Ever wonder why your skin feels tight, itchy, or looks a little dull sometimes? Chances are, it is craving moisture. Supple, soft skin is not just about looking good but about keeping it healthy, while protecting it from dryness, irritation, and premature ageing. When your skin has enough moisture, it can defend itself against environmental stressors like pollution and harsh weather. Plus, hydrated skin heals faster and feels way more comfortable. And of course it glows!For that, you must consider keeping it moisturised.
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However, sometimes, our skin loses water faster than it can hold onto. The term is called trans epidermal water loss or TWEL. When TEWL increases, your skin's moisture levels drop, leading to severe dryness and a weakened barrier. Let us understand how it happens and ways to protect it.
What Is Trans Epidermal Water Loss?
When the water present in your dermis gradually evaporates from the skin's surface into the atmosphere, it is called Trans Epidermal Water Loss. Though a natural part of the skin's function, TEWL can become problematic when it happens in excess. When this protective barrier is affected, the skin struggles to retain moisture. This causes dehydration, sensitivity, and skin inflammation. Preventing excessive TEWL is vital for maintaining a healthy, resilient complexion and supporting the skin’s ability to repair, hydrate, and protect itself.
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What Causes Trans Epidermal Water Loss?
Trans epidermal water loss happens when the skin's natural protective barriercomposed of lipids, proteins, and cells becomes weak or gets disrupted. This barrier normally traps moisture while preventing irritants from entering As a result, water stored in the deeper layers of the skin evaporates more easily, leaving the skin dry and vulnerable.
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Signs Your Skin May Be Losing Too Much Moisture
Besides internal factors such as ageing, dehydration, or certain skin ailments, the following external factors contribute to TEWL.
- Cold, harsh weather conditions
- Low humidity and strong winds
- Indoor heating and hot showers
- Over-cleansing, stripping away essential oils
- Overuse of skin exfoliants
- A weak skin barrier
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
How TEWL Affects Skin Health?
Here is how TEWL can damage your skin and negatively impact your skin health:
Increased Sensitivity: A weak skin barrier cannot stop irritants from penetrating the skin. This leads to skin irritation and inflammation.
Dehydration: When skin loses essential moisture, it begins to appear tight, rough, or flaky.
Impaired Healing: Dry, damaged skin struggles to regenerate and heal from wounds or breakouts.
Premature Ageing: Dry skin lacking moisture can speed up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dull Complexion: Lack of moisture leads to a lacklustre, tired-looking skin tone.
7 Effective Ways to Prevent Trans Epidermal Water Loss
Want to keep your skin smooth, hydrated, and happy? Preventing TEWL begins with restoring and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Try these 7 easy fixes and simple, science-backed remedies to reduce to stop it from losing moisture due to TEWL.
Limit Hot Water Exposure: Use lukewarm water for showers and cleansing to prevent stripping the skin.
Use Skin Barrier-Repairing Moisturisers: Go for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine to lock in moisture.
Avoid Harsh Cleansers: Choose gentle, pH-balanced formulas that preserve the skin’s natural oils.
Apply Occlusives at Night: Try ingredients like petroleum jelly or squalane seal in hydration while you sleep.
Add a Humidifier to Your Routine: If you live in dry climates or heated indoor environments, humidifiers will help maintain ambient moisture.
Protect With Daily Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: UV exposure impedes the skin barrier and accelerates moisture loss. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must when stepping outside.
Stay Hydrated And Eat Skin-Friendly Foods: Drink plenty of water and consume healthy fats to support your skin from within. This is a non-negotiable to do for keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Moisturizers
Anne Harwood; Ali Nassereddin; Karthik Krishnamurthy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/
The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review
Schandra Purnamawati
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5849435/
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