New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What is a common sign of dehydration in the skin?

1. Increased oiliness

2. Flakiness

3. Redness

4. Texture smoothness

The correct answer is: Flakiness

Flakiness is a common sign of dehydration in the skin because when the skin lacks adequate moisture, it can lead to a compromised barrier function. This compromised barrier causes the skin to lose its ability to retain water, which in turn causes the upper layers of the skin to become dry and flaky. A lack of moisture can manifest as visible dry patches or scales, which is a clear indicator of dehydration. In contrast, increased oiliness typically indicates an overproduction of sebum, which is the skin's oil, rather than dehydration. Redness may be associated with irritation or inflammation, rather than a direct indicator of dehydration. Texture smoothness is usually a sign of well-hydrated skin, as dehydration often leads to rough and uneven texture due to the lack of moisture and functioning skin barrier. Thus, flakiness is the most accurate indicator of skin dehydration.