What causes a girl's face to appear yellowish and dull?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, a yellowish and dull complexion in women may be caused by irregular作息 (lifestyle), unbalanced nutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, hypothyroidism, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it's important to maintain a cheerful mood and avoid prolonged anxiety and stress. Engaging in moderate aerobic exercises such as jogging or yoga is also beneficial.

Generally, a yellowish and dull complexion in women may be caused by irregular作息, nutritional imbalances, iron-deficiency anemia, damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, hypothyroidism, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irregular作息: Long-term熬夜 or insufficient sleep can disrupt bodily metabolism and the circulation of qi and blood, leaving facial skin poorly nourished and resulting in a yellowish, dull appearance. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, try to fall asleep before 11 p.m., avoid using electronic devices before bedtime, and consider foot soaking or reading to promote sleep.

2. Nutritional Imbalance: Prolonged dieting or picky eating can lead to inadequate intake of nutrients such as vitamins and proteins, causing the skin to lose its luster and become dull. Adjust your diet by consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and high-quality protein sources like oranges, spinach, eggs, and lean meat. Avoid long-term consumption of spicy and greasy foods.

3. Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A lack of iron in the body reduces hemoglobin production, impairing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to poor facial perfusion and a yellowish complexion. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous fumarate granules, or polysaccharide-iron complex capsules, and increase intake of iron-rich foods like animal liver and red dates.

4. Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder: Impaired metabolic function of the liver and gallbladder leads to accumulation of damp-heat in the body and obstructed bile excretion, often causing a yellowish complexion accompanied by symptoms like bitter taste in the mouth and abdominal distension. Patients should take prescribed medications such as Yinzhihuang oral liquid, Longdan Xiegan pills, or anti-inflammatory and cholagogue tablets, and maintain a light diet, avoiding alcohol and high-fat foods.

5. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones slows down metabolic rate and impairs circulation of qi and blood, resulting in a dull, lifeless complexion along with fatigue and cold intolerance. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, or levothyroxine sodium capsules to maintain stable hormone levels.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a positive mood and avoid prolonged anxiety and stress. Engage in moderate aerobic exercises such as jogging or yoga to promote blood circulation and metabolism, which can help improve facial complexion.