An adequate moisture content of the stratum corneum is essential for a well functioning skin barrier. Only an intact NMF (natural moisturizing factor) provides an effective scavenging function against radicals and nitrogen oxides penetrating from the outside, and consequently protects the skin against premature skin aging. Hence the moisture content is the most important parameter of skin diagnosis and measured with the Corneometer^®. The analysis of the moisture retention capacity of the skin is easy to perform, based on the dielectric constant of the water and measured in the superficial layers of the stratum corneum as deep as 10-20 µm to ensure that the measurement is not influenced by capillary blood vessels.

For a comprehensive instruction manual please refer to: http://www.courage-khazaka.de/. General information on skin diagnosis is available in the following publications (English translation):

• Hautdiagnose - an Messergebnissen orientieren, Kosmetik International 2007 (10), 54-56
• Hautanalyse - Befragung ergänzt Messung, Kosmetik International 2004 (8), 72-74
• Hautanalyse - moderne Geräte helfen, Kosmetik International 2003 (3), 102-104
• Geräte zur Hautanalyse, Kosmetik International 2001 (1), 90