PSA: Don't Ignore This Sign That Your Skin Is Dehydrated, From The Pros

Looking in the mirror and seeing new fine lines etched on the face can feel alarming: It feels like you've aged seemingly without warning. But before that throws you into a panic—reaching for any acid or peel in sight—take a breather. Developing wrinkles is a normal part of the aging process and will happen to all of us with time.

But it could also be that some of those faint lines aren't permanent ones and are simply a sign that your skin is feeling a bit dehydrated. When our skin is moisturized, it appears more supple and plump—and when it's not, the opposite happens. So just take fine lines as a signal from your skin that maybe it's time to re-evaluate your skin care routine.

Dehydrated, dry skin will appear dull and also tends to show accelerated signs of aging, such as these fine lines. The first place to look is the eye area, where they're commonly called "crow's feet." Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care and author of Glow From Within, recommends checking here first: "Fine lines there can be a sign of dehydration," she says, noting the area of skin is the thinnest and most delicate.  

Holistic plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., previously told us that this is especially true for those in their 20s and early 30s, confirming that fine lines on the forehead, under eyes, and in the nasolabial folds are usually the result of extremely dehydrated skin rather than aging.

But it's not only important to amp up hydration for immediate, aesthetic benefits. Chronically dry skin will, in fact, lead to permanent fine lines, notes board-certified internal medicine physician Zion Ko Lamm, M.D.: "People don't realize this, but dry skin can cause inflammation, which can lead to premature aging."

To address this, be sure to look at your hydrating creams and topicals—it might be time to upgrade to something richer or add a hyaluronic acid serum to the lineup. You'll also want to consider internal skin care. Beauty supplements can help address skin hydration with ingredients like phytoceramides, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and more.