Glutathione For Skin Brightening: How It Works & How To Use It

Most of us yearn for bright and glowing skin and have already tried the numerous skin care products available on the market, but in vain. However, you have a solution now – glutathione. This ingredient is widely used as a skin-brightening agent. While those who have used glutathione claim that it may help brighten the skin and reduce dark spots, research is insufficient regarding this.

If you have never heard of this name and want to know more about it, we can help. Keep reading to know more about glutathione, how it works for your skin, and the potential side effects.

Know Your Ingredient: Glutathione

What Is It?
A naturally occurring tripeptide that is found in most lifeforms, including humans.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps in cellular health maintenance and safeguards cells from oxidative stress.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can take it except people who are on antipsychotic and/or chemotherapy medications.

How Often?
As a maintenance dose, you can take 500 mg daily.

Caution
Avoid taking glutathione if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also trigger asthma attacks, macular erythema, red spots, or tiredness in some people.

What Is Glutathione?

Even though glutathione is one of the best antioxidants of all time, it is still unknown to a large number of people. It is best known for helping brighten your skin and reducing the levels of melanin productionⁱ  XPigment responsible for hair, eye, and skin color, the production of which is affected by genetics. too (1). Doctors and dermatologists from all over the globe have often used glutathione during skin treatments and therapies.Most of the time it is used while manufacturing creams or skin-brightening tablets for consumption. You can get hold of them from the nearest dispensary or simply place your order online.

Did You Know?

J. de Rey-Paihade discovered glutathione in 1888 from the extracts of yeast and animal tissues like beef skeletal muscle, beef liver, lamb’s small intestine, sheep brain, and fish skeletal muscle.

How Does It Work?

Glutathione contains amino acidsⁱ  XOrganic molecules that bond with protein, allow the body to break down food, repair tissue, and offer energy. in abundance. The best part about this antioxidant is that it is considered safe and doesn’t have any free radicals or toxins that could ruin your skin. In fact, it may help in cleansing your skin and removing all impurities, which helps make the skin appear brighter. Moreover, using glutathione may help reduce spots and hyperpigmentation levels. It helps in the activation of enzymes that play an important role in detoxification (2). However, remember that the results may not be the same for everyone. It may vary from person to person. Further human studies are required to substantiate the claims.

Although there are a large number of products that help brighten your skin, it is best to go natural! As already discussed, glutathione contains amino acids that reduce side effects and keep your skin healthy and safe in the long run. However, remember that research is inadequate regarding the efficacy and potential side effects of glutathione. Therefore, do not take its supplement or use topical products containing glutathione without consulting a doctor.

How To Use Glutathione For Skin Brightening

You can take glutathione skin-brightening supplements given by your doctor or dermatologist.

Moisturize your skin with the help of I-glutathione pills that will prevent the flaking of the skin.

However, using glutathione alone may not help brighten your skin. It has to be used as suggested by the doctor and in conjunction with other treatments. You also have to follow a healthy lifestyle, skin care practices (like using sunscreen daily), and dietary habits. Also, there are chances the results will be temporary if you do not take care of your skin properly.

How Does Glutathione Help In Brightening Your Skin?

Here are a couple of points in brief that will help you understand how glutathione helps in natural skin brightening. Additional points have been mentioned to help you understand better.

1. Glutathione is basically an antioxidant and is made of 3 amino acids namely cysteineⁱ  XSulphur-containing amino acid found in beta-keratin, the chief protein in nails, skin, and hair, which is necessary for collagen formation. , glycineⁱ  XSimplest amino acid the body uses to create proteins needed for the growth and maintenance of tissues, hormones, and enzymes. and glutamic acidⁱ  XAn amino acid converted by the body to glutamate that helps nerve cells communicate and contributes to learning and memory. .

2. It may help protect your body from diseases and prevent toxins too. It also fights free radicals that cause skin pigmentation, blemishes, dark spots, and skin discoloration.

3. People usually take glutathione in the form of pills to brighten their skin. They are found in pharmacies and beauty shops. Four to six months of regular use may show effective results (2).

4. Glutathione is not just available in the form of pills, but also as injections and beauty soaps. In fact, they have become quite popular in the market. They are loaded with vitamins, soya oil, proteins, and minerals that help in skin nourishment.

5. Taking glutathione isn’t enough to achieve a brighter skin tone; you must eat healthy too. Some fruits and veggies that you must include in your diet include asparagus, oranges, tomatoes, and avocados. These edibles will help in the maintenance of glutathione in your body (3).

Glutathione is not an essential nutrient and there isn’t enough evidence supporting its purported skin-brightening effects. However, it may have some protective effects against skin aging and may help reduce freckles and age spots to some extent (1). They can be used as anti-aging supplements as well.

Isabella Bianca, a skin care vlogger, reveals the impact glutathione had on her skin: “I can see lots of difference in one week.” As a disclaimer, she adds, “Why I am getting this fast result is because I have already been taking glutathione before, and when I started taking it again, it worked faster. Do not think that if you are going to take glutathione for the first time, you will achieve this result in one week (i).”

However, there are more things to know about using glutathione for skin brightening. We know the results may not be the same for everyone but is it safe for everyone? Let us find that out.

Potential Side Effects Of Glutathione

Glutathione is generally considered safe. Although research is limited research on the side effects of using glutathione for skin brightening, there are a few concerns related to the safety of this ingredient. According to a study, it was found that glutathione may cause mild skin reactions like (1):

• Itching
• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Red spots on the skin
• Tiredness

Therefore, if you take glutathione and encounter any side effects, seek medical help as soon as possible to avoid further complications. People with sensitive skin should consult their doctor before using it. Also, avoid it if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol, a preservative found in glutathione supplements.

Interesting Fact

Glutathione is usually taken in the form of a pill that has become highly successful in Asian countries, especially in countries where people would like to have brighter skin. Even though it is pretty expensive, glutathione injections are quite popular as they significantly increase the bioavailability of glutathione. However, further research is warranted to establish this fact. It is important to take into consideration that though intravenous glutathione is considered to increase its efficacy, it can also pose the risk of overdosing and toxicity (2).

Did You Know?

Glutathione is a popular food and health supplement in the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The Dilemma That Comes With Glutathione

The dilemma surrounding the use of glutathione for skin brightening is complex and multifaceted.

Glutathione and the treatments are highly expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Nevertheless, their lotions and creams are still cheaper. However, it is important to note that the efficacy and safety of glutathione injections for skin brightening are still subjects of ongoing research and debate within the medical community.

Moreover, there are significant health and safety considerations to bear in mind when contemplating the use of glutathione injections. Injecting any substance into the body carries inherent risks, including the potential for allergic reactions, infections, and other adverse effects. Furthermore, the long-term consequences of using glutathione in this manner are not fully understood.

It is necessary to emphasize that the use of glutathione for skin brightening should only be considered after thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Self-administration of glutathione injections or relying on unregulated products may lead to serious health complications and should be avoided.

Individuals must be aware of the potential risks, lack of conclusive evidence, and the importance of prioritizing their overall health and well-being over cosmetic concerns. We strongly advise you to seek professional medical advice, consider alternative approaches, and make informed decisions while being mindful of the potential risks associated with glutathione injections.

Apart from these side effects, you may also experience a few unfavorable after-effects after stopping the intake of glutathione. Scroll down to learn about them.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Glutathione?

Glutathione is vital for detoxifying the body and keeping the skin healthy. So, when you discontinue supplementation, it may lead to:

• Detoxification Impact: Your body’s detoxification system may be affected. Glutathione helps remove toxins, so stopping it can lead to toxin buildup, potentially causing skin issues and a less radiant complexion.
• Skin Changes: Your skin may become more vulnerable to damage from free radicals, potentially resulting in uneven skin tone and a loss of radiance.

To maintain optimal glutathione levels, you can rely on your body’s natural production, but it may not be as potent as supplementation. However, further research is needed to better understand the potential consequences of stopping glutathione supplementation, and individual responses may vary.

Infographic: What To Eat To Increase Glutathione Production In Your Body

Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps brighten your skin, get rid of impurities, reduce hyperpigmentation, and help with skin rejuvenation. Though people consume glutathione in the form of pills, you can try to increase its natural production in the body by consuming certain food items rich in amino acids.

Check out this infographic to learn about some skin-brightening foods that help to increase glutathione production in your body.

Save

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Share

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take glutathione to brighten skin?

It may take between 4 to 10 weeks of regular use for glutathione to show visible results (5). However, results may vary from person to person.

Is glutathione pill safe?

Yes, glutathione pills are considered safe for consumption in limited dosage. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.

Will glutathione lighten my underarms?

Yes, glutathione is an antioxidant that may help lighten your underarm skin. Additionally, a healthy and balanced diet will also contribute to healthy skin.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Download Share

In this video, a certified dermatologist answers the question: Is glutathione injection a permanent solution for skin whitening? And is it safe? Get the facts in this informative video!

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. Sonam Jeswani RamrakhianiMBBS, DDV

   

Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani is a renowned dermatologist with over 11 years of experience. She has a sharp eye for facial aesthetics and advocates learning newer technologies and treatment protocols for the benefit of her clients. After completing her academics, she worked with Dr. Jamuna Pai, India's leading celebrity skin expert, where she learnt about lasers and injectable treatment options,...more

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing. She writes articles on home remedies and ensures to present a balanced perspective to the reader. When she is not...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more