How about glutathione for melasma?
Recently, many friends are asking, can glutathione treat melasma?
That’s a good question! As a dermatologist, I’m here to talk about it.
Melasma, also known as “butterfly spots”, is a common skin problem that afflicts many women, and asymmetrical yellowish-brown patches on the face are really annoying.
Glutathione, also known as “glutathione,” is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body that has received much attention in terms of whitening and anti-aging.
What is principle of glutathione freckle removal?
Glutathione plays an important role in the body by scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
For melasma, glutathione mainly acts through the following aspects:
(1) It can inhibit activity of tyrosinase
Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, and inhibiting its activity can reduce melanin production and thus reduce pigmentation.
(2) Glutathione has antioxidant effects
Reduces the production of melanin.
The formation of melasma is related to oxidative stress, and glutathione can protect skin cells from oxidative damage and slow down pigmentation.
(3) Glutathione can promote metabolism of produced melanin
It can help convert melanin into a colorless substance, accelerate the metabolism and excretion of pigments, and thus lighten the stain.
Oral, injectable or topical? How to use glutathione?
Glutathione can be administered orally, by injection and for external use.
(1) Oral glutathione
Oral glutathione is a convenient method, but because the oral absorption rate is relatively low and it is easily broken down in the digestive tract, it is necessary to choose specially treated products with higher absorption rate.
For oral dosage forms, it is recommended to choose the appropriate dosage according to your own situation after consulting your doctor.
(2) Glutathione injection
Injection of glutathione can increase blood concentration quickly and the effect is relatively obvious.
But the injections need to be done in a medical facility and administered by a doctor. Common methods of injection include intravenous drip or intramuscular injection.
(3) Topical glutathione
Topical glutathione exists mainly in the form of skin care products.
As an antioxidant, it can protect the skin from free radical damage and may play an auxiliary role in the dilution of melasma.
However, topical glutathione has limited permeability, the effect is usually slow, and long-term adherence is required.
(4) Prescription or application scenario
Take orally
Glutathione can be used as an adjunct therapy for melasma.
Often, the doctor will decide whether to prescribe oral glutathione based on the specific circumstances of the patient, such as the severity of melasma, alternative treatment options, and so on.
Injection
For patients who need rapid improvement, or who do not respond well orally, doctors may consider glutathione injections.
The injection method needs to be performed in a regular medical facility and evaluated and operated by a doctor.
External use
Topical glutathione skin care products can play a certain auxiliary role in daily skin care.
With glutathione freckle, what need to pay attention to?
When using glutathione to treat melasma, there are a few special points to note:
(1) Consult your doctor
Always consult a dermatologist before using any form of glutathione.
Your doctor will evaluate whether glutathione is suitable for your specific situation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
(2) Pay attention to side effects
Although glutathione is generally considered safe, some side effects can occur, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Injection of glutathione may also cause redness, swelling and pain at the injection site. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
(3) Comprehensive treatment
The treatment of melasma usually requires a combination of treatments, and reliance on glutathione alone may not be effective.
In addition to the use of glutathione, it should also be combined with sunscreen, topical drugs (such as hydroquinone, retinoic acid), laser treatment.
(4) Long-term persistence
The treatment of melasma is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence.
The effects of glutathione usually take a while to show, so don’t rush it.
(5) Take care of sun protection
Sun protection is the key to preventing and treating melasma.
Whether you use glutathione or not, you should take good sun protection measures, including using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 and avoiding direct sunlight.
