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DEHYDRATION
DSPT Skin types have a defective skin barrier. This means that water evaporates off of the skin in a process known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The evaporation of water from the skin leads to dehydration.
The skin barrier
![1](https://ornt.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-300x210.png)
The skin barrier is a layer of lipids (fats) that surround the skin cells (keratinocytes). These lipids are made up of cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides that surround the skin cells in multiple layers.
![2](https://ornt.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-300x212.png)
These bilayers of lipids surround each keratinocyte.
The lipids fit together like puzzle pieces to form a complex 3D structure whose function is to prevent water from evaporating off of the skin.
![3](https://ornt.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/3-600x315.jpg)
The skin barrier has these 3 lipids: Purple = cholesterol, orange = fatty acids and green = ceramides.
How does an impaired skin barrier affect the skin?
When the skin barrier is not intact, holes in this protective layer allow water to evaporate off of the skin in a process called transepidermal water loss (or TEWL).
![a2-](https://ornt.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/a2-.gif)
Dehydrated Skin Is More Likely To Develop One or More of the Following:
- Decreased skin radiance – Dry skin does not reflect light well due to its rough surface. This makes the skin look dull and unhealthy.
Eczema – Also known as atopic dermatitis. This is causes when a defect leads to improper formation of the skin barrier. This can be due to genetics or environmental exposures.
Xerosis – This is another name for dry skin caused by a decreased amount of water in the skin.
Pruritis/ itching – Dry skin often feels rough and itchy
Ashy skin – Darker skin types get an ashy color when the skin is dehydrated