Would YOU know if you’re dehydrated? Simple three-second ‘pinch test’ reveals if you have REALLY had enough water to stay healthy
- A three-second pinch test can tell you whether or not you’re dehydrated and it’s so simple you can do it anywhere
- Pinch the skin on one of these three places using two fingers: the top of your hands, on your chest underneath the collarbone or on your abdomen
- After holding the skin in place for three seconds, release and see if the skin goes back to its normal shape
- If the skin turgor – the skin’s elasticity – snaps back to normal that means you’re hydrated and if it takes slightly longer to go back then you’re dehydrated
- Health experts shared their tips on how to easily hydrate yourself if the pinch test shows you’re dehydrated
Now that summer is here it’s important to remember to constantly stay hydrated and you can easily test if you’re dehydrated with a simple three-second pinch test.
The pinch test involves checking the skin turgor – the skin’s elasticity – which is what allows the skin to change its shape and return to normal – in order to find out whether or not you’re dehydrated.
All you have to do is pinch your skin for a few seconds to see if your skin returns to its regular shape after being held together for awhile and depending on what your results were, health experts shared their tips on how to easily remain hydrated all day long.
Hydration: To do the three-second pinch test pinch the skin to the top of your hand, hold for three seconds and release to see if the skin goes back to normal, which shows you’re hydrated
How to do the three-second pinch test
1. Pinch the skin on the top of your hand, abdomen or under your collarbone using two fingers.
2. Hold the skin in place with your fingers for three seconds.
3. After three seconds, release the skin and see if your skin snaps back to its normal position.
4. If the skin snaps back to its regular form, you’re hydrated but if it takes awhile to get back to its form then you are dehydrated.
To test the skin turgor to find out if you’re dehydrated, simply pinch the skin with two fingers on your abdomen, the front of your hand or the skin on your chest just below the collarbone for a few seconds, holding it in place as you pinch.
After pinching your skin for a few seconds let go and if the skin immediately returns to its regular position that means you have normal turgor which shows you’re hydrated enough.
However, if your skin takes a moment to return to normal, that means you have poor turgor which is a sign of fluid loss due to dehydration and you need fluids, according to Medline Plus.
When performing the test which can easily be done anywhere – even at your desk – make sure to check and see if your skin ‘tents,’ meaning your skin stays upright from the pinch for a second longer than normal.
If you’re only slightly dehydrated it can be shown if the skin moves a little slower than usual – but severe dehydration would occur if your skin turgor took a long time to get back in place.
In the case that the pinch test proved you’re dehydrated, don’t fret because doctors revealed helpful tips to get hydrated quickly through fluids, eating properly and skincare to ensure you don’t get dehydrated.
Tips: After the test, if the skin doesn’t immediately snap back to its normal shape then you are dehydrated and need to drink more fluids (file photo used)
Dr. Dennis Gross revealed to DailyMail.com that the three-second pinch test is ‘the best way to determine if you are dehydrated.’
‘A lack of water in the circulatory system leads to less circulation to the skin and decreased skin elasticity – meaning it will take longer to return to its natural state after being pinched.
‘When you are dehydrated, the skin receives less nutrients, vitamins and oxygen that make it look dull,’ Dr. Gross admitted.
‘Topically, applying any moisturizing product that may contain water can promote hydrated, healthy skin,’ he continued.
Dr. Gross also shared some easy tips to get you hydrated in no time: ‘Apply moisturizer within 30 seconds after bathing and toweling off. The moisturizer will help seal in the water from the shower.
‘Also, trap the steam in your bathroom by keeping the door closed to seal in even more moisture. You can also use oils to hydrate skin but they have pros and cons.
‘The pros are that oils can be used in bath water which seals skin exceptionally well, preventing water evaporation plus they soothe skin, but the cons are that oils are greasy which can certainly be difficult in daytime because the texture doesn’t absorb well and can messes up clothing or sheets.’
Dr. Dennis Gross’ top tips to keep your skin hydrated
1. Apply moisturizer within 30 seconds after bathing and toweling off to help seal in moisturizer
2. Trap the steam in your bathroom by keeping the door closed to seal in even more moisture
3. Use oils in the bath to seal skin, prevent water evaporation and to hydrate the skin
He then suggests using a cream such as The Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer which includes seven hydroxy acids that work synergistically to replenish actives to aid cell turnover for smooth and radiant complexion, all while delivering intense hydration.
‘Because the acids gently remove dead surface skin, the active ingredients in the moisturizer are directly delivered to the new skin cells for maximum benefits.
‘Drinking water also helps, however water levels are so closely regulated by the body that anything above what we need is urinated out,’ he concluded.
Dr. Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., FACMS and Arbonne Scientific Advisor also revealed to DailyMail.com that another way to stay hydrated is by eating properly.
‘Eating collagen boosting foods, foods that are high in good fats such as avocado and foods high in anti-oxidants that help to repair free-radicals created from sun and environmental damage, will ultimately help improve skin quality,’ she shared.
Meanwhile, Boldijarre Koronczay, president of Eminence Organic Skin Care shared a different point of view with DailyMail.com saying: ‘As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, so even though we may be hydrated, our skin will move more slowly back into place after it is pinched.’
He suggests looking for products that contain ingredients that will help rebuild your body’s own natural collagen such as peptides or algae.
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