The Science Behind Combat One
Of critical importance to the body’s natural defense against infection and disease is the stratum corneum. This outer layer of the epidermis was long thought to be simply dead tissue, but in the second half of the 20th century, physicians and researchers discovered that it provides several key protective functions.
The two most critical functions the stratum corneum provides are:
1) Allows only healthy flora to grow: It establishes a critical acid mantle that allows for the growth of normal flora on the surface of the skin, while preventing the establishment and growth of pathogens (including staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyrogenes).
2) Prevents loss of water: It establishes and maintains the “permeability barrier,” preventing the loss of water from the skin, as well as internal organs.
Because these two functions are co-dependent, a rise in the pH of the skin can impact both the function and effectiveness of the permeability barrier. In addition, any damage to the skin that affects the permeability barrier can cause skin pH to rise, which affects the antimicrobial properties of the normal skin.
The unique, non-toxic formulation of Combat One actually works to preserve the normal protective function of the stratum corneum by:
- helping to preserve the acid mantle
- helping to avoid dryness
- maintaining the key acidic, antimicrobial action of the skin’s surface.
Other products used clinically for skin cleansing, including soap, water and other chemical agents, may be effective in cleaning the skin, but they also result in significant drying, a rise in skin pH, and damage to the stratum corneum. The compromise of this critical skin layer can be a significant factor in field-acquired conditions.
Combat One, in addition to being an effective skin cleanser, is also non-toxic. With all ingredients being biocompatible, it can be used freely and frequently in areas of the body around mucous membranes, including the perineum and the face.