What should you know about dehydration wrinkles?

When the body loses more fluid than it replaces, the skin may feel tight, dry or less supple. Fine lines can then catch the light and appear more prominent, especially around the eyes, mouth and forehead. This visible change is not the same as permanent ageing-related wrinkles, and it may improve after the underlying fluid loss is corrected.

Look for other clues, such as thirst, a dry mouth, headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness or urine that is darker than usual. Heat, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea and not drinking enough can all contribute. Skin appearance by itself cannot show how severe dehydration is.

Sip fluids regularly and increase intake gradually if you have been sweating or unwell. If vomiting or diarrhoea is involved, an oral rehydration drink can help replace water and salts; follow the product directions. Rest somewhere cool, avoid strenuous activity for the moment, and use a gentle moisturiser for tight skin. Do not rely on skin creams to treat dehydration itself.

If you have a condition affecting your heart or kidneys, ask a clinician how much fluid is suitable before deliberately increasing your intake. See the information on Dehydration for broader symptoms and causes.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or dizziness that does not settle. After heat exposure, urgent assessment is also needed if you become confused or stop sweating. Contact a clinician if symptoms continue despite drinking, or if fluid loss follows persistent vomiting or diarrhoea.

Could my dry skin and fine lines be related to fluid loss, medication or a skin condition? What signs should I monitor at home? Is an oral rehydration drink appropriate for me? Could another symptom, such as dark urine or constipation, change the advice?