Trans-epidermal Water Loss & Glycation: The 2 Skin Enemies You Should be Talking About

We all know the usual and most common skin villains, i.e. breakouts, blemishes, wrinkles, and sunburn. But have you heard about the low-key enemies that can mess with your glow behind the scenes? 

Yep, we are talking about the Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Glycation. These two terms might not sound like big deals, but they’re the quiet culprits that could sabotage your skin’s hydration and ageing process faster than you think. 

TEWL, in simple terms, is the process when your skin loses water, making it dry and vulnerable to damage. And then there’s skin glycation - when too much sugar in your system latches onto your skin’s proteins (like collagen), weakening them and speeding up ageing.

Sounds like a double whammy, right? But no worries, understanding these skin foes is the first step to beating them. Let’s break it all down and see how you can stay ahead of the game when it comes to protecting your skin from these undercover culprits.

Let’s get to the basics first:

What Is Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)?

Alright, let’s get nerdy for a second, but in the coolest way possible. So, trans-epidermal water loss or TEWL, if you’re not about long words, is basically the process by which water evaporates from your skin. It happens naturally as part of your skin’s function. But when this water loss goes into overdrive, your skin starts losing its essential hydration, leaving it dry and vulnerable.

So, how does TEWL affect your skin?

When your skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, it can't hold onto water like it's supposed to. This results in dehydrated skin, leading to all those annoying problems we hate dryness, tightness, flakiness and even irritation. And if you're wondering how to prevent TEWL, locking in moisture is key. 

When this happens frequently, it can make your skin look dull and aged because hydrated skin is plump, radiant skin. Excessive TEWL accelerates the ageing process by weakening your skin’s defences, which can ultimately cause fine lines, wrinkles, and a less youthful appearance.

Here are some signs of TEWL:

Your skin feels tight and dry, no matter how much moisturizer you slather on

Flakiness, rough patches, or dullness are making unwanted appearances

Your skin may look more irritated or sensitive than usual

Now, Let’s Understand What’s the Deal with Glycation:

Glycation — it’s the term you don’t often hear in skincare, but it’s one of those hidden culprits messing with your skin’s glow. Glycation and skin aging happens when there’s too much sugar in your system. When that sugar finds its way into your skin, it latches onto proteins like collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping your skin firm and bouncy.

When glycation occurs, these proteins become stiff and weak, which is something you definitely don't want for your skin’s structure. And once these proteins get damaged, it’s hard to reverse the effects.

So, how does Glycation affect your skin?

Glycation is the fast lane to premature ageing. When collagen and elastin become compromised, your skin starts to lose its firmness and elasticity. Over time, this can lead to sagging, wrinkles, and a lack of that youthful bounce your skin once had. And because glycation makes these important proteins stiff and rigid, it can also dull your complexion, making your skin look less radiant and more tired.

Here are a few signs of Glycation: 

Dull, yellowish tone: When glycation sets in, your skin might start to look more sallow and less vibrant

Loss of elasticity: Your skin might not feel as firm or “bouncy” as it once did, and sagging could become more noticeable

Fine lines & wrinkles: With collagen and elastin damaged, wrinkles and fine lines can appear more quickly and look deeper.

How TEWL & Glycation Work Together to Sabotage Your Skin?

When TEWL and glycation team up together, they create havoc on your skin. On one hand, you’ve got TEWL draining all that much-needed moisture, leaving your skin dry and dehydrated. On the other hand, glycation is sneaking in, stiffening up your collagen and elastin, which are key for keeping your skin looking young and firm. Together, they’re the double trouble your skin really doesn’t need.

The Damage: Skin Barrier & Elasticity Take a Hit

TEWL weakens your skin’s barrier, which means your skin struggles to keep moisture locked in and harmful stuff out. This weakened barrier leaves your skin dry and more prone to irritation. On top of that, glycation is working behind the scenes to weaken the very structure of your skin, damaging collagen and elastin, making your skin less firm and elastic. And because of this your skin ages faster, becoming saggy, dull, and way more prone to wrinkles.

Protecting Your Skin from TEWL & Glycation: A Complete Care Guide

When it comes to tackling both these issues, just a few changes in your routine can make all the difference. And with Neude Skin by your side, you can keep your skin ultra-nourished, youthful, clear, resilient & bouncy. Keep reading to know more.

Cleanse Without Stripping: The First Step to Protect Your Skin’s Moisture

When it comes to protecting your skin from TEWL, the first (and most important) step is to use a gentle face cleanser for sensitive skin. Trust me, harsh cleansers that strip away your skin’s natural oils might leave it feeling fresh, but they’re also leaving your skin barrier unprotected. That’s a big NO if you’re trying to keep your moisture in check. You need a gentle creamy face cleanser for dry skin that’s going to hydrate, cleanse and nourish in one go, without leaving your skin tight or parched.

So what should you go for? Think of a cleanser that’s kind to your skin barrier and gives you that hydration boost — something like Neude Skin’s Milk Muse Peptide Face Cleansing Milk. It’s powered by real milk and lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and removes dirt without disrupting your skin’s moisture. Just, a smooth, clean base without any irritation. And with added peptides, your skin’s elasticity gets a little extra support, helping your skin barrier stay strong and hydrated all day long.

But hey, if you prefer something lighter or a gel-based formula, Neude’s Jelliciously Clean is a great formula. This face cleanser for sensitive skin is perfect if you like your face wash to be soft but thorough. It has a pH of 5.5, so it’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Its dual Milk HAs (Lactic Acid and Lactobionic Acid) give you a smooth exfoliation, deep cleanse, and softer, more supple skin—all without irritating or damaging your skin’s barrier. Plus, this gel face cleanser for oily skin is fragrance-free and foam-free, making it an ideal pick for everyday use.

So, when you pick the best face cleanser for women, one that’s gentle and actually supports your skin’s barrier—you’re giving your skin the hydration boost it needs to fight TEWL.

Neude’s Hydrating Serums: The Next Step for Maximum Moisture

Alright, now that your skin is all fresh and clean, the next step is all about locking in that hydration and supporting your skin’s natural barrier with face serum for women. They are like the deep-conditioning treatment your skin has been waiting for!

First, let's talk about Neude’s SkinGenesis All-in-One Face Serum! It is the ultimate way to pack your skin with hydration and barrier-strengthening goodness. It’s loaded with Hyaluronic Acid, which draws moisture into your skin and keeps it there, so your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Unlike some serums that leave a greasy film, this one absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and never heavy. Plus, with Niacinamide in the mix, this serum helps calm irritation and evens out your skin tone giving you a Hi-Glazed glow.

And, if you're after a face serum for glowing skin, Neude’s C-Bionic 20% Vitamin C Super Serum is a great pick. It helps brighten your skin and repair any damage from environmental stressors while continuing to support your skin barrier. The Lactobionic Acid in the formula tightens your pores and boosts your skin’s texture, while Vitamin C helps reduce pigmentation and gives your skin that healthy, even glow. Add in Niacinamide for a little extra help with blemishes, and you’ve got yourself a serum that tackles both hydration and radiance.

For those of you looking for serious barrier care and about to level up your skincare game, you definitely need to check out the benefits of face serum with Neude’s Legend 13 Super Serum. With triple ceramides and 13 actives, this serum works overtime to repair and restore your skin’s barrier. It’s like giving your skin a complete reset. Plus, it’s pH 5.5 and sensitive-skin friendly, so you’re getting 360-degree care without any irritation. For a power-packed routine, you can layer Legend 13 after the C-Bionic Serum in the AM and over the SkinGenesis serum in the PM for 360° skincare and barrier reinvention, to give you glowing, supple skin. It’s skincare that is in sync with your hectic and hustling lifestyle, and it works hard for your skin so that you can be stress-free.

When you lock in that moisture and boost your skin’s barrier, you're setting yourself up to fight off all the bad stuff, like TEWL and glycation. So, choose the serum that vibes with your skin, and watch it stay hydrated, bouncy, and fresh all day. And hey, if you wanna buy face serum online, swing by the Neude website as they are dropping some seriously lit offers right now! Cart it now! 

Butter Up Your Skin: Moisturize Like a Pro with Butter Mousse

When it comes to locking in hydration and protecting your skin from that dreaded TEWL, a moisturizer is a non-negotiable step. You might think your skin’s good to go with just a serum but trust me, a good moisturizer is all you need to seal all that hydration in and keep it locked down.

If you’re dealing with TEWL or fighting off glycation, hydration is key and a lightweight moisturizer is the best way to lock in all that moisture while giving your skin the smooth, glowy finish it craves. Meet Neude Skin’s Butter Mousse. Seriously, this is the buttery moisturizer you didn’t know you needed.

It's packed with Molecular Ghee, Kokum Butter, and Almond Oil and these ingredients work together to deeply nourish without the heavy or greasy feel that some moisturizers leave behind. It's seriously hydrating, but the texture is super light and airy, so your skin feels soft and nourished. 

This one actually strengthens your skin’s barrier, which is essential in preventing TEWL, meaning you’re locking in moisture all day without it evaporating into thin air. On top of that, the Vitamin E from Almond Oil fights signs of ageing, and the Kokum Butter helps restore skin’s elasticity, so you’re left with a bouncy, youthful glow.

For those of us who want that Hi-Glaze glow but hate the greasy aftermath, this is the moisturizer that checks all the boxes. Whether your skin tends to dry out or you just want that extra burst of nourishment, pick Butter Mousse! 

The Takeaway

Okay, so you’ve got the scoop on two sneaky skin villains: Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Glycation. These culprits are out there messing with your glow, hydration, and overall skin vibe. But now that you're in the know, you’ve got the upper hand to keep your skin looking fresh, bouncy, and Hi-Glaze! Armed with the right skincare routine (hello, Neude Skin!), you're prepared to tackle both of these issues head-on.

Stay hydrated, keep an eye on sugar, and let your skincare regimen do its thing to combat these unseen skin threats. Your glow is in your hands, and with Neude by your side, it’s not going anywhere!