Does glutathione lighten skin?

 

1. what is glutathione?

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is widely present in human cells and plays an important antioxidant role. In recent years, with the in-depth study of glutathione, its application in the field of whitening has gradually attracted attention.

2. what does glutathione do?

Glutathione is an important antioxidant in cells, which can remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. The antioxidant effect of glutathione is mainly achieved through its sulfhydryl group (-SH), which can provide electrons to free radicals, thereby neutralizing their oxidative properties. In addition, glutathione can also participate in other antioxidant processes in cells, such as working with peroxidase and glutathione reductase to maintain the redox balance in cells.

3. Does glutathione lighten skin?

Melanin is the main factor that determines skin color. Its production process involves multiple steps, among which tyrosinase is the key rate-limiting enzyme. Glutathione can reduce the production of melanin by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. Studies have shown that glutathione can bind to the active center of tyrosinase, thereby inhibiting its ability to catalyze the conversion of tyrosine into melanin. In addition, glutathione can promote the degradation of melanin, further reducing the melanin content in the skin.

4. Whitening effect of glutathione

In clinical studies, the whitening effect of glutathione has been verified. For example, the study of Watanabe et al. showed that topical application of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) can significantly reduce the skin melanin index of healthy women. In addition, glutathione can also improve other skin conditions, such as increasing the moisture content of the skin, reducing the formation of wrinkles and improving the elasticity of the skin.

5. Application of glutathione in cosmetics

Given the whitening effect of glutathione, its application in cosmetics is becoming more and more extensive. Glutathione on the market mainly exists in three forms: reduced form (GSH), oxidized form (GSSG) and acetyl glutathione (SAG). Whitening products on the market, such as whitening essences, creams and masks, often contain glutathione as their main ingredient.

As an effective whitening ingredient, glutathione has broad application prospects in cosmetics. By inhibiting the production of melanin and improving the antioxidant capacity of the skin, glutathione helps improve skin tone and make the skin whiter and more translucent. However, in-depth research on the whitening mechanism of glutathione and long-term safety evaluation still need to be further carried out to ensure its safe and effective application in cosmetics. With the continuous deepening of research, glutathione is expected to become an important ingredient in the field of whitening.

References:

[1] Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, Kamimura A. 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 Oct 17;7:267-74. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S68424. PMID: 2 5378941; PMCID: PMC4207440.

[2] Arjinpathana N, Asawanonda P. Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2012 Apr;23(2):97-102. doi: 10.3109/09546631003801619. Epub 2010 Jun 5. PMID: 20524875.

[3] Li Yang, Zhu Jun, Dong Yinmao, et al. Pathways of action and development trends of whitening cosmetics[J]. Journal of Daily Chemicals, 2013, 36(07):24-26.DOI:10.13222/j.cnki.dc.2013.07.011.

[4] Xiong Chenyang, Yi Fan, Xue Yan, et al. Research progress of primary antioxidants in skin and their application in cosmetics[J]. Journal of Daily Chemicals, 2018, 48(10):589-594.DOI:10.13218/j.cnki.csdc.2018.10.008.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

by GSHWORLD

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