What causes sallow skin and how to get rid of it?

Table of Content:
What is sallow skin? | Is it related to age? | At what age does it start? | How to get rid of it? | Best ingredients | What makes skin look sallow? | FAQ

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What is sallow skin and why does it appear? 

Dr. Alpana Mohta, board-certified dermatologist, says that sallow skin refers to dull or pale skin with a yellowish or gray tone that lacks the natural complexion’s usual healthy glow and brightness. It can result from various factors, including age, dehydration, poor diet, lack of sleep, chronic sun exposure or environmental stressors like pollution. Additionally, underlying health issues such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies (like B12), smoking, and vaping can contribute to sallow skin. 

Is sallow skin related to age?

Dr. Mohta says that sallow (dull) skin can often be related to age, because as we age, the skin’s natural cell turnover slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells, which can make your complexion appear dull or sallow. Additionally, factors like decreased collagen production, reduced circulation, and cumulative sun damage over time can contribute to a loss of radiance. Age-related lifestyle changes, such as poor diet or reduced sleep, can also exacerbate a dull complexion.

At what age does sallow skin usually start?

Dr. Mohta says that sallow skin doesn’t appear at a specific age, however, it often becomes more noticeable when you are in your late 30s or early 40s as the skin’s natural renewal process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells and reduced radiance. Lifestyle factors like constant sun exposure without using sunscreen, poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking and vaping and a decline in collagen production, can accelerate the appearance of dull or sallow skin.

Why does my skin look dull if I am young?

Dr. Mohta says that while dull skin is often associated with aging, factors like poor nutrition, lack of sleep, dehydration, excessive salt consumption, stress, drinking, smoking, vaping and sun exposure and pollution can cause dull or sallow skin at any age. Young people with underlying health issues, such as anemia or vitamin deficiencies (particularly B12 or iron), may also experience a sallow complexion. Additionally, neglecting proper skincare, like not exfoliating or moisturizing regularly and not practicing sun protection can lead to dull-looking skin even in youth.

How to get a prescription for sallow (dull) skin?

Dr. Mohta says that you should consult a dermatologist if you want to recover your skin’s natural glow and youthful appearance. You can have a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via the Miiskin platform. They will prescribe effective topical medications for a radiant complexion.

What are the best skin care ingredients to combat sallow (dull) skin?

Dr. Mohta says that to combat dull or sallow skin, a dermatologist may prescribe topical medications that are effective in brightening the complexion, boosting cell turnover, and improving skin health.

Retinoids

Retinoids (such as tretinoin and tazarotene) are vitamin A derivatives that accelerate cell turnover, promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production. This leads to a smoother, more radiant complexion by enhancing skin renewal and reducing dullness¹.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is another skin brightening ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce pigmentation issues and dullness by promoting an even skin tone and reducing oxidative stress, which can dull the complexion².

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, available over-the-counter, that brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and protects against free radical damage, enhancing skin glow³. 

Glycolic or lactic acid

Glycolic or lactic acid exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells that contribute to a dull, sallow appearance. These ingredients can be found over the counter (at lower concentrations) or with a prescription (at higher concentrations). They promote skin renewal and smooth texture⁴.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, reduces skin sallowness by boosting your skin’s defenses, locking in moisture, and evening out pigmentation. It also works to brighten dull skin, even out skin tone, and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation, making the complexion look healthier and more vibrant.

Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid is an amino acid that works by inhibiting the production of melanin, and blocking the interaction between melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and keratinocytes (skin cells). This helps reduce dark spots, improve the brightness, and even-out skin complexion. 

What makes skin look sallow?

Dr. Mohta says that several factors can make your skin look sallow, including:

1. Dehydration: Lack of moisture due to low water consumption and high salt and alcohol intake can lead to dry, dull, and lifeless skin.
2. Poor diet: Deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin C, iron, and B12, can affect skin tone and vitality.
3. Lack of Sleep: Insufficient rest reduces blood circulation, giving the skin a tired, pale appearance⁵.
4. Smoking: Nicotine restricts blood flow and depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, contributing to a yellowish, dull complexion.
5. Sun damage: Prolonged sun exposure leads to skin damage, uneven tone, and reduced collagen, causing a loss of radiance.
6. Stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and reduce skin regeneration, making it look dull.
7. Environmental pollutants: Exposure to pollutants can cause oxidative stress, leading to skin damage and a dull appearance.
8. Aging: With age, the skin’s natural turnover slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that dulls the complexion.
9. Underlying health diseases: Liver conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause jaundice, leading to yellowing of the skin. These issues may also make the skin look dull or pale due to poor liver function.

Addressing these factors through hydration, nutrition, proper skincare, and sun protection can help improve skin tone and prevent a sallow appearance.

Frequently asked questions about sallow skin 

How do you get rid of sallow skin?

Dr. Mohta says that you can get rid of sallow skin, using prescription topical ingredients that brighten and rejuvenate the complexion of your skin. Retinoids (like tretinoin) boost cell turnover, reducing dullness and promoting fresh, radiant skin. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin by fighting free radicals and evening out skin tone. AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid, gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a more luminous complexion. Additionally, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid keep the skin hydrated, which improves its overall glow. Using sunscreen daily is also essential to prevent further sun damage and maintain skin health.

Apart from staying well hydrated, Dr. Mohta also recommends a diet rich in vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and berries, along with vitamin E from nuts and seeds, and beta-carotene from carrots and sweet potatoes to boost skin brightness and repair. She explains that darker berries like blueberries, blackberries, and acai are packed with antioxidants that protect the skin. We Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseeds help maintain skin moisture and elasticity.

Can anemia cause sallow skin?

Dr. Mohta says that anemia can in fact, cause sallow skin. Anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, leads to reduced red blood cell production, resulting in less oxygen being delivered to the skin. This can cause the skin to appear pale, dull, or yellowish, giving it a sallow complexion. Addressing anemia with proper nutrition and treatment can help improve the skin’s appearance.

Who has sallow skin?

Dr. Mohta says that sallow skin can affect anyone, but it is most common in people experiencing poor health, chronic stress, dehydration, or nutrient deficiencies. Conditions like anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, smoking, or poor diet, can contribute to sallow skin. People of any age, though more frequently older adults, can develop this dull complexion.

Is sallow skin genetic?

Dr. Mohta says that sallow skin is not something that can be inherited, however, genetics can influence factors like skin type, tone, and health, which might contribute indirectly. For example, certain genetic predispositions to nutrient deficiencies or circulatory issues could make someone more prone to sallow skin. However, sallow skin is more related to lifestyle and environmental factors than genetics.

What does a sallow face look like?

According to Dr. Mohta, a sallow face appears pale and dull, with a grayish or yellowish cast. It often lacks brightness and can look fatigued or unwell. The skin tone may seem uneven, taking on a faint gray or beige hue, and overall the complexion can appear flat, lifeless, or depleted. This lackluster look is typically marked by an absence of the natural glow associated with healthy skin.

Is sallow skin reversible?

Dr. Mohta explains that sallow skin is absolutely reversible with proper skincare and lifestyle adjustments. By tackling root causes—such as improving nutrition, managing conditions like anemia, drinking enough water, and following a consistent skincare routine—the skin can recover its natural radiance. Treatments like retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids, along with sufficient sleep and regular sunscreen use, can help bring back a healthier, more vibrant complexion.

Does smoking cause sallow skin?

Dr. Mohta notes that smoking can indeed lead to sallow skin. Cigarette chemicals narrow blood vessels, limiting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This results in a dull, pale, or yellow-toned complexion and is often paired with early signs of aging, such as fine lines and reduced radiance. Smoking also accelerates free radical damage, further contributing to a tired, unhealthy look.

What is sallow skin color (tone)?

Dr. Mohta describes sallow skin as having yellow, beige, or slightly gray undertones, creating a fatigued or unhealthy appearance that lacks a natural glow. While it may be more noticeable in lighter skin tones, sallow coloration can occur across all skin types.

Does sallow mean tanned?

No, sallow does not mean tanned. Sallow skin is characterized by a dull, pale, or yellow-gray tone that often signals poor skin health, whereas tanned skin has a warmer, bronzed appearance caused by sun exposure. Unlike sallow skin, a tan reflects darkening from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and typically appears warmer and more vibrant.

References:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/12034754211035091
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1712709/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9861417/

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