What is Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)?

Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is the process of water evaporation from the skin. While some TEWL is normal and expected, a compromised skin barrier increases TEWL, contributing to dry, dehydrated skin.

A strong skin barrier helps minimize excess TEWL, leaving skin looking more hydrated, smoother, and more comfortable. Today’s article will explore TEWL in more detail, why it matters, and how to help minimize excess water loss with hydrating and barrier-supportive face moisturizers and other products from NassifMDâ Skincare.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• TEWL and why it matters for skin health and appearance
• TEWL causes
• Signs of high TEWL and moisture loss
• The best skincare ingredients and moisturizers
• The best moisturizer for dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin
• A daily skincare routine to help minimize excess TEWL
• TEWL FAQs

What is Trans-Epidermal Water Loss, and Why Does it Matter?

Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is the measurable evaporation of moisture from the epidermis (skin), and it matters because increased TEWL leads to dehydrated skin.

To understand TEWL, we must first understand the skin barrier. The outermost skin layer, the stratum corneum, serves as a protective barrier for the whole body. The skin barrier’s job is to keep unwanted stressors and pathogens from entering the body. But it also has another job: to keep water in.

When the skin barrier is compromised, TEWL increases, meaning more water evaporates from the skin. The skin becomes drier, dehydrated, and less able to retain moisture, which can affect how it looks and feels.

Common Causes of TEWL: Environment, Age, and Skincare Habits

TEWL increases for both internal and external reasons, including environmental factors, aging, and poor skincare habits and products.

The environment directly affects water loss. A hot, dry, or windy environment with low humidity leads to more water loss. Indoor heating and air conditioning also contribute. On the other hand, a humid environment can help the skin retain water.

Another environmental factor to consider is pollution. Research suggests that pollution increases free radical damage to the skin barrier, thereby affecting TEWL. Sun exposure is yet another external factor that can damage the skin barrier.

While we can control some of the environmental factors that accelerate aging, the natural process of aging itself affects TEWL. As the skin ages, production of collagen and barrier lipids (ceramides) declines, making it difficult for the skin to retain hydration. These structural changes are one reason that a good moisturizerand barrier support become non-negotiable skincare tools.

Finally, skincare habits that disrupt the skin barrier also affect skin hydration by increasing TEWL. Over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, harsh skincare products, skipping sunscreen, and inconsistent skincare habits may contribute.

Signs Your Skin is Losing Moisture Throughout the Day

Signs of skin dehydration may include dryness, irritation, fine lines, and more.

Hydrated skin feels plump, elastic, and comfortable, but dehydrated skin will pull, wrinkle, and tighten as you move. It can feel quite uncomfortable.

If you have these signs, you may be experiencing an increased level of TEWL:

• Dryness
• Tightness and discomfort
• Rough texture
• Skin flaking or peeling
• Increased fine lines and wrinkles
• Increased sensitivity or irritation
• Dull or tired appearance

The Best Ingredients and Moisturizers to Reduce Water Loss

Look for ingredients that support skin barrier integrity, including nutrients and oils, along with hydration support in your face moisturizerand other skincare products to reduce water loss.

Let’s explore some of the specific water retention ingredients and the skin optimization products from NassifMDwhere you’ll find them.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Dry, Oily, or Combination Skin

A facial moisturizerisn’t just for dry skin; it has benefits for all skin types. Oily and combination skin can also be dehydrated and benefit from moisturizing.

All skin types can experience a compromised barrier and TEWL. Using a moisturizer with hydrating, nourishing, and barrier-supportive active ingredients helps support barrier integrity and allows the skin to retain moisture, resulting in greater hydration.

HYPERLINK "https://nassifmdskincare.com/products/soft-focus-hydrating-day-cream?_pos=1&_sid=74c39d946&_ss=r"

NassifMDâ Soft Focus Hydrating Day Cream is one of the best face moisturizer options for daytime use. With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and plant extracts, this formula helps skin look smoother and more hydrated while supporting a brighter-looking complexion. It also contains floraesters, an oil-free derivative of jojoba oil, making it a great hydrating moisturizer for oily skin, combination skin, and dry skin alike. It also works beautifully under makeup!

HYPERLINK "https://nassifmdskincare.com/products/pure-hydration-rejuvenating-night-cream?_pos=1&_sid=0359d47ab&_ss=r"

NassifMDâ Pure Hydration Night Cream is a strong option for overnight skin optimization. It’s lightweight yet still concentrated to hydrate and nourish the skin deeply. It contains galactoarabinan, plant extracts, vitamin C, and aloe to support the skin barrier and improve overnight hydration.

NassifMDâ Skin Barrier Protection Cream is specifically formulated to support skin barrier comfort and protection. With niacinamide, panthenol, targeted plant extracts, and sunflower seed oil, it helps support the skin barrier, so skin looks and feels supple, smooth, and plump. It’s not only a moisturizer for dry skin but also works for other skin types, including sensitive skin. Additionally, it can be helpful when skin feels compromised, dry, sensitive, or in need of barrier support.

Daily Hydration Routine to Help Minimize Excess TEWL and Support the Barrier

A consistent daily skincare routine can help promote hydration, minimize excess TEWL, and support the skin barrier for healthy-looking, radiant skin.

Here’s the formula for a successful daily routine:

Step 1 – Cleanse:

• NassifMD®  Pure Hydration Facial Cleanser – This formula cleanses without irritation, dryness, or barrier disruption. Use a dime-size amount and gently massage into skin before rinsing.

Step 2 – Detox Pads:

• NassifMDâ Detox Facial Pads – For balanced exfoliation and skin prep when used as tolerated. Avoid over-exfoliating, as overuse can compromise the skin barrier and increase moisture loss.

Step 3 – Tone:

• NassifMD® 3HA Hydrating Facial Mist – With three types of hyaluronic acid, you won’t find a more hydrating facial mist. You can also use it anytime your skin needs a refresh throughout the day.

Step 4 – Serums:

• NassifMDâ Hydro-Screen Serum – With retinol, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to support hydration, barrier function, and smoother-looking skin. Use twice daily or just at night.
• NassifMD® Hydro-Gel Serum– an oil-free hydrating serum option, perfect for oily or combination skin.
• NassifMD® Niacinamide Biopeptide Serum– with natural peptides and niacinamide. Use once or twice daily.
• Pro-tip: Layer multiple serums from thinnest to thickest

Step 5 - Hydrating Moisturizer

• NassifMD® Soft Focus Hydrating Day Cream– Daytime support.
• NassifMD® Pure Hydration Night Cream– Overnight support.
• NassifMDâ Skin Barrier Protection Cream – Skin barrier support and protection. Use once or twice daily.
• NassifMDâ Hydro-Screen Soufflé – Body hydration and barrier support.

TEWL is a natural process, but aging and environmental factors can affect skin barrier health and increase water loss, leading to dehydrated skin, fine lines, tightness, and a lackluster appearance. However, a consistent skincare routine can help support barrier function, improve hydration, and promote a more resilient-looking complexion.

TEWL FAQs

What is trans-epidermal water loss and why does it happen?

Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is measurable water evaporation from the skin’s surface. It happens naturallybut can accelerate due to aging, environmental factors, and loss of skin barrier integrity.

How can you tell if your skin is losing too much moisture?

Too much moisture loss from the skin can make the skin feel dry, dehydrated, tight, irritated, and dull.

Which ingredients help minimize excess trans-epidermal water loss?

Hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients can help minimize excess TEWL. These include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, squalene or other emollients, and nourishing oils.

Does the weather or environment affect TEWL?

Yes. Low-humidity indoor or outdoor environments, harsh weather, and other environmental factors, such as pollution, can affect TEWL.

How is a dehydrated skin barrier different from dry skin?

Dehydrated skin lacks the water and hydration required for healthy skin function. Dry skin also lacks the healthy oils that keep the skin moisturized.

References

1. Green, M., Kashetsky, N., Feschuk, A., & Maibach, H. I. (2022). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Environment and pollution-A systematic review. Skin health and disease, 2(2), e104.
2. Schild, J., Kalvodová, A., Zbytovská, J., Farwick, M., & Pyko, C. (2024). The role of ceramides in skin barrier function and the importance of their correct formulation for skincare applications. International journal of cosmetic science, 46(4), 526–543.