How does reduced glutathione penetrate the skin?

 

With people's continuous pursuit of health and beauty, skin care research has gradually become a hot area. Among the many skin care ingredients, reduced glutathione (GSH) has attracted much attention for its unique antioxidant, anti-aging and skin repair effects. 

GSH is a tripeptide naturally present in the human body, composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It has a strong antioxidant effect and can remove free radicals in the body and prevent free radicals from damaging skin cells. In addition, GSH also has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and skin repair effects, which can inhibit the degradation of collagen and promote the synthesis of collagen, thereby delaying skin aging.

Recently, a study used Bama miniature pig ex vivo skin as a skin model material to determine the amount of GSH on the skin surface and in the dermis at different time points. The results showed that on the skin surface, the release rate of GSH was relatively fast, and a relatively stable surface retention amount could be achieved within 8 hours. This indicates that the GSH component may act quickly on the surface of the skin, providing immediate antioxidant and skin care effects.

This study not only provides important experimental data for understanding the role of GSH in exerting skin beauty effects, but also has important significance for the development of skin care products. The rapid surface and dermal retention of GSH may make it an ideal instant skin care ingredient. In addition, after 12 hours, GSH has a large retention on the skin surface and in the dermis, which can enhance the durability of GSH's efficacy in the surface and deep layers of the skin.

Although the study has made important findings, there are still some limitations to consider. First, there are certain differences between the pig skin model used in the study and human skin. Although it is recognized in many studies that pig skin is the closest to the physiological structure of human skin, it cannot be completely equivalent. Therefore, the promotion of the research results to human skin needs to pay attention to the differences between different skins. Second, the study only evaluated the short-term retention behavior of GSH, and the long-term effect has not yet been clarified.

In summary, as an effective skin care ingredient, the permeability and retention of GSH on the skin surface and in the dermis are the key to its efficacy. Future research needs to further explore the effects of GSH on different skin types and long-term applications, as well as how to optimize the formulation to improve its permeability and retention in the skin, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of more effective skin care products.

References:

[1] Li Hewei, Dai Ying, Wei Guozhi. Study on the skin permeability of reduced glutathione [J]. Chinese Cosmetics, 2024, (05): 111-115.

*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

GSHWORLD is China Biological API Manufacturer. China Glutathione Supplements powder suppliers & best Glutathione benefits raw material Factory.