What is Corneotherapy?

Corneotherapy is a skin treatment methodology centered on protecting, repairing, and maintaining the skin’s natural defence systems the foundation of healthy, resilient skin.

To visualise this, think of your skin barrier like the roof of your house. When the roof is strong and intact, everything inside remains protected and balanced. But when it becomes compromised, moisture escapes and external stressors can enter leading to ongoing concerns such as sensitivity, dehydration, breakouts, or premature ageing. Rather than repeatedly treating symptoms, Corneotherapy focuses on restoring and maintaining that protective roof.

Your skin relies on three interconnected defence systems:

1. The Skin Microbiome
The community of beneficial bacteria living on the skin surface that supports balance, resilience, and immune function.

2. The Acid Mantle
A delicate, slightly acidic film created from water and oil that protects against environmental stress and harmful microbes.

3. The Stratum Corneum
The outermost layer of skin in direct contact with the environment, responsible for regulating hydration and acting as the primary physical barrier.

Corneotherapy treatments and prescribed homecare are selected specifically to support these systems, never disrupt them. Ingredient compatibility is fundamental to this approach, meaning formulations are chosen for their ability to work in harmony with skin physiology rather than compromise barrier integrity.

By prioritising protection and repair over aggressive intervention, Corneotherapy strengthens skin function, improves resilience, and supports long-term skin health and visible results.

Take the First Step

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Why Clients Choose Corneotherapy

Modern skincare products are often formulated for texture, scent, and shelf life which can include:

Fragrance that may trigger sensitivity or inflammation
Strong emulsifiers that disrupt lipid balance
Harsh surfactants that strip protective oils
Heavy occlusives that mask dehydration rather than correct it
Preservative systems designed for stability rather than skin compatibility

When the barrier becomes compromised, skin may present as:
Reactive or sensitive
Dry yet congested
Inflamed or breakout-prone
Prone to pigmentation
Ageing prematurely

Corneotherapy addresses these root causes by prioritising barrier repair and ingredient compatibility helping skin function optimally rather than forcing short-term change.

The Corneotherapy Difference

Instead of chasing trends or aggressive treatments, this methodology focuses on:

✔ Supporting the stratum corneum
✔ Reducing unnecessary inflammation
✔ Restoring lipid balance
✔ Improving hydration regulation
✔ Building long-term resilience

Combined with professional treatments and NZ-made Prologic formulations, your skin is guided back to balance safely and progressively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Corneotherapy work?

Corneotherapy works by assessing and supporting your skin’s barrier function through a personalised combination of professional treatments and prescribed homecare.

Continuing the roof analogy rather than simply treating the effects of damage inside the house, we focus on repairing and maintaining the roof itself. This means identifying factors that may be weakening the barrier and introducing ingredients and treatments designed to support your skin’s natural defence systems.

Your journey typically involves:

A detailed consultation and barrier assessment
Adjusting or simplifying homecare where needed
Introducing skin-compatible formulations
Professional treatments that support repair without overstimulation
Ongoing monitoring and refinement as your skin strengthens

As the skin barrier strengthens, it becomes better able to regulate hydration, maintain balance, and respond positively to treatment. The goal is to repair the roof first because targeting skin concerns while the barrier is compromised can limit results or create further imbalance.

Once the foundation is stable, we can more effectively introduce corrective actives to address concerns such as breakouts, pigmentation, or ageing without compromising progress. Corneotherapy is a guided process that works with your skin’s biology to achieve sustainable, long-term results.

Who can benefit from Corneotherapy?

Corneotherapy is suitable for nearly all skin types and conditions. It is especially beneficial if you experience:

Sensitivity or reactivity
Dryness or dehydration
Congestion or breakouts
Pigmentation concerns
Early or visible signs of ageing

Because treatments are customised, this approach supports both those beginning their skin journey and those seeking long-term maintenance and prevention.

Why is this different from a regular facial?

Traditional facials often prioritise immediate visible results through exfoliation or active treatments. While these can provide short-term improvement, they may not address underlying barrier health.

Corneotherapy takes a corrective approach by identifying and supporting the root causes of imbalance. Treatments are designed to strengthen skin function, ensuring results are progressive, sustainable, and supportive of long-term skin health.

How long does it take to notice results?

Many clients notice improvements in comfort, hydration, and reduced reactivity within the first few weeks of following their personalised treatment and homecare plan.

Because Corneotherapy works by restoring skin function rather than forcing rapid change, visible improvements develop progressively. Your professional treatments support structural repair, while consistent homecare maintains and reinforces that progress between visits.

This combined approach ensures results are safe, sustainable, and built for long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes.

What is the adjustment or “wash-out” phase?

As you begin using your prescribed homecare and receiving barrier-supportive treatments, your skin may go through a temporary adjustment phase while transitioning away from previous products.

Many conventional formulations rely on strong emulsifier systems that can interfere with the skin’s natural lipid organisation. When these are removed, the skin may initially feel drier or less “instantly comfortable” as it relearns to regulate hydration and lipid balance independently.

During this time you may notice:

A temporary feeling of dryness or tightness
Mild congestion or small breakouts
Changes in oil activity
Fluctuations in hydration

This phase is a normal part of skin recalibration and does not indicate damage. Your treatments and prescribed homecare are designed to support barrier repair throughout this transition, and we will monitor progress and adjust where needed.

With consistency, most clients move beyond this stage into improved hydration stability, resilience, and overall skin function.

How often should I have treatments?

Treatment frequency varies depending on your skin condition and goals. Following your consultation, we create a personalised plan that supports repair without overstimulating the skin. As balance improves, maintenance treatments are spaced accordingly.

Do I need to change my home skincare?

In many cases, yes. Home care plays a vital role in protecting the progress made during treatments. If products are contributing to barrier disruption, we’ll guide you toward supportive alternatives aligned with corneotherapy principles. Recommendations are always personalised and discussed collaboratively.

Is Corneotherapy suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, in fact, this methodology is particularly beneficial for sensitive or reactive skin. By reducing unnecessary triggers and focusing on compatibility, treatments help calm inflammation and rebuild tolerance over time.

How do I get started?

Your journey begins with an Initial Skin Consultation. This allows us to assess your skin barrier, discuss your goals, and create a personalised plan designed to restore balance and support long-term skin health.

Learn More

For a deeper dive into the science of Corneotherapy, check out Rachel’s article from Prologic which explains how this approach supports healthier, stronger skin. You can also explore Prologic’s official resources for more expert information.

For further education on this internationally recognised treatment methodology, visit the International Association for Applied Corneotherapy (IAC)