With the in-depth study of pigmented skin diseases, the treatment methods are constantly enriched.
Melasma (also known as liver spot), as a common pigmented skin disease, has a high incidence, especially in middle-aged women, causing significant distress to the appearance of patients, and adversely affecting the emotional state and mental health of patients.
Glutathione (GSH), as an endogenous antioxidant, was first used in the treatment of liver disease, but in recent years, expert consensus and the latest clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in the treatment of melasma, and gradually become the focus of dermatologists.
1. Mechanism of action of glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide compound composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, which is widely distributed in all tissues of the human body, especially in liver, kidney, and skin cells.
As a potent antioxidant, glutathione protects cells from damage by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting oxidative stress.
Its antioxidant function not only plays a key role in the liver detoxification process, but also shows significant effect in improving skin pigmentation, oxidative stress is considered to be one of the main pathogenic factors of pigmented skin diseases such as melasma.
In addition to antioxidant effects, glutathione is also involved in the detoxification reaction within the cell, maintaining the normal metabolic function of the cell.
2. Relationship between pathogenesis of melasma and glutathione
The formation of melasma is closely related to long-term ultraviolet exposure, endocrine disorders and oxidative stress.
Research in recent years has revealed the potential of glutathione to reduce melasma symptoms through a variety of mechanisms:
(1) antioxidation
Long-term UV exposure and environmental pollution cause the skin to produce large amounts of free radicals, triggering oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress not only accelerates skin aging, but also promotes excessive melanin synthesis.
Glutathione, with its powerful antioxidant properties, effectively cleans up free radicals and slows down the melanin synthesis process, thus helping to reduce the formation of melasma.
(2) Regulating melanin synthesis
Glutathione has a direct regulatory effect on melanin synthesis.
It was found that glutathione can inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin synthesis.
This mechanism is particularly important for the treatment of melasma caused by post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH).
Expert consensus points out that the occurrence of PIH is usually related to hyperpigmentation after skin inflammation, and glutathione can effectively reduce the symptoms of PIH by regulating the melanin production mechanism.
(3) Whitening and even skin tone
Glutathione also reduces pigmentation and improves uneven skin tone.
Especially in the treatment of melasma and freckles, glutathione, as an endogenous antioxidant, can significantly improve skin gloss and evenness, and improve uneven skin tone and pigmentation problems.
3. Clinical application and recommended dosage
Common uses of glutathione in the treatment of melasma include intravenous administration, oral supplementation, and topical use.
According to expert consensus and clinical practice, the following are several common forms of treatment:
(1) Intravenous injection
Intravenous glutathione is a common treatment for moderate to severe melasma.
Through intravenous injection, glutathione can quickly enter the blood circulation and directly act on the skin and other related tissues, play the antioxidant effect and regulate the function of melanin synthesis.
Experts recommend that intravenous injection is an effective and safe treatment option for patients who need quick results.
(2) Oral supplementation
Oral glutathione is used as a long-term treatment for patients with mild symptoms who wish to be treated by non-invasive methods.
According to research and expert consensus, the recommended dose of oral glutathione is 0.4g three times daily.
Although the effect of oral glutathione is slower, it can maintain antioxidant levels in the body for a long time and has a certain effect on the improvement of melasma.
(3) Local external use
Topical skin care products containing glutathione are a gentle way to treat mild hyperpigmentation.
Expert consensus states that topical use of glutathione can improve skin uniformity and pigmentation, especially for patients who do not want systemic treatment.
Topical products usually require a longer period of continuous use to be effective.
4. Advantages in treatment
High safety: As the body’s natural antioxidant, glutathione has fewer side effects, is well tolerated, and is suitable for long-term use.
Multiple benefits: In addition to reducing pigmentation, glutathione also has multiple effects such as antioxidant and anti-aging, helping to improve the overall health of the skin.
Combined therapeutic potential: Glutathione can be used in combination with other therapies (such as laser therapy, hydroxy acid therapy, etc.) to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.
conclusion
Glutathione, as a powerful antioxidant, has been proven to have significant therapeutic effects on melasma and other pigmentary skin diseases.
Glutathione has become an effective treatment for melasma through its multiple mechanisms of anti-oxidation, regulation of melanin synthesis and whitening.
