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No matter how much attention you pay to your skin, problems can appear over the years. Common concerns like fine lines can be corrected with the best wrinkle fillers, hormonal acne that can commonly happen to the skin during menopause has a number of easy solutions, and hyperpigmentation can be sent packing using the best age spot removers.
But there’s one problem that’s less talked about—and might take a little more effort to eradicate: weight loss. It’s a term that’s commonly used to describe skin that has a gray, yellowish or even brown appearance, and experts say it’s more than just a surface-level color problem. Removal usually reflects slowing of cell turnover and changes in circulation. “As the skin ages, it can’t repair itself as much, causing discoloration and a dull gray color due to poor cellular turnover,” says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica.
Meet the experts: Tanya Kormeili, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica. Dendy Engleman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, also based in New York City. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. Corey Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.
The good news is, you’re not stuck with it. The right habits and a few strategic ingredients can help you get that healthy glow back.
What is Sallow Skin?
Pale skin is not a formal medical diagnosis, but rather a descriptive term for a complexion that looks dull, flat, or slightly yellow or gray-brown, says Dr. Kormeili. It happens when the skin doesn’t renew or repair itself as efficiently as it should. Several biological processes contribute: slower cell turnover, reduced microcirculation (meaning less oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin), and loss of collagen. Elevated glycation – when sugars bind to proteins in the skin and create “AGEs” or advanced glycation end products – also plays a role, contributing to that sallow, lackluster tone.
External stressors can also exaggerate the effect. Pollution, UV exposure and smoking all increase oxidative stress, trigger pigment changes and break down collagen, adding to that overall dull and shadowy look.
In people with pale or pink skin, pale skin appears more yellow, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. For those with olive skin tones, pale skin can appear brown. (The condition is not commonly found in very dark skin tones.) And beyond the discoloration, yellow skin often feels dry or flaky.
What causes palliative skin?
Discolored skin is rarely caused by a single problem. Instead, it is the cumulative effect of aging, lifestyle factors, environmental stressors, and sometimes underlying medical conditions. Some of these include:
Internal factors
Aging is an important factor. As we age, cell turnover slows, collagen and elastin decrease, and microcirculation decreases, which reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. These changes can make the skin look flat, tired or sallow.
Other factors include stress, poor sleep, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies (such as iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D). All of these can increase oxidative stress, reduce oxygenation, slow cell turnover, and speed up glycation, leading to dull, uneven skin, says Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.
External factors
Chronic sun exposure, smoking and pollution increase oxidative stress, damage collagen and create pigment irregularities. “Overexposure to the sun can trigger melanin production and inflammatory responses, while smoking reduces blood flow and speeds up collagen breakdown—all of which make skin look yellow,” says Corey Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. Combined with internal factors, these external pressures leave the skin looking dull and lifeless.
Health conditions
There are also a variety of health conditions that can cause fair skin. One of the most common causes is anemia, says Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. According to the American Society of Hematology, iron deficiency anemia causes a lack of oxygen circulation to the rest of the body, including the skin, resulting in a pale or dull, pale complexion that may appear yellowish or brownish.
Can calloused skin be prevented?
While you can’t stop aging, there are steps you can take to slow the processes that contribute to discoloration and keep your skin looking healthier for longer.
Lifestyle habits
Daily habits play an important role in keeping the skin vibrant. “Commit to 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, which will allow your body to enter rest and recovery mode,” says Dr. Hartman. This recovery benefits the skin by supporting barrier repair and correcting DNA damage caused by daily stressors such as UV exposure. Getting regular sleep also helps regulate cortisol levels, as lack of sleep can trigger inflammation and make skin look stressed, he says. Dr. Hartman also recommends eating a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients, including B vitamins, folate, and iron, to support healthy skin function.
Skin care habits
A consistent skincare routine also makes a difference. Daily cleansing removes dirt and excess oil that can trap dead skin cells, while moisturizers help strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture, making skin look plumper and brighter, Dr. Hartman says. Sunscreen is also a non-negotiable, he says, because protecting your skin from UV rays prevents collagen breakdown, reduces pigmentation irregularities, and slows photoaging—all of which can worsen palliation.
Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Lightweight and oil- and fragrance-free, this sunscreen absorbs instantly and even hydrates sensitive skin while protecting it from the sun.
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Cleanser for pore clarity
This gentle yet effective gel wash, powered by hyaluronic acid and AHAs, gives pores a deep cleanse, leaving skin soft and soothed.
Sephora
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Toleriane Double Repair Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer
This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer provides soothing hydration without clogging pores, leaving skin soft, calm and balanced.
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Treatment options for pale skin
If your skin looks dull, sallow, or smooth despite a solid skin care routine and healthy habits, there are ways to directly target discoloration. Experts recommend a combination of home treatments and in-office procedures that address the underlying causes to restore a brighter, more vibrant complexion.
Treatments at home
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Exfoliation (AHA, BHA, PHA): Gentle chemical exfoliants remove dead skin cells that can make skin look dull, says Dr. Kormeili. By accelerating cellular turnover, they help to brighten the complexion and reduce the tired, flat appearance of fair skin.
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Retinoids: Retinoids like an over-the-counter retinol serum help increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. This helps correct discoloration, improve texture, and reduce the flat, tired appearance of light-colored skin, says Dr. Kobets.
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Moisturizers: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane help repair the skin’s barrier, refresh skin, and lock in moisture to make skin appear more vibrant, says Dr. Hartman.
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Topical antioxidants: These ingredients—including vitamins C and E and CoQ10—neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress to help protect against pigmentation changes and preserve skin’s natural glow, says Dr. Kobets.
Liquid exfoliator BHA 2% with salicylic acid
This exfoliating toner refines skin texture, smoothes pores and brightens overall tone for a soft, glowing complexion.
Amazon
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Age Defense Retinol Complex.25
Use this serum to smooth texture, refine tone, and boost collagen for plumper, younger-looking skin.
Amazon
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CE Ferulic
Sure, it’s expensive, but this vitamin C serum is a fan Women’s Health editors and writers. It absorbs easily, brightens the skin and provides long-lasting antioxidant benefits for a refreshed complexion.
$185.00 at dermstore.com
Treatments at the office
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Chemical peels (salicylic acid, Jessner, light glycolic peels): These minimally invasive treatments remove layers of damaged or pigmented skin and accelerate cellular renewal to reveal a fresher, brighter appearance, says Dr. Kormeili.
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Microneedling and PRP: Micro-lesions stimulate collagen and elastin, while PRP provides growth factor to boost skin vitality and combat the flat, dull appearance of light-colored skin, says Dr. Kormeili.
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Laser resurfacing and fractional lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant): These treatments target damaged tissue to improve texture, pigment and radiance, reducing impoverishment from collagen loss and external factors such as sun damage, says Dr. Hartman.
When to see a dermatologist
Persistent or sudden cravings—especially if accompanied by fatigue or other systemic symptoms—may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or liver problems. A board-certified dermatologist can help you determine if the problem is cosmetic or medical and guide you to the most effective treatments.
Even if the weight loss is primarily cosmetic, a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, consistent skin care, and professional treatments can help restore radiance and counteract ugliness.
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