Understanding TEWL: Why Transepidermal Water Loss Matters for Your Skin
The health of your skin is deeply connected to its ability to retain moisture. When this balance is disrupted, your skin can feel dry, irritated, or inflamed. A critical process in this equation is transepidermal water loss (TEWL). While it may sound technical, understanding TEWL can help you take better care of your skin and protect its natural barrier.
What Is TEWL?
TEWL refers to the process where water naturally evaporates from the deeper layers of your skin (the dermis) through the outermost layer (the epidermis). This is a normal and ongoing process, as your skin constantly interacts with the environment to regulate temperature and maintain hydration.
However, when your skin barrier is compromised—due to factors like harsh products, environmental damage, or certain skin conditions—TEWL can increase, leading to excessive water loss. This makes the skin vulnerable to dryness, sensitivity, and external irritants.
Why Is TEWL Important?
TEWL is a key indicator of your skin’s health. A well-functioning skin barrier minimises water loss, keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and resilient. When TEWL is too high, it disrupts this balance, leading to symptoms such as:
Dryness and flakiness
Irritation and redness
Increased sensitivity
Premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles
What Causes Increased TEWL?
Several factors can compromise the skin barrier and elevate TEWL:
Environmental Aggressors: Exposure to wind, cold weather, and pollution can strip the skin of its natural oils, increasing water loss.
Harsh Products: Overuse of exfoliants, astringents, or cleansers with high pH levels can weaken the skin’s protective barrier.
UV Damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun can break down the lipids in your skin, allowing water to escape more easily.
Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea often involve a compromised barrier, leading to higher TEWL.
How to Protect Your Skin from Excessive TEWL
Preventing excessive TEWL starts with supporting your skin’s natural barrier. Here are some key steps:
Use Barrier-Strengthening Products
Look for ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which mimic the lipids in your skin and help reinforce its protective layer.
Stay Hydrated with Humectants
Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol attract water to your skin and lock it in, helping to counteract water loss.
Seal with Emollients and Occlusives
Ingredients such as squalane, shea butter, and dimethicone create a seal on the skin, reducing evaporation and locking in moisture.
Avoid Harsh Products
Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers and avoid over-exfoliating, which can strip the skin of its protective oils.
Protect Against UV Rays
Daily sunscreen application is crucial to prevent UV-induced damage, which can disrupt your skin’s barrier and increase TEWL.
The Role of Skincare in Managing TEWL
Effective skincare isn’t just about hydration—it’s about creating a healthy environment for your skin to retain moisture naturally. Skin Virtue products are meticulously formulated to target TEWL by strengthening your skin barrier, soothing irritation, and enhancing hydration.
For example, Future Advanced Radiance Serum uses advanced humectants and antioxidants to attract and retain water in the skin, while barrier-supporting products like Pure Nourish Moisturising Cream replenish lipids and prevent moisture loss.
In Summary
TEWL is a natural process, but when it’s out of balance, your skin can suffer. By understanding and addressing the causes of excessive water loss, you can maintain a healthy, resilient barrier and enjoy skin that looks and feels its best.
Healthy, hydrated skin starts with knowledge—and a routine that respects and supports your skin’s unique needs.
