Health and Beauty: Signs of Poor Skin Hydration

Reviewed on 7/14/2021

Dehydrated vs. Dry

Dry skin lacks oil while dehydrated skin doesn't have enough internal moisture.

Dry and dehydrated skin aren't the same thing. Dry skin lacks oils to hold in moisture, causing cracked skin that can even bleed. Or your skin may have lost moisture because of low humidity. Dehydrated skin doesn't have enough moisture on the inside.

How Lack of Water Affects Skin

Your skin needs adequate water so the skin layers work the way they are supposed to.

The layers of your skin need moisture to work the way they're supposed to. Without enough water, skin can't stretch or protect you as well as it should.

Dull Skin

If your skin doesn't have enough water, it may look dull.

You may notice your skin has a flat look to it. Dull skin doesn't have enough moisture to give it the radiance and shine healthy skin has.

Sunken Eyes

Dry skin may lead to darkness under your eyes and a sunken look.

You may notice darkness under your eyes. This can happen because without enough hydration, the skin around your eyes can pull away from your eye sockets and cause a sunken look.

Fine Lines

Dehydration may lead to increased fine lines.

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, sun exposure, and genetics -- and no amount of water will prevent them. However, very fine lines may be a result of dehydration. More moisture can make skin plumper, so faint lines fade.

Itching

Dry or dehydrated skin may lead to cracking and itching.

Both dehydrated and dry skin can cause itching. Skin that cracks from dehydration can feel itchy. It can also let in bacteria.

Bags Under Eyes

Lack of moisture leads to a loss of skin elasticity and you may get under eye bags.

As your skin loses its elasticity (stretch) from a lack of moisture, the skin under your eyes can "pool" and cause under eye bags.

Pinch Test

Try the pinch test on your arm to assess your level of hydration.

To tell if you're dehydrated, you can do the "pinch test." Pinch a bit of skin on your arm between your thumb and forefinger. If you're well hydrated, it should go back to its original position a couple of seconds after you let go. If it doesn't, time to throw back some water.

Health and Beauty: Signs of Poor Skin Hydration

Sources: Sources

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Disclaimer