By the way, doctor: Why does skin wrinkle after being underwater?
Some people think that the wrinkles occur because of osmosis — water flowing out from the skin into a less "salty" environment. This mistakenly suggests that the wrinkles from the bath are like the tiny depressions and folds of dry skin. In reality, bathtub wrinkles are raised areas of skin puffed up by water absorption. One explanation that's been offered for pruny skin is that the absorbed water affects nerves, which leads to constricted blood vessels that pull the skin downward, creating furrows.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
