Sallow Skin: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, And Remedies

Written by Aaron Guldager — November 30, 2018

Sallow Skin: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, And Remedies

Naturally, you’re concerned about aging and the effects it has on your skin. Wrinkles, sun spots, dry skin, dark under-eye circles, and loss of firmness are just a few signs of aging.

But there’s good news if you’re struggling with dull, sallow skin. Sallow skin is not a direct result of aging, making it easily correctable.

So don’t let your dull skin get you down. Vibrant, healthy skin is right around the corner!

In this article, SiO’s beauty experts give you all the details about sallow skin so you can treat and prevent it to reveal a brighter, more gorgeous you.

What Is Sallow Skin?

Sallow skin is when the complexion of your skin, especially on your face, appears to have a yellow or brown tone. External factors are the leading cause of sallow skin, making it easy to correct the frustrating condition.

Causes Of Sallow Skin

Knowing that sallow skin is correctable, you can narrow down the external factors in order to treat and prevent it. Take a look at the following factors that may cause sallow skin.

Smoking

Smoking, in general, is not healthy for any part of your body. Premature aging and wrinkles are some basic effects of smoking.

But it can also cause changes in the texture of your skin and hair, stain your teeth, and cause cancer. We know this is not what you want!

Dermatologists have found that cigarettes cut off oxygen and blood flow in your body, which causes the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) to die. Because your skin tone is created from this outer layer, when you smoke, you’re left with a sallow complexion.

A good rule of thumb: quit smoking.

Vitamin Deficiency

three white pill bottles with vitamins spilling out onto lids and white surface

Your body suffers when it doesn’t take in the right amount of nutrients and vitamins. And if you’re not getting the required vitamins, your skin can appear to look dull or sallow.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is beneficial for skin health, especially for the epidermis. It thickens and stimulates the growth of the outer layer of your skin, helping to reduce wrinkles and increase blood flow to your epidermis.

Have you heard of retinol? Vitamin A is part of a group of compounds that include retinol, which stimulates the production of new skin cells.

These vitamins can help fade dark spots, renew skin, and reduce skin discoloration.

Vitamin B-12

If you’re lacking in energy, B-12 is the go-to vitamin. This vitamin helps keep your blood cells healthy. A deficiency in Vitamin B-12 can result in tiredness, weakness, and pale skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which is super important if you want younger-looking skin! Dermatologists suggest gently applying a cream or serum containing Vitamin A and C regularly.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D contributes to skin-cell growth and repair. It destroys the unhealthy agents that can cause premature aging.

Your body naturally produces Vitamin D through exposure to the sun, but too much sun exposure can accelerate the aging process.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in the substances you consume. There are countless health benefits of Vitamin E, such as enhancing eye health and lowering the risk of cancer.

Not only can you consume Vitamin E, but you can also apply it topically. Nourish and protect your skin by gently massaging in a cream or serum rich in Vitamin E.

Stress

If you can avoid stress, raise your hand... And nobody raised their hand.

While stress is sometimes unavoidable, you can do your best to take a step back from situations that are causing you extreme stress.

We’re not talking about your typical day-to-day instances here. We’re talking about the type of stress that takes a serious toll on your body...and your skin.

Chronic stress can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and even sallow skin. Your skin, being the largest organ in your body, manifests stress quicker.

That said, the appearance of your skin — such as sallowness, breakouts, and wrinkles — can quickly reveal your stress level.

Lack Of Sleep

woman sleeping peacefully as a way to prevent sallow skin

Chronic stress can lead to restless nights. And while it’s completely normal to have the occasional sleepless night, your skin can’t get the hydration it needs when you are consistently lacking sleep.

The result? Sallow skin.

Poor Skin Care

Poor skin care habits, such as prolonged sun exposure, also lead to sallow skin.

If you’re neglecting the skin on your face by not providing the right nutrients and hydration, your complexion will become sallow.

Other Underlying Health Issues

While the above factors can easily be corrected, sometimes there’s an issue going on under your skin that can’t be seen on the surface. Sallow skin could be a sign of a more serious health condition.

Symptoms Of Sallow Skin

To identify sallow skin, there are some skin indicators you can spot, like:

  • Sick appearance 
  • Yellow or brown skin tone 
  • Pale skin 
  • Tired-looking skin 
  • Older-looking skin 
  • Fatigued, worn-down appearance 

Remedies For Sallow Skin

Fortunately, sallow skin can be resolved. This is good news! SiO’s beauty experts compiled a list of at-home remedies to correct sallow skin. Take a look!

Quit Smoking

First and foremost, quit smoking! Not only does smoking age you, but it also has underlying health effects that can cause lifelong problems.

Use SiO Wrinkle Rescue Pack to correct the damages caused by smoking. These patches go to work overnight to give delicate skin a boost of hydration and to promote firm skin.

Wear your SiO Beauty patches while you sleep, and wake up to younger-looking, more radiant skin! Remove upon waking, and don’t forget to save and store your patches for continued use up to 10 times!

Take A Vitamin Supplement

Most vitamin supplements are packed full of nutrients that will cover all the vitamins listed above. If you're not sure which vitamin your body’s lacking, contact your primary care physician for guidance on the best supplement to take.

Relax

We know this isn’t an easy one, but it’s necessary for your overall health. Some methods for relaxation include:

  • Taking a bath in the evening
  • Meditating daily 
  • Exercising

These methods will lower your blood pressure and release endorphins (hormones that trigger a “happy” feeling) to help you relax.

Get Good Rest

If you’re constantly stressed, most likely you’re not getting a good night’s sleep...ever. Take a bath in the evening and exercise during the day to help you relax before bedtime.

Expert tip: While sleeping, make sure you’re wearing your SiO Eye & Smile Lift patches to wake up looking refreshed and well-rested!

Take Care Of Your Skin

woman with hair wrapped in a towel applying eye cream in a mirror

If your sallow skin is a result of neglect, stop right here and wash your face! It’s vital to take excellent care of your skin.

Here are some tips from SiO’s beauty experts:

  • Wash your face twice per day 
  • Moisturize daily 
  • Exfoliate two to three times per week 
  • Wear sunscreen daily

Treating your skin goes beyond attending to your face. You’ll need to treat your neck and décolleté area as well. According to SiO’s beauty experts, the SiO SkinPad is a treasure for your chest!

Nicole Hastaba, Physician Assistant says, “The SiO SkinPad sits on top of the skin which hydrates it. It’s going to smooth lines and give an overall plump and more vibrant, younger-looking decollete.”

Seek Out A Physician

If you have further questions or concerns about your sallow skin, talk to a physician or dermatologist. If there’s an underlying cause, you’ll need a different plan of action.

Say Goodbye To Sallow Skin

side profile of woman with swipes of moisturizer on her face and neck

Luckily, sallow skin is usually reversible with some added TLC for your skin. The beauty experts at SiO have everything you need to treat and prevent sallow skin. So say goodbye to dullness and hello to gorgeous, rejuvenated skin!