Table of Contents
Introduction:
The skin comprises three layers - the superficial epidermis, the middle layer of the dermis, and the deepest hypodermal layer. When water passes through these layers and reaches the epidermis, it evaporates from them. This is known as transepidermal water loss. However, this is a naturally occurring process where an average individual loses 300 to 400 milliliters (ml) of water through the skin. Certain factors aggravate the transepidermal water loss by affecting the skin's barrier function.
What Is the Mechanism Behind Transepidermal Water Loss?
The superficial epidermal layer of the skin has sublayers such as stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum. A water gradient exists among these layers. The water content of the stratum corneum is lower than that of the other layers, so passive diffusion of water occurs from the innermost layers towards the superficial stratum corneum.
Most water obtained by passive diffusion is eliminated as vapor, and the remaining fraction is retained in the stratum corneum. The water eliminated as vapor is called transepidermal water loss. This is a natural process and a perfectly functioning stratum corneum that controls the water gradient between these layers. However, if there is a chemical or chemical trauma to the layer, it may reflect some adverse effects on the skin.
What Causes Transepidermal Water Loss?
The causes of transepidermal water loss are as follows:
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Trauma to the skin, such as eczema (skin disorder) or sunburn.
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Impaired metabolism.
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Impaired sweat gland function.
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Over-drying skin care products.
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Over-exfoliating with harsh soaps.
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Chlorine in the swimming pool.
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Low humid climates.
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Impaired skin barrier
How Can Transepidermal Water Loss Be Measured?
Generally, the skin's barrier functions are assessed by measuring the transepidermal water loss. They can be measured using devices such as an open chamber, airless chamber, and condenser chamber device. The transepidermal water loss has to be measured under controlled conditions as they are more sensitive and can be affected by environmental humidity, temperature, and airflow.
How Does Transepidermal Water Loss Affect the Skin?
Transepidermal water loss, although a natural process, allows the escape of moisture from the skin and results in unwanted skin conditions.
The signs noticed in an individual with transepidermal water loss include,
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Irritation: Since the skin barrier is damaged, irritation occurs.
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Flaking: The superficial layer of the skin dries and gets peeled off in flakes.
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Itching: The skin cracks cause an itchy feeling.
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Tightness: The skin cells are dehydrated, so they condense together and give a tight feeling.
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Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The excess loss of water content can also lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
How to Prevent Transepidermal Water Loss?
The best way to prevent transepidermal water loss is to enhance the skin's barrier function. Healthy skin is good at trapping moisture and natural oils and combating the irritants trying to enter the skin. Certain practices can enhance skin health and prevent transepidermal water loss.
They are,
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Gentle Cleanse the Skin: The strong skin barrier can get weakened if there is a practice of over-cleansing with products containing strong ingredients. Cleanse the skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser which helps to maintain the skin barrier without damage.
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Use Hydrating Serum: By delivering hydrating ingredients to the skin through serums, transepidermal water loss can be minimized. Hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid work well at drawing moisture into the skin and retaining the moisture in it. It also contains vitamin B5, which treats dry skin.
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Use Moisturizers Regularly: Moisturizers should be applied daily after the cleanser and serum to enhance the skin's barrier function. Applying moisturizers immediately after a shower is the best way to trap moisture. It is recommended to use moisturizers daily and not when you feel your skin dry.
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Use Humidifiers: Low humidity in the environment leads to the aggravation of transepidermal water loss. So use a humidifier to improve dry and itchy skin.
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Use Hand Creams: The skin barrier in the hands can easily get damaged due to continuous exposure to soaps and detergents. So it is recommended to use hand cream for moisturizing the hands and prevent skin damage due to impaired barrier function.
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Skin Hydrating During Bath: Take a bath for only five to 10 minutes and not more to prevent moisture loss and natural oils from the skin. Take a bath using warm water, not hot water, followed by applying an occlusive moisturizer to lock the moisture. For hydrating the face, place a wet cloth on the face.
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Do Not Over-Exfoliate: As a general rule, avoid over-exfoliation of the skin, as it strips away the natural oils and water content in the skin. This leads to an impaired skin barrier function leading to excessive transepidermal water loss. Avoid using exfoliants containing retinol and alpha hydroxy acids as they can worsen and aggravate transepidermal water loss.
What Are the Ingredients That Avoid Transepidermal Water Loss?
It is essential to look for the key ingredients that keep the skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier.
Some of those ingredients are as follows.
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Ceramides: These are natural oils present in the skin. The 50 percent composition of the skin contains ceramides which play a vital role in maintaining the skin barrier function. So adding ceramides to the skincare routine would help maintain skin health.
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Hyaluronic Acid: It is a humectant that traps moisture in the skin. Use cleansers, serums, and moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid for the best-hydrated skin.
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Niacinamide: It is an active form of vitamin B3 that improves the skin's ability to retain moisture.
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Glycerin: Use moisturizers and cleansers containing glycerin as they are good at trapping the moisture in the skin and allowing the other ingredients of the products to enter the skin for the best results.
Conclusion:
A variety of unpleasant skin conditions can result due to transepidermal water loss. To encounter those skin conditions, it is good to use skincare products that keep the skin moisturized all the time and do not cause any adverse effects. However, the results may vary among individuals; consistency and regularity of using the products may help an individual achieve the best results.
