Sallow skin, also known as skin that appears yellow or brownish, is a common skin concern that is often caused by glycosylation, a process in which sugar molecules attach to skin proteins over time, resulting in a yellowish hue. This condition is more common in lighter skin tones and is often associated with aging and sun exposure. In addition to discoloration, sallow skin can also manifest as dry, flaky, and dull. There are various factors that can contribute to sallow skin, including natural aging, sun damage, poor skincare habits, vitamin deficiencies, smoking, poor diet, dehydration, stress, and genetics. Health conditions such as anemia can also cause sallow skin due to a lack of oxygen circulation to the skin.
Preventing sallow skin involves practicing good health habits such as maintaining a proper diet, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and following a well-rounded skincare routine. This includes daily cleansing, using serums, eye creams, and moisturizers, as well as applying sunscreen daily to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Regular exfoliation and incorporating a retinoid into your skincare routine can also help improve sallow skin by promoting cellular turnover and correcting discoloration. If these steps do not yield positive results, consulting a dermatologist for a prescription-strength solution may be necessary.
There are various treatment options available for sallow skin, such as exfoliation and using chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to promote cellular turnover and reveal healthy skin cells. Adding a retinoid to your skincare routine can also help address various skin concerns, including unclogging pores, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and correcting skin discoloration. If at-home remedies do not provide the desired results, seeking professional advice from a dermatologist is recommended. Andrea Jordan is a freelance writer covering beauty, lifestyle, health, and parenting, while Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health, with over 15 years of experience in beauty and lifestyle journalism.
