Sallow Skin: What is it and How Can You Improve it?

Unlike fine lines and wrinkles, sallow skin or having a complexion that appears pale or yellowish is not a result of aging. A number of external factors are at play. Knowing them can help you deal with it, as well as bring back your natural complexion.

What is sallow skin? 

Sallow skin refers to a complexion that has a yellow or brown tone. The changes in skin color, however, can still vary from person to person. This is commonly visible in your face, but can also be present in other areas of the body. Sallow skin, furthermore, appears dull with uneven skin tone and lacks the bright glow of healthy skin.

Other symptoms of sallow skin include:

• Tired-looking skin 
• Pale skin
• Older appearance 
• Sick or worn down appearance

What causes sallow skin?

Below are some of the factors that can contribute to the appearance of sallow skin and the ways to treat or improve it. 

Smoking

Other than increasing your risk of serious health conditions, smoking also changes your skin texture. The habit impairs the blood and oxygen flow in your body, which damages the outer layer of the skin. It also reduces collagen and causes your skin to dry out. This can then make your complexion look yellow, with more wrinkles as you age. 

As smoking is the one of the worst things you can do for your skin and overall health, quitting is the best way to go. You can use cessation products or consult a healthcare provider for tips on how to quit. 

Vitamin deficiency

Without getting enough vitamins and nutrients, your body will suffer and this will show up on your skin. This is because it also means that your skin cells are not getting adequate nutrients they need for your skin to remain healthy. This can cause your complexion to appear dull and sallow over time. 

Lack of vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and K can contribute to the appearance of sallow skin. This only makes it important to tweak your diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. You can also check in with your doctors if you need to take vitamin supplements.

Stress

Chronic stress negatively affects your skin and overall health. Some of the effects include sallow complexion, more blemishes on skin, weight gain, and high blood pressure. This is due to the rising levels of the stress hormone called cortisol, which can increase inflammation in the body and compromise your immune system.

Here are a few tips on managing or reducing stress:

• Be active or exercise most days of the week.
• Meditate daily.
• Connect with friends and family.
• Take breaks from work or learn to delegate tasks. 

Inadequate sleep

While a few nights of sleep deprivation may not instantly change your complexion, consistently lacking sleep can take a toll on your skin. This is because it robs your skin of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, as well as the time it requires to regenerate and repair itself from daily stressors. 

It is best to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, here are a few tips on getting the rest you need:

• Make your bedroom sleep-friendly (make it cool, dark, and quiet).
• Have a regular sleep-wake schedule.
• Avoid using devices one to two hours before sleeping.
• Avoid increased caffeine consumption in the afternoon at heavy meals before bedtime. 
• Engage in relaxing activities before bedtime like light reading, a warm bath, meditation, or listening to soothing music.

Poor skin care habits

Not taking care of your skin can lead to dull and sallow complexion. Some of the habits that can do your skin a disservice include prolonged sun exposure, using harsh skin care products, and not washing face or removing makeup before bedtime. Changing your habits can help prevent or improve sallow skin. These include:

• Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily
• Washing your face with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day (and after sweating)
• Moisturizing your skin daily
• Addressing blemishes with the right treatment
• Using skin friendly makeup

Other health conditions

Anemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to the rest of your body. It can make you feel weak and tired, as well as affect your skin complexion, making it pale with a yellow tone. This condition can range from mild to severe or be short term or long term. 

It is advisable to talk to your doctor if you have anemia or other underlying conditions. S/he may suggest improving your diet and recommend taking supplements if you have vitamin and nutrient deficiency. 

What can help with sallow skin?

Apart from the tips mentioned above, you can also turn to aesthetic treatments to help improve your skin tone. Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore share some procedures that can help:

Laser Genesis – this non-invasive laser procedure can promote healthy and vibrant skin. It can improve enlarged pores, sun damage, and acne scars. You can turn to this innovative skin therapy to brighten skin and improve dull complexion.

Limelight IPL – this uses intense pulsed light technology to treat uneven skin texture, brown spots, and other types of hyperpigmentation. You can use Limelight IPL on any part of the face, neck and décolleté with dark spots, redness, and tiny veins,

Pearl laser resurfacing – this laser procedure can improve skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation. Pearl can do this with fewer treatments and less overall recovery than other procedures.

VI Peel – this stronger type of chemical peel can effectively minimize brown spots and pigmentation. You can also turn to this procedure to treat fine lines, sun damage, and acne marks on the face, neck, and chest.

Skin booster – Juvederm Volite is a type of skin booster that can improve your skin’s hydration, smoothness, and elasticity. Its results can last up to nine months and provide significant skin quality improvement for up to six months.

Take better care of your health and skin with the tips mentioned above. You can also contact Cutis Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor for treatments that can improve your skin tone and quality.