The Big Deal about Glutathione in Skin Health
Glutathione is our master antioxidant in our bodies. That means it’s our all-star for battling free radical damage thus protecting our DNA and cells from damage.
While used for many conditions, both dermatological and others, glutathione has been having its day in the sun (see what I did there?!) for those experiencing hyperpigmentation, especially amongst those with a Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI. These skin types have increased melanin production, hence driving darker pigmentation of skin.
While melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of skin, UV light exposure is the leading cause for hyperpigmentation. Through a variety of biochemical processes, the UV exposure causes an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells.
Antioxidants, like glutathione, suppress some of the ROS and thus reduce melanogenesis. Evidence shows other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, glycolic acid, and niacinamide also suppress some of the ROS produced by UV light exposure.
Additionally, glutathione may improve skin elasticity and wrinkles, as well as may improve hyperpigmentation in those who experience it. This also is true for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant, found in fresh fruit and vegetables and nuts, like tomatoes, oranges, walnuts, asparagus, and more.
Our bodies and skin are increasingly exposed to more and more toxicants that drive free radical damage and thus our need for glutathione may vary between individuals, and certainly more than even the recent past.
Glutathione can be used as a supplement: in oral, topical, and IV (parenteral) forms.
While most of the medical literature focuses on oral or topical application, IV administration will bypass first pass metabolism in the liver and provide glutathione directly to the blood stream. This means better absorption than oral applications because of malabsorption issues in the GI tract (think leaky gut, autoimmune GI disorders, and more). This also allows us to use higher dosages than we can accomplish by eating the foods it’s found most prevalent in.
We find it pairs beautifully with many of our treatments at Lifted Beauty + Wellness and can be coordinated for your visit!
If you’re curious about your glutathione levels, there are a variety of ways to test directly and indirectly. Our office prefers RBC glutathione, or the red blood cell glutathione, measurement to guide us on your unique specific dosage.
It’s incredibly important to note that glutathione alone (in oral, topical, or IV form) is NOT a stand alone treatment but rather a key player in your overall comprehensive treatment approach.
Note that not everyone will tolerate glutathione the same. Some have difficulty with any of the routes of administration, and thus you should consult your medical provider before beginning a new treatment.
References
