Does skin look older when dehydrated?

Author: Myrna Reynolds I  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

You might not realize it, but dehydrated skin can make you appear older than you are and accelerate the aging process. Who wants either of those?!? When our skin lacks water, it can appear dull, dry, and flaky. Dehydration can even cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear.

Does skin look different when dehydrated?

You may also notice more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles, which is why dehydrated skin is sometimes also confused with premature skin aging. With dehydrated skin, you might notice that your skin has a tired-looking appearance, with darker shadows and under-eye circles.

Can you reverse aging from dehydration?

Reduced fluid intake is the most common reason for elevated serum sodium. Thus, Dmitrieva says, “proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life.”

Does dehydration lead to aging?

“Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.” This research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research at NHLBI.

How do you tell if you're severely dehydrated?

Dehydration symptoms in adults may include:
  • Headache, delirium and confusion.
  • Tiredness (fatigue).
  • Dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness.
  • Dry mouth and/or a dry cough.
  • High heart rate but low blood pressure.
  • Loss of appetite but maybe craving sugar.
  • Flushed (red) skin.
  • Swollen feet.

8 Skin Habits That Make You Look Older

Does hydrated skin age better?

As we age, our skin begins to show signs of dehydration. This can lead to a number of unwanted aging signs, such as fine lines and wrinkles. In order to keep your skin looking its best, it is important to hydrate it regularly.

What do dehydration wrinkles look like?

Dehydration lines are faint, surface-level lines that can appear on your skin when it is lacking moisture. Commonly found around the eyes and on the lips and forehead, dehydration lines are your skin's response to insufficient water intake.

Does dehydration cause gaunt face?

Other causes of hollow cheeks include dehydration, malnutrition, smoking, a lack of sleep, and harsh weather conditions. You may also find you have sunken cheeks after weight loss.

Does drinking water make you look younger?

As it turns out, one of the best-kept secrets for healthier, younger-looking skin is as easy to find as turning the tap. Water makes up a large percentage of your body weight, and when you don't drink enough of it, it shows in your skin. Without enough water, your skin looks dull, and prematurely aged.

Does dehydrated skin look saggy?

Skin dehydration can also lead to dark circles under the eyes and fine lines and wrinkles on the face. When the skin is dehydrated, it can lose its elasticity, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.

Does face look puffy when dehydrated?

In the early stages of dehydration, your body tries to hold on to fluid causing water retention. Water is drawn into the blood vessels, causing them to swell. This leads to areas of the body, especially the face, becoming bloated and puffy looking.

Does coffee dehydrate you?

Overall, it's good news for coffee lovers: Experts say moderate coffee consumption won't dehydrate you in any meaningful way. Just don't consume more than five cups in one sitting, and pay attention to what your own body is telling you about how it reacts to caffeine and its diuretic and laxative effects.

Does dehydrated skin look Crepey?

What do dehydration lines look like? These lines are usually thin and shallow, often making the skin look tightly pulled or slightly crepey. You'll typically spot them under your eyes and on your forehead—areas especially vulnerable to moisture loss.

Why does my skin look older than my age?

The cause is usually environmental and lifestyle factors. The most common signs of premature aging appear in your skin, with wrinkles, age spots, dryness or loss of skin tone. Healthy lifestyle habits can help stop and prevent further premature aging.

What does your face look like when you are dehydrated?

Dehydrated skin reveals itself through dry skin, itchy skin, and/or an uneven complexion. It is not the same as having naturally dry skin. Dry skin is caused by a lack of natural oils. Dehydrated skin is caused from a lack of water and is more of a concern that should be addressed by a dermatologist.

Does dehydration make your face look old?

As a result, your complexion can become dull and tired-looking and age your appearance. Additionally, because a lack of hydration slows down your body's regenerative process, it's harder for the skin to protect itself from environmental stressors, which also accelerate skin aging.

How to reverse gaunt face?

How to Get Rid of a Gaunt Face. A Gaunt face or sunken cheeks can be easily corrected with a number of treatments, like Profhilo – an intense concentration of hyaluronic acid – to achieve rapid rehydration, improved tone and increased elasticity of the skin, and dermal fillers to replace lost volume in the mid face.

Why does my face look so haggard?

Drinking too much caffeine or consuming too much salt can lead to water retention in the area. Meanwhile, dehydration, an unhealthy lifestyle, and an inconsistent skincare regimen are some of the primary causes of dull, dry skin. Luckily, all these haggard face traits are reversible.

Can you reverse dehydration wrinkles?

Not all forehead lines are wrinkles — some are actually from dehydration, says a dermatologist. You can smooth them by using moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Keeping a consistent skincare routine will help fade all kinds of fine lines.

What is the best moisturizer for dehydrated skin?

Moisturizers for dry skin from brands like CeraVe®, Aveeno®, Avène®, La Roche-Posay®, Eucerin® and Cetaphil® are among those that Dr. Estemalik recommends most.

What does severely dehydrated skin look like?

One of the symptoms of dehydration is dry skin patches. The patches might be rough, scaly, or itchy. People may also have more noticeable fine lines in the skin or a dull complexion. They may also find that their skin is less elastic, or stretchy, than usual.

What ages your face the most?

12 Things that Are Aging Your Skin
  1. Smoking. Smokers get wrinkles around their mouths sooner than non-smokers. ...
  2. Not Using Sunscreen Daily. ...
  3. Tanning. ...
  4. Not Getting Enough Sleep. ...
  5. Going to Bed Before Cleansing. ...
  6. Not Using a Moisturizer. ...
  7. Scrubbing to Cleanse. ...
  8. Stripping Your Skin of Oils.

Can sleep wrinkles be reversed?

However, sleep wrinkles can be improved by facial fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero), laser resurfacing and face-lifting in some cases. To minimize sleep wrinkles, patients should focus on keeping their skin healthy.

How do you rehydrate aging skin?

Use moisturizers such as lotions, creams, or ointments every day. Use mild soap and warm (not hot) water when bathing or showering. Don't add bath oil to your water — it can make the tub slippery and increase the risk of falling. Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room.

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