Transepidermal Water Loss 101: What is It and How to Prevent It

The truth of the matter is that no one is exempt from Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). TEWL is a natural process where water passively evaporates from the skin. This can result in drier tighter skin that can lead to fine lines, flaky, and rough skin.

TEWL isn’t preventable, but there is a way to minimize these effects to keep your skin supple and radiant for the whole day, which is what we’ll discuss in this article. Ready to learn how to minimize TEWL? Then, keep reading!

What is Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)?

TEWL is a passive process that affects everyone. The severity of the effect can vary according to the time of day - especially with how this process speeds up overnight when you’re asleep. A result of our body’s sleep cycle combined with our sleeping environment. 

Aside from our environment and sleep cycle, age also plays a factor in TEWL. As we get older, our body loses its ability to hold onto water. This is why it’s important to have a skincare regime in place to minimize this. 

However, using too harsh products in your skincare regime can also stimulate TEWL, because you’ve stripped your skin’s barriers too much. 

How to Prevent TEWL?

Too much TEWL and you may just end up with dry, dehydrated skin. This is why it’s essential that you continue to hydrate throughout the day and that you follow these tips:

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can do more than just strip away dirt and debris - they can also strip away your skin’s natural oils which can cause dryness and dehydration. To prevent this, we recommend using a gentle cleanser.

Some cleansers, like our Peptide Sensi Cleanse, are formulated to deep clean while moisturizing your skin. Making it a great multifunction product.

Use Moisturizer

Don’t wait until your skin is rough and dry before applying moisturizer; make it a habit to do so even when you think your skin doesn’t need it. Using a moisturizer is one of your best defenses against TEWL because it contains emollients, occlusives, and humectants that work together to seal in moisture and form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. 

Applying it in the morning, before your sunblock, and in the evening before your oils will give your skin the hydration it needs.

Use Serums

Serums act as skin's superheroes, keeping it hydrated and preventing water loss. They are packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E; these little wonders dive deep into your skin, working their magic to seal in moisture and build up your skin's protective barrier. 

The best part? They're lightweight and come in different versions, so you can choose one that suits your skin’s specific needs. It's like giving your skin a boost of nourishment, keeping it happy, healthy, and less prone to losing water. 

If you want to maximize your skin’s hydration and minimize the effects of TEWL, you can go for Spalina Skincare’s Hyaluronic Serum as it is a powerful humectant that can help you restore your skin’s moisture balance. 

Drink Water 

Drinking water throughout the day helps you replace the water you lose throughout it. 

Have a Pamper Day

Finally, a great way to combat TEWL and give your skin that extra TLC is to schedule a pamper day with your esthetician.

Setting an appointment with your esthetician to get a rejuvenating hydration treatment can restore your skin to its radiant state. Your esthetician can also give you product recommendations that will help keep your skin supple. 

Ready to make an appointment with an esthetician? Book an appointment now and we’ll give your skin the hydration boost it needs.