How to know if you’re experiencing TEWL?Updated a year ago
What does transepidermal water loss look like? This depends on the level you’re experiencing. When it’s temporary, high water loss (i.e. dehydration) makes the skin look dull and less firm than normal, although ironically, your skin will probably feel uncomfortably tight and dry.
Chronic high TEWL appearance correlates with poor barrier functions, which means that the skin will also display signs of irritation, like redness, itchiness, and flakiness. Over time, the skin will likely age a little more quickly than it would if it was well-hydrated.
It’s a chicken and egg situation, though, where TEWL is one of the symptoms of barrier damage, but it also makes barrier damage worse.