Glutathione, the master antioxidant in your skincare regimen: know its 5 benefits

Glutathione or GSH is one of the most powerful antioxidant molecules and is currently part of various skin care products, nutraceutical supplements and drips. Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glycine, cysteine ​​and glutamic acid which are amino acids in which the primary function of glutathione is to fight free radicals and help protect the body against cellular damage, aging and carcinogenesis.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi, an aesthetic dermatologist and founder of Oprava Aesthetics, revealed that glutathione is naturally produced by the body’s nerve cells and liver, and low GSH levels in the body have been associated with premature aging and neurological ageing. disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Depleted levels of GSH in the body also occur with increasing age and poor dietary habits.

Speaking about glutathione’s role in the skin, Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi shared:

• Reduction of melanin production in the skin – GSH acts at the cellular level and helps reduce the production of melanin in the skin, a substance that helps determine skin color. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which is the key enzyme in the formation of melanin. In humans, there are 3 types of melanin molecules: eumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. GSH has been studied over the years to help shift the melanin cycle to form more pheomelanin (light forms) than eumelanin (dark forms).
• Acts as an antioxidant – Glutathione helps reduce oxidative damage to the skin and body that can occur due to environmental pollutants, UV radiation, infections, smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet. Helps scavenge free radicals and reduces signs of inflammation, dull skin, hyperpigmentation, including skin cancer.
• Promotes Anti-Aging – Thanks to its magical antioxidant property, GSH helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of oxidative damage. It helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin and stimulates collagen formation in the skin. This in turn helps minimize fine lines and early pigmentation changes as part of aging skin.

Suggest tips for incorporating GSH into skincare, recommended Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi –

1. In a face wash: Glutathione can be used as an ultra-mild facial cleanser. While the maximum effects of glutathione may not be seen using a facial cleanser, it is still a good ingredient to have in your facial cleanser which must also contain glycolic acid and other AHA BHAs for that luminous glow every time you rinse your skin. .
2. In a serum: GSH-based serums are spreading throughout the market thanks to its incredible properties. Glutathione serums help treat skin pigmentation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. GSH serums are usually available in combination with tranexamic acid, vitamin C and licorice extract for additional benefits.
3. In a moisturizer: GSH-based moisturizers, while not hugely popular, are great for repairing sun-damaged skin and reducing age spots. It helps brighten the skin as well as providing intense hydration. Medicated creams prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma also contain GSH in combination with kojic acid, mulberry extract, vitamin C, alpha arbutin and niacinamide to give you a complete package for glowing skin.
4. In a supplement: GSH supplements are a fantastic way to get the most out of glutathione as part of your skincare regimen. GSH supplements are available in tablets, capsules, intraoral sublingual spray, and effervescent tablets. Helps detoxify the body, promote collagen stimulation, improve psoriasis, reduce inflammation, minimize fine lines and promote a brighter skin tone.
5. In a drip: IV therapy is a way to deliver antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream from a vein for maximum benefits. IV Glutathione Drops help improve skin elasticity and reduce overall tanning and hyperpigmentation. Glutathione is added with other nutrient boosters like Vitamin C and Collagen which help control the signs of aging and reduce uneven skin tone and blemishes.

Bringing his experience to the same, Maitri, Trivedi, nutritionist at Pure Nutrition Naturals, said: Glutathione has been used extensively by people to improve skin elasticity and tone due to its anti-melanogenic effects, but you may have underestimated its area of ​​use; Glutathione can do much more.

Elaborating on its extraordinary benefits, it highlighted:

• BOWEL HEALTH – Glutathione has been used as a supportive treatment for gut-related issues resulting from increased inflammation, including leaky gut, IBD, etc. Poor gut health can be a considerable challenge; thus, glutathione helps manage this inflammation, thereby improving the quality of life.
• ANTIOXIDANT ROLE – It is one of the most powerful antioxidants that help remove free radicals that increase oxidative stress. Elevated oxidative stress can pave the way for the onset of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and more.
• DETOXIFICATION – Glutathione also plays a vital role in the detoxification process. It binds to harmful substances, toxins such as mercury and others, and facilitates their removal from the body.
• LIVER HEALTH – Glutathione was developed to support liver health and function due to its powerful antioxidant properties and has been rightly used for the same for many years.
• INSULIN RESISTANCE – Studies have shown that glutathione helps improve insulin sensitivity and thus manage symptoms related to diabetes.

Even though glutathione is naturally produced in the body, the amount of oxidative stress we encounter on a daily basis could make it an important addition to our supplement and diet list!