Glutathione For Skin: The Antioxidant That’s More Than Just a Skin Brightener

Three amino acids – glutamine, glycine, and cysteine make up the antioxidant that we know as glutathione. It has the ability to reduce oxidative stress, which by default leads to better skin. Remember Shalini Passi leaving an honest remark on Netflix’s ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, “I don’t hold grudges because it’s not good for my skin”? No, she’s not delulu. Stress, along with other environmental toxins, poor nutrition and increasing age, lead to decline in glutathione which is present in our cells, which in turn affects the skin.

Dr Kiran Sethi, leading cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Isyaderm shares, “Glutathione is not just great for pigmentation, it’s a well-known antioxidant. This means that every time you create oxidative stress, glutathione comes in and prevents cell damage done by this stress.” According to research, glutathione for skin is especially known for brightening. In fact, people with psoriasis have low levels of glutathione and treatments that increase antioxidants like glutathione can help manage oxidative stress, one of the symptoms of psoriasis in some people. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, an aesthetic doctor, skin expert for over a decade and founder of Issac Luxe clinic in Delhi, Mumbai and 6 more cities in the country, shares “Glutathione reduces melanin production, neutralises antioxidant activity and helps in ⁠cellular detoxification that lead to significant skin lightening effects. These include ⁠reduced hyperpigmentation, even skin tone, faded age spots and freckles, improved skin clarity and enhanced radiance.”

Glutathione can also reduce cell damage in fatty liver, improve insulin resistance, increase mobility for people with peripheral artery disease and may help fight against autoimmune disease. Its anti-ageing and detoxifying benefits make it an all-in-one solution to many skin and health concerns. The power of glutathione extends further than just skin brightening.

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Benefits of Glutathione

1. Evens Out Skin Tone And Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Dr Kiran adds that glutathione helps with reducing skin tan as well. “Tanning and pigmentation is often due to the oxidative stress caused by UV rays. If you’re low on glutathione, you will tan that much easier.” You can supplement that internal reserve of glutathione naturally by consuming sulphur rich foods like meat, eggs, fish, broccoli, cabbage, onion, and garlic among others. You can also include glutathione products in your skincare regime to further protect your skin. Vaseline Gluta Hya Range is powered by Vaseline® Gluta-Hya, Gluta-Glow technology, especially designed to boost glutathione in the skin. For that even toned skin, you can try the Vaseline® Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Bright that is 10 times more powerful than Vitamin C+ and Pro-Retinol, which is known to help in exfoliating dead skin cells to give even-toned skin.
2. Fights Inflammation and Acne: When oxidative damage is reduced, it automatically projects anti-inflammatory properties that in turn help calm irritated skin. Glutathione has proven to be particularly beneficial for those prone to acne, as it can reduce inflammation and redness associated with breakouts. Additionally, the ability to prevent oxidative damage works to heal acne scars and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
3. Improves Skin Hydration: Glutathione helps boost the skin’s natural moisture levels by enhancing the skin’s barrier function. This leads to better hydration and a smoother, more supple texture. Dr Geetika adds, “it’s ideal for boosting glow, reducing wrinkles and promoting youthful and rejuvenated skin. It also works to improve skin health and hydration and leaves you with enhanced energy to combat signs of ageing.” For increased hydration, Vaseline® Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Overnight Radiance Repair is like slathering a formula concentrated with 10 sheet masks. It’s so lightweight on the skin that it feels like a burst of water droplets ready to be absorbed deep into the skin.
4. Enhances Radiance: As a potent antioxidant that aids in neutralising free radicals, glutathione protects the skin from environmental damage, along with reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This supports the production of collagen and elastin, crucial for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity, thereby delivering a radiant glow. Give your skin a boost of collagen with Vaseline® Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Pro-Age Restore.

How Can You Increase Glutathione Levels?

In addition to naturally increasing glutathione levels by limiting toxins like smoking and drinking alcohol, getting enough sleep, and taking in nutrient rich food, you can take supplements like curcumin, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help your body produce glutathione. Exercising also increases this potent antioxidant. There’s a reason why we drink green tea for better skin health. It’s rich in antioxidants and can increase your glutathione levels too.

The fastest and most direct way to take glutathione is through infusion therapy. Did you know that glutathione is used along with chemotherapy in cancer patients, to help reduce drug toxicity and promote cell repair? According to Dr Kiran, glutathione came into the picture to combat this toxicity and now it is found that this antioxidant helps to increase energy levels, tanning, pigmentation and more for better skin health.

So, Which is Better? Topical or Oral Glutathione?

According to Dr Geetika, topical glutathione directly targets the skin cells, enhancing antioxidant activity immediately. Oral glutathione on the other hand has systemic benefits, which may require higher doses for skin effects. It’s best to see your dermatologist and plan oral dosage as well as infusion therapy requirements best suited for your skin.

As the multifaceted component to achieving healthier, more youthful, and glowing skin, glutathione is a vital antioxidant that is primarily made by the body, but is also found in dietary sources. It can be depleted in the body due to many factors, such as ageing, a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. However, increasing your physical activity, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, along with topical and oral glutathione intakes can help maintain its levels.