TEWL 101: The Hidden Culprit Behind Winter Dryness
If you’ve ever wondered why your skin feels like a desert in the winter despite your best moisturizing efforts, the answer may lie in how your skin loses water to the environment—also known as TEWL (transepidermal water loss). But don’t worry—with the right knowledge and a few simple strategies, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all season long. Here’s everything you need to know about this dry-skin sneaky culprit.
What Is TEWL?
TEWL refers to the water that passively evaporates from your skin into the environment due to a difference in water vapor pressure. Think of your skin as a brick wall—the cells are the bricks, and the lipids (fats) between them are the mortar. When this "mortar" weakens, water escapes, leaving your skin dehydrated and vulnerable. Factors like cold weather, low humidity, and harsh winds can amplify TEWL, making winter particularly tough on your skin.
How TEWL Affects Your Skin
When TEWL increases, your skin's hydration decreases, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. It can even aggravate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Healthy skin maintains a delicate balance, but winter’s harsh conditions often tip the scales, leaving your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.
Preventing TEWL: Your Winter Skincare Arsenal
1. Gently Exfoliate
Start by removing dead skin cells that block hydration. Use a gentle scrub or an alpha hydroxy acid peel with soothing botanicals like aloe. This preps your skin to absorb moisture more effectively.
2. Layer on Serums
Hydrating serums are your winter skin saviors. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and vitamin C to brighten and protect. Apply them after cleansing and before moisturizing for maximum impact.
3. Use an Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
Choose a moisturizer that supports skin barrier repair. Look for products with ceramides and shea butter to seal in hydration and protect against environmental stressors. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day, especially after washing your face.
4. Beyond Skincare
Hydration starts from within, so drink plenty of water and eat skin-friendly foods like avocados and blueberries. Combat dry indoor air with a humidifier, especially in your bedroom, to help your skin regenerate overnight.