What is ‘transepidermal water loss’ and why is it bad for our skin?

Elisa Osmo, Advanced Dermal Therapist at Glow Medispa, sheds light on Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and refers to it as ‘the passive evaporation of water through the skin, a phenomenon influenced by various skincare practices’.

“For instance, excessive cleansing, overuse of harsh ingredients, and skipping moisturisation can all exacerbate TEWL, leading to parched, dehydrated skin. This process essentially compromises the skin’s barrier function, leaving it vulnerable to external aggressors and accelerating signs of aging. Incorporating proper moisturisation into your skincare routine is essential for maintaining skin health and vitality.”

While many of us embrace a significant 12-step skincare routine, or products that may be a little too harsh for daily use, this combined with skipping the vital step of moisturising (blasphemy) can result in the skin producing more oil to compensate for the loss of hydration.

Elisa stresses that moisturising can help balance the skin’s moisture levels, preventing excess oil production to keep the skin’s natural barrier intact.

With the average person losing around 300-400ml of water through their skin each day, keeping skin hydrated to compensate for all the natural water loss is super important.

Tips on how to avoid TEWL and ways to keep skin hydrated, especially during the cooler months:

• Complete your skincare regimen within 2 minutes of cleansing.
  The skin is most absorbent within 2 minutes of stepping out of the shower. Using hydrating creams and oils while the skin is still slightly damp can help lock in moisture and prevent TEWL.
• Avoid over-exfoliating, minimise exfoliation to 1-2 times a week.
• If you are prone to breakouts, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that won’t clog your pores but will keep your skin balanced and healthy.
• If you have oily skin, opt for more gentle cleansers and hydrating products to restore balance.

For those that are wanting to embrace a more pampered experience to hydrate the skin, the Glow & Go facial at Glow Medispa is designed for those that are looking to maintain and enhance their skin’s health and appearance. As the name suggests – expect to feel revitalised and nourished.