TRANSEPIDERMAL WATER LOSS

The skin’s main function is to protect the body from external substances and excessive loss of water.

Water is an essential element for the wellbeing of the skin, therefore cleansing and hydration are essential steps to keep it in good condition.

Transepidermal water loss. What is it?

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the amount of water that passively evaporates through skin to the external environment due to water vapor pressure gradient on both sides of the skin barrier and is used to characterize skin barrier function. The average TEWL in human is about 300–400 mL/day; however, it can be affected by environmental and intrinsic factors.

If the skin barrier is damaged, the amount of water emitted from the body is increased (increased TEWL). As there is no control over this loss of water, the TEWL can be interpreted as a reflection of the skin barrier’s functionality.

It can cause dehydration and speed up the skin's aging process. If your skin is losing too much water, you may notice dryness, flakiness, dullness, itchiness, rough texture and visible fine lines. It’s also thought that TEWL plays a big role in inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema.

How can I stop TEWL?

You can’t completely stop TEWL, but you can minimize it and promote a healthy balance of water in your skin. Here are a few tips for reducing TEWL:

• Wear sunscreen every day and use products with antioxidants to protect your skin barrier from UV and free radical damage.
• Wash your face with lukewarm water because hot water can strip your skin of moisture, and no one wants that!
• Make the switch to gentle cleansers! The cleanser you choose can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your skin barrier healthy! You might want to consider using a gentle cleansing balm.
• Hydrate your skin with a good serum. Our hydrating serum, concentrated in active ingredients to protect your skin, our advanced formula works on hydration as well as radiance and multiple levels to attract, bind, and prevent moisture loss.