We are all familiar with skin hydration and why it is important for Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which is basically the evaporation of water. The problem is when this Trans-epidermal water loss increases significantly due to damaged skin barrier.
The skin barrier is the combination of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin with the substances that are present with the cells, like keratin and a lipid layer with cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. It has an essential function as it prevents harmful toxins and pathogens from entering the organism and prevents dehydration by locking the water inside.
So, to check if you have a healthy skin barrier, there are a few instruments, mostly made for the research area to measure this parameter.
The Tewameter® TM 300, from the Courage and Khazaka Company, is the most accepted measuring device for this. This equipment measures the density gradient of the water evaporating from the skin indirectly with its open camber probe and two sensors. Most importantly, it measures the TEWL without influencing the microenvironment.
Another device available to understand the TEWL, is the VapoMeter, by the company Delfin. It is portable, wireless and the results are obtained at both high and low evaporation levels. This time, the device presents a closed chamber, and the sensor monitors the increase in relative humidity while the measurement process.
Next time you see a product that promises to improve the skin barrier, a second inspection to know the importance of this parameter can be worthwhile!
About the Author: MSci Maísa Melo is a Pharmacist and a current PhD student in cosmetic technology, from São Paulo, Brazil. She has earned her master’s degree from the University of São Paulo and has been involved with the development, stability, safety and efficacy of cosmetics since 2013. She has specialized in the clinical efficacy of cosmetics by biophysical and skin imaging techniques as well as the use of alternative models to animal testing. Her research work has been published in several scientific journals and book chapters from the field.
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