A Corneotherapist is a skincare professional who practices the remedial skin treatment methodology of Corneotherapy. Corneotherapists are most often skin treatment practitioners or medical estheticians, however, Corneotherapy is also practiced by some dermatologists.
Why are Corneotherapists different to other skincare providers such as estheticians and beauty therapists?
The methodology of Corneotherapy requires a greater understanding of the skin than established esthetics and beauty therapy training provides as its focus is the repair and maintenance of the skin barrier defence systems rather than the simple application of moisturisers.
The primary aim of the Corneotherapist is to address the cause of the skin conditions, not merely treat the symptoms.
What type of training does a Corneotherapist require to be competent?
In addition to qualifications and experience with professional skin treatment practices, a Corneotherapist will have extended knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, histology and morphology of the skin and be trained in analysing and determining the causes of skin conditions, relating them to extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
A Corneotherapist will also have a working knowledge of cosmetic chemistry and understand what the effects and influences of specific types of ingredients will have on the conditions presented.
Do Corneotherapists use products that differ from conventional cosmetics?
Absolutely. One of the key principles in Corneotherapy is the prescribing of solutions that are tailored to the specific condition and are as physiologically compatible with the skin as possible.
In a majority of cases, Corneotherapists prescribe a treatment regime that involves individually prepared therapeutic creams and lotions.
This physiologically compatible approach to the use of dermatological cosmetics means that there will be a conspicuous absence of conventional non-physiologically compatible ingredients in formulations; particularly active agent cocktails, (artificial peptides etc) surface-active substances that cause skin barrier disorders, skin barrier incompatible emulsifiers, preservatives with allergenic potential, perfumes and colouring.
It is the understanding of the cosmetic chemistry aspect of skincare that allows the Corneotherapist to be less influenced by the marketing hype of conventional cosmetics and more objective regarding the appropriate solutions to the skin conditions presented.
