Dry Skin and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
Proper hydration is essential to healthy skin. Our skin becomes dry when it's not moisturized or when water evaporates through the outer layer of the skin (Epidermis), referred to as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
Stratum corneum and its function
To fully understand TEWL, we should know the different layers of our skin and the vital role each has in maintaining moisture.
The outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum, the barrier between our body and the outside world. It prevents water, bacteria, and other substances from entering our bodies.
It also helps maintain the moisture levels by acting as a shield to prevent water from escaping. How is that possible? The stratum corneum is composed of cells filled with water, called corneocytes. These cells are held together by lipids and joined together by keratin filaments. The lipid layer of the skin is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This lipid layer keeps water and oil from escaping to maintain the ideal moisture levels.
Compromised Barrier (Stratum corneum)
The stratum corneum protects our body from outside irritants and toxins; while regulating the amount of water that evaporates from the skin. However, harsh cleansers, soaps, exposure to environmental factors like smoke and weather can damage this barrier.
An impaired stratum corneum allows a higher amount of moisture to escape resulting in higher levels of TEWL that causes severe dry skin that will result in cracking and peeling.
How to prevent TEWL?
To prevent TEWL, it is critical to keep the skin barrier hydrated and sealed by using Dermatology Science Formula Molecular Hydration and ACTIVITA Vital Cream.
The Molecular Hydrator infuses skin cells with hyaluronic acid in various molecular sizes, allowing the skin to take in water more quickly and efficiently while retaining water at a higher level.
The Vital Cream seals the hydration with a mild occlusive porous formula that reduces TEWL while increasing the skin's breathing abilities. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and is unquestionably an effective skin humectant.
The Molecular Hydrator contains nano-sized Hyaluronic Acids that are easily absorbed by the skin for optimal skin hydration, while the Vital Cream seals and prevents TEWL, making this a winning combination for treating dry skin.
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