Why is my skin not as white as before?

Human skin comes in many colors. Some people are white, some are yellow, and some are black. Asians are generally of the yellow race, but there are still obvious differences in skin color. Some people who originally had very fair skin may find that their skin suddenly becomes not as fair as before, and may even become dark and yellow. Let’s take a look at why some people’s skin is not as fair as before?

Reasons why your skin is not as white as before:

1. Insufficient skin moisture retention

We often face computers at work, and long-term exposure to computer screens can cause dry skin. When the skin lacks moisture, the regulatory function of the stratum corneum will decrease, and the skin's resistance to sunlight and pollution will be significantly weakened. In addition, the static electricity from computer screens will produce a lot of tiny dust particles that are invisible to the eyes and deposit on the face, which is also a culprit for dullness.

2. Excessive production of melanin

Caused by not paying attention to sun protection. Those who neglect sun protection can check whether the skin color of their face is darker than that of their arms and calves. If so, it means that they may not have done enough sun protection, allowing ultraviolet rays to stimulate excessive production of melanin.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays can easily damage the skin's stratum corneum and disrupt its arrangement, causing the skin surface to feel rough and the complexion to look naturally dull. So always pay attention to sun protection.

3. Oxidation of cuticle

Free radicals can cause skin aging, and the stratum corneum is no exception. Oxidation of the stratum corneum is a major reason why the skin looks dull. Common factors that cause stratum corneum oxidation include electromagnetic waves that are everywhere in life, long-term exposure to computer screens, smoking, exposure to air pollution, and lack of sleep, all of which can produce free radicals and cause stratum corneum aging. Therefore, exfoliation is particularly important.

4. Accumulation of old dead skin cells

Failure to exfoliate for a long time will slow down the metabolism of the skin, causing the old dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface, making the skin rough and making it difficult for melanin to metabolize. This type of dull skin may be accompanied by enlarged pores and frequent oil secretion. If the old dead skin cells are not properly exfoliated, even if you apply more whitening skin care products, it will be difficult for them to enter the skin and be absorbed.

5. Decreased blood oxygen content

People of this type do not have dark skin. Their dull skin is not caused by melanin, but by insufficient oxygen content in the hemoglobin in the capillaries.

Under the irradiation of light, the oxygen content of hemoglobin will also determine the appearance of skin color. When the oxygen content in the blood is high and the blood circulation is smooth, the skin color will look rosy and shiny. Conversely, if the oxygen content is low, the skin color will look dull and sallow.

Excessive liver fire or stagnation of liver qi can cause poor blood circulation, resulting in a decrease in the blood's ability to carry oxygen, which is also the cause of dull skin tone.

6. Precipitation of colored substances

Another reason is the deposition of colored substances, which is common in people who eat too much carotenoid foods (such as carrots, papayas, oranges, tomatoes) and causes temporary yellowing of the skin. However, women with yellow faces don’t need to be too nervous. This temporary pigment deposition will be eliminated through the body’s natural metabolism and the complexion will return to normal after they stop eating for a few days.