Glutathione is a tripeptide molecule composed of the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals.
Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to aging and the development of many chronic diseases. The skin, being the body’s largest organ, is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and stress. Glutathione helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing IL-6 and IL-2 markers.
The Power of Glutathione for Healthy Skin
One of the primary functions of glutathione in the skin is to support the immune system. The skin is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens, and glutathione plays a critical role in maintaining its integrity and function. It supports the immune response by helping to neutralize harmful substances and protect skin cells from environmental damage.
Glutathione is also essential for maintaining healthy skin by supporting the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, and its production decreases with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Glutathione helps to maintain the production of collagen, ensuring that the skin remains firm and elastic.
In addition to its antioxidant and immune-supporting properties, glutathione has been shown to have skin-lightening effects. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and can reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Get Glowing Skin with Glutathione Supplements
Studies have shown that glutathione supplementation can improve skin health and appearance. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, women who received a glutathione supplement for 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in skin elasticity, moisture content, and wrinkle reduction compared to the placebo group. Another study found that glutathione supplementation improved skin clarity, brightness, and overall appearance in healthy women. However, the glutathione was destroyed by the stomach into its amino acid components and then resynthesized by the body. Liposomal glutathione protects the glutathione and makes sure it survives the stomach environment.
In addition to oral supplements, glutathione can also be administered topically. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that topical application of oxidized glutathione reduced melanin content in the skin and improved skin lightening in healthy women.
Glutathione is also important for wound healing. It plays a crucial role in the formation of new blood vessels and the production of collagen, which are essential for tissue regeneration and wound repair. Studies have shown that glutathione supplementation can support wound healing in animal models and human subjects.
In conclusion, glutathione is a crucial molecule for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from damage, while its immune-supporting and collagen-synthesizing abilities help maintain the skin’s integrity and elasticity. Additionally, glutathione has skin-lightening effects and can improve wound healing. Supplementation with glutathione, either orally or topically, may improve skin health and appearance but the best results are likely from liposomal supplementation as the body is still limited in how well it can take glutathione that is broken down by the stomach and resynthesized by your cells.
References
- Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, et al. Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;7:267-274.
- Kim SH, Hwang JS, Han JH, et al. Whitening effects of glutathione and fish collagen peptide topical cream on female human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014;13(1):40-48.
- Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Miyagi Y. et al. Effects of topical and oral glutathione supplementation on skin whitening: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Derm
- Schäfer M, Werner S. Oxidative stress in normal and impaired wound repair. Pharmacol Res. 2008;58(2):165-171.
- Sharma M, Gupta V, Dubey A, et al. Effect of systemic L-glutathione administration on serum concentration of glutathione in patients undergoing external radiation treatment. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013;87(3):568-573.