What is TEWL and why it matters
- Kara S
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
It's short for trans epidermal water loss and is the natural process of water evaporating from your skin into the air. A healthy skin barrier keeps that water locked in — but when your barrier is compromised, TEWL skyrockets, leaving your skin dull, dehydrated, and more vulnerable to environmental damage.
Think of your skin like a brick wall. Your skin cells are the bricks; your lipids are the mortar. If the mortar is weak, water escapes easily. That’s how TEWL quietly weakens your skin over time.
🚨 Why TEWL Matters
When TEWL is happening, it can trigger:
Tightness and dehydration (even after moisturizing)
Increased sensitivity to skincare products
Fine lines and wrinkles that show up faster
Loss of plumpness and glow
These are the first warning signs that your skin barrier needs help — long before deeper damage shows up.
🧪 Common Causes of Excess TEWL
Over-exfoliation or using harsh cleansers
Sun damage and pollution
Long, hot showers
Low humidity environments (especially during winter)
Alcohol-based skincare or overuse of actives
Pro Tip: If your skin constantly feels dry or dehydrated despite using hydrating serums, it’s not about adding more moisture — it’s about locking it in.
🧴 How to Protect and Restore Your Skin Barrier
1. Use Gentle Cleansers
Avoid stripping your skin. Look for creamy, hydrating cleansers that respect the health of your skin barrier.
2. Layer Smartly
Use humectants like Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Glycerin and Aloe Vera to attract moisture, and follow with occlusive ingredients like squalane, ceramides, or shea butter to seal it in.
3. Control Exfoliation
Stick to 1–2 times per week max, and avoid harsh scrubs or high-strength acids, especially if your barrier is already compromised.
4. Moisture Lockdown
Finish your skincare with a nourishing moisturizer that seals everything in.
5. Environmental Support
If you live in a dry climate, using a humidifier can help keep ambient moisture levels up, supporting your skin barrier from the outside.
🌿 Barrier Repair = Long-Term Glow
When your barrier is healthy, TEWL naturally regulates itself. Your skin stays hydrated, resilient, and more resistant to inflammation and aging. Protecting your barrier is one of the smartest, most effective age management strategies you can implement — and the results are visible.
📅 Ready to Rebuild Your Barrier?
If your skin feels dry, tight, flaky, or overly sensitive, it’s likely your barrier is crying for help.✨ Book a Barrier Repair Clinical Facial at West Valley Aesthetics — a treatment designed to restore hydration, calm inflammation, and give your skin its bounce back.
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