What Does Transepidermal Water Loss Mean?

Transepidermal water loss occurs when moisture in the dermis (middle layer of our skin) passes through the epidermis (outer layer) and evaporates. This occurs when the skin barrier, that very final layer - the stratum corneum, is compromised. 

Healthy skin is able to regulate water loss and retain hydration on its own, but damaging factors can disrupt the skin barrier’s function. Such triggers include skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis or rosacea, dry weather or excessive time with dry air indoors (i.e. from air conditioners or central heating) allergies, sunburn, chlorine, over-washing and over-exfoliating.

If your skin is very dehydrated or highly sensitive to external irritants, your skin barrier is likely compromised. To restore barrier function and prevent transepidermal water loss, we recommend using products containing humectants, emollients and occlusives. 

Humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) draw water from the environment into the skin. You'll find these types of ingredients in REFRESH mineral mist and RENEW face serum.

Once hydrated, you'll want to enhance the lipid barrier with the emollients in our REPAIR face oil , BALANCE face oil or REPLENISH everywhere oil.

Finish by sealing in moisture and emollients with occlusives, like the beeswax in NURTURE and SMOOTH balms.

With continued support from your LINNÉ products, your skin's barrier will repair and any associated tightness, itchiness, flakiness or irritation will resolve.