Glutathione has been in the headlines for quite some time now. As soon as people become conscious of their well-being, they hop towards supplementation- glutathione is one of them. The recent hype surrounding the skin-lightening effects of glutathione has resulted in healthcare providers prescribing it as a miracle whitening drug. The practice is more common in countries with populations with darker skin tones.

In this blog let's talk about what is glutathione and what's true from the hype around it.

What is Glutathione:

Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants in our body. Also known as GSH, it is a small, water-soluble low molecular weight protein that is naturally present in our body and is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is made from three amino acids: Glycine, L-cysteine, and L-glutamate. it can be consumed through diet as well. As it is a sulfur compound it is high in foods that contain sulfur such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, or any cruciferous vegetables.

Effects of Glutathione:

So glutathione is known for preventing damage to the cells. It has anti-aging properties, it helps detoxify xenobiotics and chemicals in the environment. We get exposed to various chemicals every year, glutathione helps the body in preventing the damage caused by these toxins.

What Depletes the Levels of Glutathione:

Over time Glutathione gets depleted in the body. The following factors contribute to its depletion in the body.

• Old age
• Pollution
• Infections 
• Consuming a lot of junk food 
• Taking a lot of sugar.
• Stress
• Drugs 

When to take Glutathione:

The property of glutathione to detoxify free radicals diversifies its use. Experts recommend taking it if you are on medication.

If you are traveling to a state with poor air quality, you should be taking glutathione. In addition to this if you have chronic inflammatory disease it's ideal to take glutathione.

Extreme exposure to radiation can lead to a lot of free radicals, so ideally, glutathione should be taken. Moreover, in case of exposure to molds also calls for glutathione

Glutathione and skin-lightening effects.

This was an accidental discovery. When large amounts of glutathione were ingested skin brightening was observed in an article in 2002. It is thought to work by inhibiting the formation of melanin- a pigment found in the skin. 

In a study carried out in 2012, 60 students were studied regarding the skin lightning effect of glutathione. 20 students received oral glutathione 500 mg in two divided doses while the rest received a placebo. After  4 weeks of the experiment, it was observed that those receiving oral glutathione showed a slight reduction in pigmentation. However, they also observed that the skin showed more effective results in areas that were exposed to the sun. hence it reveals that it has more potent action in new areas of pigmentation.

Further studies revealed that glutathione also has anti-aging effects and it has a greater impact on the skin when used orally and topically.

Glutathione gives the whitening effect in two possible ways. First, it chains up with tyrosinase and blocks the path for the production of melanin. secondly, it halts the activation of tyrosinase in the body.

Recommended Dosage of Glutathione:

Glutathione is generally manufactured in combination with vitamin C as manufacturing high dosages is difficult. The recommended dose is generally 1-2gms/day divided into two doses.

It is also manufactured in lozenge form.

Side effects and contra-indications of using Glutathione:

In some cases, glutathione has been shown to cause cramping, bloating, and allergic reactions like a rash. It has also been observed that long-term use can lower zinc levels.

Studies showed that one month after stopping glutathione, the blood showed zero levels, which also meant reversing the skin-lightening effects.

Glutathione and skin:

Glutathione alone cannot play the main character to maintain the skin-lightening effects. Other factors aid in it too. Less exposure to direct sunlight, and the use of physical products like hats and caps while in sunlight add to these lightening effects.

Other factors such as using mineral sunscreen, and covering the body while in the sun all add up to the skin-lightening effects.

What do we have in glutathione:

Delve into the goodness of our Supreme Gluta white-whitening and anti-aging capsules to experience the power of this legitimate product. It has moisturizing effects, enhances the skin’s glow, and has proven to reduce wrinkles and dark spots. It is an impactful combination of vitamin C, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and Koji berry. 

Conclusion:

Glutathione has proved to be successful in skin-lightening effects. However, it is always ideal and mandatory to ask your dermatologist before starting any supplementation. If you have any underlying health condition,  only start the supplementation after consultation.

Moreover combining topical and oral forms can bring more effective results for your skin. Take care of all physical products and enjoy your beautiful skin