
When the skin barrier is damaged, the skin may either overproduce sebum, (leading to oily, acne-prone skin) or underproduce it (leading to dry, flaky skin). Plant-based oils can help balance sebum production by supplementing the skin’s natural oils and encouraging a more consistent, healthy level of oil production.
-Example: Tea tree oil, though more well-known for its antibacterial properties, also has a balancing effect on oily skin, helping to regulate sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
8. Improving Skin Elasticity and Firmness
Plant oils, especially those rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, support collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This can help with issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity that may occur with a damaged barrier or aging skin.
-Example: Moringa oil contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps stimulate collagen production and improves skin elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance and healthier skin barrier. Found in Rejuvenating Eye Serum and Lip Retreat Oil.
9. Maintaining Skin's Microbiome
The skin’s microbiome (the collection of beneficial bacteria on the skin’s surface) plays a crucial role in maintaining barrier function and defending against harmful pathogens. Certain oils, like argan, jojoba and neem, work as prebiotic, contain compounds that support the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful microbes, promoting a balanced microbiome and healthy skin.
By adopting corneotherapy principles and incorporating plant-based oils into your skincare routine, you can nurture your skin barrier, maintain hydration, and prevent common skin concerns. Rather than relying on harsh exfoliants or synthetic treatments, a gentle and supportive approach leads to healthier, more radiant skin in the long run.
