What It Means When Your Skin Starts Turning Orange

Glowing skin is often a sign of good health but what if your skin starts turning orange? While this unusual change can be startling, it’s often linked to harmless dietary habits or cosmetic products. However, in some cases, it may signal an underlying health condition.

Here’s what could be causing your skin to take on an orange hue and when it’s time to see a doctor.

1. You Have Carotenemia

If you love snacking on carrots or sweet potatoes, your diet may be the reason behind your skin’s sudden color shift.

Carotenemia is a harmless condition caused by consuming high amounts of beta-carotene, a natural pigment found in orange and yellow foods. When excess beta-carotene enters the bloodstream, it tends to accumulate in areas with thicker skin, such as:

• Palms of the hands

• Soles of the feet

• Knees and elbows

• Around the nose

Common beta-carotene-rich foods include:

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Pumpkin

• Mangoes

• Cantaloupe

• Leafy greens

Even some non-orange foods like apples, eggs, and cheese contain beta-carotene and can contribute to carotenemia if eaten in large amounts. Certain supplements or multivitamins with beta-carotene may also cause skin discoloration.

How to fix it: The good news is that carotenemia is completely reversible. Cutting back on beta-carotene-rich foods will gradually restore your skin tone.

2. Your Medications Are Causing Skin Discoloration

Some medications can trigger changes in skin pigmentation, making your complexion appear orange. These effects may occur due to chemical reactions in the body or by directly altering your skin’s natural pigments.

Medications linked to skin discoloration include:

• Quinacrine: Used to treat certain infections and autoimmune conditions

• Canthaxanthin: A pigment found in edible mushrooms and some tanning pills

• Saffron supplements: Sometimes taken for mood or digestive health

• Topical antiseptics: Like acroflavine and picric acid, which can stain the skin

How to fix it: If you suspect a medication is affecting your skin color, speak with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative treatment.

3. Your Self-Tanner Is the Culprit

Anyone who’s experimented with self-tanning products knows that too much can leave you looking more orange than sun-kissed.

Most self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical that reacts with dead skin cells to create a temporary tan. Overusing these products or applying them unevenly can cause an unnatural orange tint especially on the hands, elbows, and knees.

How to fix it: Exfoliating can help fade an overly orange tan. To prevent future mishaps, apply tanner in thin, even layers and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

4. You Recently Had Surgery

If your skin looks orange after a medical procedure, it’s likely due to betadine, an antiseptic solution commonly used to prep the skin before surgery. Betadine has an orange-brown color that can linger on the skin, giving it a temporary hue.

How to fix it: The discoloration will fade as you wash the area over time. Using mild soap and warm water can help remove any remaining residue.

5. You Have Hypothyroidism

An orange tint to the skin can sometimes indicate hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. When thyroid function slows down, beta-carotene from food isn’t properly converted into vitamin A, leading to a buildup in the blood and skin.

Other signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Dry skin

• Depression

• Muscle weakness

• Constipation

How to fix it: If you suspect thyroid issues, consult your doctor for testing. Hypothyroidism is typically managed with medication to regulate hormone levels.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, orange skin is caused by dietary factors or cosmetic products and isn’t a cause for concern. However, you should see a doctor if:

• The discoloration appears suddenly with no clear cause.

• Your skin changes color along with other unexplained symptoms (such as fatigue or weight gain).

• The whites of your eyes also appear yellow, which could indicate a liver issue rather than carotenemia.

While an orange tint to the skin is usually harmless, it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

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