In this realm of antioxidants, glutathione benefits for skin are never ending and too without any adverse/side effects. It is in vogue for skin brightening and radiance with years of research behind it.

It is the saving grace for your dreaded hyperpigmentation and ageing signs. (If you have dark spots or discolouration on your face that seems difficult to go away, it may be hyperpigmentation.

Glutathione- An ‘essential’ in your Skincare…

Blessed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, depigmenting and anti-ageing actions, glutathione attracts attention in the arena of skincare, deeming it essential for healthy and nourished skin.

Let's take a deep dive and explore the importance, and benefits of glutathione for skin and ways to incorporate this magical ingredient in your daily skin care regimen.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a small, low-molecular-weight, and water-soluble tripeptide. Three aminAlina o acids viz. glutamate, cysteine and glycerin aids in glutathione production in the body and is present in two forms; reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG).

Reduced Glutathione or L-Glutathione is the most active form of glutathione which interacts with several biochemical systems. It neutralizes the oxidative free radicals, thus converting them into oxidized form, the inactive form of glutathione.

“At rest, healthy cells have GSH/GSSG ration >100, which on exposure to oxidative damage, falls to 1 to 10 cells”

Glutathione has immense health-boosting advantages like supporting immune function, improve insulin resistance, perk-up the energy levels and so on. But, today we shall focus on skin health.

How does Glutathione benefit your skin?

Glutathione plays a significant role in keeping skin healthy and young. It not only acts as an astonishing skin-brightening agent but is also known to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and improve skin elasticity. All these attributes of glutathione are due to its amazing skin-protecting properties.

Let's explore the top 5 features of Glutathione in detail one on one!

1.Master Antioxidant

Being a potent antioxidant, it aids in neutralizing the free radicals formulated due to intense exposure to ultraviolet radiations and environmental pollutants. As discussed, free radicals cause significant damage to skin cells and also cause premature skin ageing leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots Overall, the hydration and barrier function of your skin gets disrupted, contributing to loose, saggy, uneven, dull and dry skin.

2.Depigmenting agent

Glutathione is renowned for its depigmenting property. This molecule has always been in limelight for skin lightening and increasing luminosity, when used either in topical or any other form.

Tyrosinase is an integral enzyme in melanogenesis (the process by which melanin is produced). Glutathione works by inhibiting the tyrosinase activity which promotes skin brightening and even tone.

Another mechanism by which glutathione lessens hyperpigmentation and fades darks spots by the stimulation of the pheomelanin pathway. Glutathione converts eumelanin to pheomelanin, thus regulating melanogenesis with or without exposure to the sun.

And how we forget its action on quenching of free radicals and peroxides (antioxidant ability to neutralize oxidative stress) that contribute to tyrosinase activation and melanin formation. It significantly reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species in the skin cells after intense UV ray’s exposure and environmental pollution, thus lowering the risk of melanogenesis.

3.Skin Elasticity

Glutathione has been shown to amp up the collagen and elastin reserves in the body. This helps to repair the lost elasticity and skin cells. This also helps to keep hold of hyaluronic acid in the body, making it hydrated.

All these factors are linked with improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and smoothening the skin for younger-looking skin. Vitamin C plus glutathione benefits the skin by repairing as well as whitening it.

4.Detox Agent

If the liver is subjected to too many toxins this can harm your skin. Healthy liver equates to keeping our skin healthy. Any toxins that you consume, gulp, absorb through your skin or breathe in have to be sieved out by the liver.

intake of Glutathione has been shown to have a positive effect on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to its potential to detoxify or cleanse.

5.Anti-inflammatory Actions

Inflammation is commonly observed in several skin concerns such as acne and hyperpigmentation. Glutathione exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and thus reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. This, in turn, helps in reducing acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma.

If you want to get rid of brown or grey patches, try some home remedies to get rid of melasma.

Best ways to incorporate Glutathione in skin care

Apart from including important antioxidant-enriched foods in the regular diet (omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, herbs, and green tea), Glutathione can be included in our skincare topically. Here’s how:

Topical Glutathione Benefits

Glutathione cream and facewashes are commonly available in the market and can be applied to the skin in the morning as well as in the evening. It is safe for all skin types (counting in sensitive skin too) given its non-irritant nature. Always top it up with sunscreen during the day to maximize sun protection.

A research study (2014) indicated significant improvement in the melanin index, moisture content of the stratum corneum, skin smoothness, skin elasticity and wrinkle formation in 30 healthy women applying 2% glutathione lotion.

Pro tip: Experts recommend using a cream base for dry skin and serum in case of oily skin type.

Glutathione Supplement Benefits

Glutathione-based supplements have been bestowed the status of “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA).

As per a 2019 study, the use of glutathione brightens skin colour in skin‐exposed areas and improves skin wrinkles and UV spots.

Is Glutathione Safe for Skin?

Scientific evidence suggested that topical supplementation is the most reasonable, and safe and is expected to cause mild side effects if any. The use of Glutathione injection (intravenous glutathione) has been reported to have side effects, such as hypopigmented patches, melanoma, depletion of liver glutathione levels, and lightening of the hair colour.

So, glutathione is safe topically in day-to-day life to make your overall health and skin salubrious. Also, take medical advice before using this if you are pregnant or a lactating mother. You can consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting with a glutathione supplement for your skin in your routine.

To sum up…

People might know glutathione only as a depigmenting agent that aids in brightening the skin. However, it is associated with overall skin rejuvenation and restoration.

Its benefits range from giving a radiant glow, controlling acne and fading acne scars, improving the skin issues due to the sun and environmental damage, and improving pigmentation, tan and freckles to anti-wrinkles.

It is never too late to include glutathione in your routine to reap the maximum skincare benefits it has to offer!

FAQs

Q. How long does it take for glutathione to brighten the skin tone?

Ans. It takes about 2-3 months to achieve desired results but these results may vary depending on the prescribed dose and avoidance of sun exposure.

Q. Can it give an uniform skin tone all over?

Ans. Yes, glutathione works from head to toe and therefore, give an even skin tone all over.

Q. Does Glutathione makes you healthy?

Ans. Yes, glutathione has many health benefits. It helps in fighting against free radicals which usually attack the cells. Although it is found in many foods, it is more beneficial when taken as a supplement.