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This post was originally published on Hey Aprill.
This refresher on Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is dedicated to those of us who forget just how important moisturizer is to our skincare routines and the role that it plays in our skincare routine. It’s for those of us who may be cleansing entirely too much… and who may be washing our faces with harsh soaps and not following up with a hydrator or moisturizer.
It’s okay… we are guilty of it, too!
Our relationship with moisturizer is vital to our skincare routine for a multitude of reasons, but its most important function is to prevent the skin from losing water. When the epidermis loses water via evaporation, it’s called Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL. TEWL accounts for roughly 1 pint of water loss per day.
That’s a lot of water!
Skin affected by TEWL tends to be dry, rough, itchy, cracked and prematurely aged. Luckily, there’s something you can do about it. Keep reading to learn about 6 ways to prevent TEWL from happening to you.
6 Ways To Prevent Transepidermal Water Loss
Limit your contact with cleansers
As strange as it sounds, contact with water should be limited to avoid skin barrier disruption. Cleaning too often, and using hot water, washes away the skin’s natural oils that hold water in the epidermis. It is important to hydrate and moisturize skin after making contact with water.
Ditch the high pH soaps
Cleansers with high pH levels strip the skin of their natural oils. Use gentle cleansers, and if you have to use a powerful cleanser, hydrate and moisturize skin ASAP. (source)
Plug in your humidifier
TEWL does not fare well in humid environments. If your climate is dry, help your skin stay hydrated skin out by using a humidifier in your office, bedroom, or home to increase the amount of water in the air.
Pick moisturizers that include emollients and occlusives
Occlusive substances such as Vaseline help the skin retain water by simply keeping water out. It’s why we love slugging so much! Emollients such as jojoba seed oil keep the skin smooth and moisturized while reducing water loss. (source)
Add products that contain Niacinamide to your routine
Niacinamide, a member of the vitamin B family, has been clinically proven to reduce TEWL. In one study, 2% Niacinamide use reduced TEWL by 24%. Also, fatty acids and ceramides were boosted as well (source).
Attract water with humectants
Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, glycerin, and propylene glycol, draw moisture from their surroundings to keep skin hydrated.
Prevent Transepidermal Water Loss With The Help Of These Products
Now that you’ve got the steps down, here are some products that will help you prevent transepidermal water loss!
A lightweight formula that's readily absorbed into the skin, leaving it soft and nurtured.
A great option for those with sensitive skin!
This rich compensating cream is particularly indicated for dry, devitalized sensitive skin.
Add to your skincare routine for plumping the look of fine lines and wrinkles while reducing the appearance of pores and discoloration.
This moisturizer replenishes moisture for up to 48-hour hydration and helps restore the skin's natural protective barrier.
Lightweight, buildable texture means you can apply one or more layers depending on the climate, season, or how your skin’s feeling.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide | Sephora
A supercharged anti-stress serum powered by niacinamide (B3), superfoods, and adaptogens to combat the five signs of stress-induced aging.
A serum that's perfect for oily skin to help control excess oil, while reducing blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation.
A highly concentrated niacinamide (vitamin B3) serum that effectively tightens and minimizes the look of sagging pores and rough bumps caused by age or sun damage.
With cannabis Sativa seed oil and a blend of natural essential oils, including lavender, mandarin, and rosemary, this serum calms, soothes, and hydrates for skin that looks and feels less stressed.
Leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated with a light finish.
Did you learn anything new about skin care after reading this article? Let us know what your favorite moisturizing products are in the comments!
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