Introduction
Glutathione was discovered in 1888 under a microscope by J. de Rey.
Its structures and metabolism were described by the English biochemist Frederick Hopkins, who renamed it glutathione. In Philippines they call it “Magical skin whitening” due to its skin whitening properties.
A lighter skin tone has always been desirable especially in conservative countries like India, many people consider light coloured people as superior even. Thus, patients visiting dermatologists desire lighter skin even if it means against their will. Knowing people’s desires many companies have developed skin lightening techniques by the day. Many agents are already known to people as they are over the counter products like Niacinamide, glycolic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E all of which contribute to depigmentation. Because of glutathione being an over the counter product, it results in people taking improper doses in different schedules. It is always important to know about any product in detail before using them onto the skin. Glutathione is an antioxidant which is found in the body naturally, it improves the immunity and cleanses the body. It also causes skin lightening by converting melanin into a lighter colour. Glutathione is available in oral and intravenous in some countries. Most of the patients desperately seek fair complexion are typically people who are internet and social media savvy.
Glutathione and its functions:
Glutathione is a water soluble thiol- tri- peptide formed by three amino acids (Glutamate, Cysteine, Glycine) Well now, I definitely would not want to bore you with the chemical terms so lets move on to how glutathione helps in skin pigmentation. The main cause for hyperpigmentation is the exposure to UV rays (Sun exposure) which results in generation of oxygen and nitrogen species within the cells. The discovery of glutathione was accidental because skin lightening was noticed as a side effect of large glutathione doses.
But there is no scientific support for this claim.
Precautions:
While breastfeeding or pregnancy, we don’t have enough proof to support this but it’s better to be safe than sorry. But if you are someone who suffers from asthma, do not inhale glutathione as it can increase your asthma symptoms. And if you overdose on this, get medical help from a professional as soon as possible. Due to lack of research about this product, we only know of these possible side effects. Some people may suffer with skin rash as a side effect to this drug.
Benefits:
Health benefits include a variety of heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, liver disease, alcoholism, high cholesterol and skin lightening. It also helps to reverse the ageing process by making the skin look young and helps prevent cancer and preserve memory.
How to increase GSH levels in your body:
Food: Fruits and vegetables contain that are sulphur rich such as garlic and onions and many greens increase the GSH content.
Berries like strawberry, blueberry and other citrus fruits containing Vitamin C can increase Glutathione.
Workout: You can also increase the GSH levels by working out for 20 to 30 minutes per day, it will also keep you fit and healthy.
Sleep cycle: Having a good nights sleep is important to maintain high glutathione levels.
Dermatologists: They readily have IV supplements that you can inject into the body that synthesises readily and gets converted to skin lightening agent and gives you that glow you need.
Glutathione depletion:
Extensive research in many specialities have shown us that many diseases are caused due to low GSH levels. It can be something as small as asthma to metabolic disorders and even cancer. So it is always advised to maintain a good amount of GSH levels to stay healthy. It has many antioxidant properties as well. But if you are consuming a glutathione rich pill or an oral/nasal spray, it is always advised to consult with a dermatologist because not all glutathione products are reliable and safe.
The beauty industry has many skin lightening and skin tightening agents that is over the counter and readily available making hundreds of products but not all of them are safe and efficient. The drug has received GRAS status which means generally recognised as safe from the US food and drug administration (FDA) for its use in food products.