We teach you how to multiply your (water) bank account.
Is your skin constantly dehydrated no matter how much water you’re drinking? Your skin is probably suffering from transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
And if your current skincare routine is not resolving your dehydrated skin issues (read: skin tightness, increased lines and wrinkles, dry skin patches etc.), you’re definitely using the wrong products and it’s time to switch up your skincare.
But first, what’s transepidermal water loss?
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) refers to a physiological phenomenon when water passes from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporates from the surface of your skin.
It is completely natural and unavoidable as your skin is losing water to the environment throughout the day and especially at night when you sleep. FYI, an average person will lose about 300-400 ml of water through their skin daily.
So how does it affect your skin?
Hydration refers to your skin’s ability to retain water and TEWL has a direct influence on your skin’s hydration level. While it occurs for everyone, excessive water loss will lead to unwanted skin problems such as dehydrated, itchy, rough, flaky skin that is prone to irritations and more pronounced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What increases your skin’s transepidermal water loss?
Some transepidermal loss is inevitable due to the nature of your skin, however, there are several factors that will influence and exacerbate your skin’s water loss.
– Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis or rosacea
– Dry weather or excessive exposure to air conditioners and central heating
– Prolonged sun exposure
– Over-washing or over-exfoliating
– Long hot baths
– Ageing
How to minimise your skin’s transepidermal water loss?
While it is much harder or almost impossible to fix biological causes, it is possible to reduce your skin’s TEWL if it’s caused by external factors. For example, if your home is extremely dry, you can add a humidifier to increase moisture in your surroundings. Or you can avoid taking long and hot showers to prevent drying up your skin.
More importantly, you should upgrade your skincare routine with products that will help to increase your skin’s hydration level by applying products formulated with humectants and occlusives.
Humectants are ingredients that will attract and bind water to itself such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. When used in skincare, it will draw moisture from the environment and bind water in the epidermis layer.
Occlusives, on the other hand, form a protective layer on the surface of your skin and create a barrier to prevent water loss and lock in moisture such as squalane and shea butter.
Use a hydrating serum such as the ést.lab ActivCalm Skin Quenching Serum that is formulated with electrolytes and glycerin, both of which are humectants that effectively draw and hold moisture in the skin’s uppermost layers. Further enhanced with amino acids and Pyroglutamic Acid (PCA), this lightweight serum quenches and soothes dehydrated skin for an instant plump, dewy look.
Next, seal the moisture in with the ést.lab VitaLift A+ Intensive Youth Restoring Face Capsules which contains squalene, an occlusive emollient to trap water under your skin. It is also supercharged with skin-repairing ceramides that are essentially the “glue” that holds the skin and builds a healthier skin barrier, keeping it radiant and supple.
For an intensive treatment to relieve severely dry skin, try Estetica’s deeply hydrating and nourishing Hydra Advanced Facial, which uses a powerful combination of humectants and occlusives to restore, preserve and optimise the hydro-lipidic balance of the skin for youthful, bouncy skin that lasts for days. Your skin will seriously thank you for it.
If you want to grow your skin’s water bank, focus on building a healthy skin barrier that will help to reduce TEWL in the long run. Say yes to happy, healthy and hydrated skin!
In good hands,
Estetica
