Did you even know that before feeling thirst, your face could betray a lack of water?
Dull skin, more marked dark circles, drawn features … Some skin signs are not trivial. On the contrary, they show a real problem of dehydration. Here is which, according to Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, because according to him, “Dehydration is often seen first on the face. “
Folds that do not disappear, dark circles that widen
How to explain this phenomenon? Simply because the facial skin is thinner and contains fewer water reserves than the rest of the body.
To have a clear heart, a simple gesture allows you to know the state of dehydration of your skin. This is the skin fold test. It consists in slightly pinching the skin of the forehead or cheeks, then releasing it.
If the skin remains pleated for a few seconds before coming back in place, it can be a sign of dehydration. “”It is a reliable test, especially in children and the elderly in case of severe dehydration “specifies Dr. Kierzek.
Dark circles, too, can reveal a lack of water. When the body is dehydrated, blood circulation slows down. Result: dark circles seem more hollow, more bluish or grayish, and the complexion becomes pale. The skin, insufficiently irrigated, loses its radiance and can take on a slightly gray appearance.
Sudden fine lines, dry lips and tugging skin
Another common sign: the appearance of fine fine lines, especially around the eyes and on the cheeks. These superficial streaks, called “fine lines of dehydration”, are often confused with wrinkles, but unlike the latter, they fade as soon as the skin is rehydrated. Their sudden appearance must therefore alert.
Gracked lips, even without exposure to cold, or even eyes that seem more dug than usual are also clues. Just as a feeling of tightness or “mask” on the face after washing can betray a water deficit.
“”The face is a good indicator because its thin skin contains vessels, which react very quickly“Recalls Dr. Kierzek.
The right reflexes to prevent visible dehydration
To limit these visible effects and protect the skin, hydration should be regular. “”Drinking in small sips throughout the day is much more effective than ingesting a large amount of water at once“, Recommend the doctor. Ideal: between 1.5 and 2 liters of water or infusions per day.
On the care side, the daily use of a cream containing hyaluronic acid or Aloe Vera helps strengthen the skin barrier and hold water in the superficial layers of the skin. Dr. Kierzek also advises to limit certain dehydrating products. “”Avoid alcohol, coffee and excess salt, which worsen the body’s loss of the body“He concludes.