Our quest for getting perfect and radiant skin is endless and it is more than genes, hydration, nutrition, exfoliation, and sun guarding. A host of beauty products is constantly flooding the market to meet this demand. One such natural ingredient that has made humongous waves is glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, bestowed with skin healing benefits that deliver effective results without resulting in any side effects. Glutathione is famed for its skin brightening and hydrating effect, which is backed by science. This wonder ingredient is the holy grail for all your skin woes, including hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing.

Glutathione is a strong antioxidant and detoxifier that combats free radicals caused by sunlight, pollution, stress, smoking, and alcohol intake. The free radicals are known to damage the overall skin structure and can result in premature ageing, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and impede the skin barrier function.

Also Read: Skin Barrier Role And Function: 5 Effective Ways To Shield This Protective Layer

Glutathione is credited with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, depigmenting, and anti-ageing qualities have drawn interest in the field of skincare and beauty industry. It has been largely used in making a broad range of skincare essentials including creams, lotions, gels, serums, and dietary supplements that are available in the form of tablets.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a small, low-molecular-weight, and water-soluble tripeptide. It is formed from three amino acids viz. glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, and present in two forms; reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG). Reduced glutathione form is more active and interacts with several biochemical processes in the system. Healthy cells at rest have GSH/GSSG > 100, but when exposed to oxidative stress the level falls to < 10 cells.

Glutathione holds a remarkable role in sustaining skin health and beauty. It acts as a natural skin rejuvenating agent that lessens wrinkles, fades away fine lines, and enhances skin elasticity. Thus, this natural compound supports revamping skin radiance and beauty.

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Read this article to explore the skin-healing benefits of glutathione.

Incredible Beauty Incentives Of Glutathione

Potent Antioxidant Actions

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps in neutralizing the free radicals damage caused by exposure to UV rays and harmful environmental toxins. Using glutathione-based skincare products aids, to combat oxidative stress, eliminates toxins, slows down ageing, and fades away dark spots. Additionally, it improves skin hydration and barrier function making it look blemish-free and youthful.

Also Read: Ceramides: Discover The Surprising Beauty Benefits Of This Fatty Acid

Depigmenting Actions

Glutathione is famed for its depigmenting trait. This compound is valuable in brightening and rejuvenating skin, when used topically or in any other form. The three main mechanisms that glutathione exhibits in its action on hyperpigmentation include:

Inhibition of tyrosinase activity is the main mechanism by which glutathione effectively lessens dark spots, patches, and uneven skin tone. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme involved in melanogenesis. Inhibition of tyrosinase remarkably affects the levels of melanin,  skin colouring pigment. Thereby aids in enhancing skin brightness and tone.

Activation of the pheomelanin pathway where glutathione converts eumelanin to pheomelanin, thus controlling melanogenesis with or without exposure to the sun.

Antioxidant activity is mainly responsible for depigmenting action of glutathione, and it reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species in the skin cell after exposure to UV rays and environmental pollutants, thus reducing the risk of melanogenesis.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is the main cause of a host of skin woes like hyperpigmentation and acne. Glutathione exhibits strong anti-inflammatory traits, which reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers. Thereby beneficial in lowering acne, melasma, and hyperpigmentation.

Anti-ageing Actions

Glutathione has displayed potent anti-ageing characteristics that have shown a positive impact in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Regular use of glutathione-based skincare products enhances skin elasticity and tone, thereby making the skin look youthful.

Natural Sources Of Glutathione

You can augment glutathione intake by adding some of the food sources enriched with antioxidants, which include omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, herbs, and green tea.

Topical Products

Glutathione-based skincare essentials are available in the form of face washes and creams, which you can use as topical formulations in your skincare regimen. Using these products is the best possible way to treat skin woes more effectively.

Side Effects

Evidence suggests that the topical application of glutathione products is considered safe and causes very minimal side effects if any. However, a huge amount directly injected into the blood via injection can result in adverse effects like hypopigmented patches, melanoma, reduction of liver glutathione levels, and lightening of the hair colour. People who are sensitive to this compound should avoid and pregnant and lactating women should get medical advice before using it. However, it is always best to consult your dermatologist before using any new products in your regular routine.