What condition does a withered, dried up complexion indicate?

A withered, dried up complexion is most accurately linked to a deficiency of Yin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin represents aspects of cooling, moistening, and nourishing. When there is a Yin deficiency, the body may become dry because there is insufficient moisture and nourishment to hydrate the skin and maintain vitality. This can manifest in a complexion that appears withered or excessively dry.

Conditions associated with a deficiency of Yin often relate to heat, as the lack of cooling, moistening qualities allows the heat to become more pronounced. However, the specific condition indicated in the question aligns closely with a broader concept of overall body moisture and nourishment rather than isolated heat in the stomach and spleen, which could lead to symptoms of fullness or digestive discomfort rather than a withered complexion.

Thus, the appearance of a dried-up complexion is typically a sign of insufficient Yin rather than merely excess heat or damp accumulation, which would present with different characteristics, such as swelling or an oozing complexion. A deficiency of Yang might lead to signs like coldness, fatigue, and pallor, further distinguishing why a withered and dried-up complexion is best associated with Yin deficiency.