Shedding Light On Glutathione

Glutathione is known as the powerhouse antioxidant. It is well known that high antioxdiant levels (especially topically on the skin) prevent free radical damage, which is a key stimulator of melanin production. In turn, antioxidants have the ability to decrease the melanin load of skin cells.

It is no suprise that skin lightening companies have now been touting glutathione as the 'ultimate skin lightener'. Now you can find glutathione pills and such that promise to decrease melanin production. The first thing I want to comment on this issue is that using glutathione pills is completley futile, whether it be for skin care or other benefits. According to writer, David L. Phillips (Glutathione: A Protein Vital To Life) taking glutathione orally is a complete waste, because the digestive system will break it down, and the likelihood of circulating glutathione to a clinically benefical extent is simply just not possible through oral adminstration.

Most companies use N-Acetyl Crysteine, a precursor to glutathione. N-Acetyl Crysteine has the ability to turn into glutathione once entered in the body (quite rapidly). So, if one was interested in glutathione for health benefits, I would recommend using N-Acetyl Crysteine. However, I wouldn't recommend it for skin lightening purposes, because there is simply not any concrete evidence proving that the skin can be lightened through this method. Most of those 'clinical' studies you read about online are done by the skin lightening company. I don't consider those solid proof, I want to read a study done by a research lab, a team of professionals/scholars, medical center or some other medium besides that coorporation that is selling the product.

Even through IV (injections) which is one of the more popular methods of absorption in Asian markets, I just don't buy that glutathione is 'the ultimate skin lightener'. The studies out there are not from a concrete, valid source (I don't consider the study done by skinwhiteningpills.com valid, I'm sorry. It's just a scam to get you to buy their product).

I am not completley dispelling the notion that glutathione has the ability to lighten skin, but in all honesty to this day, there is not nearly enough evidence or scientifc testing out there that proves glutathione will lighten skin. Companies and advertisers will try to prove otherwise, be smart and don't fall for the gimmick. Even while browsing through those glutathione skin lightening websites, there is a message that states that the FDA has not approved entirely of their claims and the product is not meant to treat, diagnose any condition.

I also find it amusing that many of the models these glutathione/skin whitening companies use are caucasian/european.

Until I see some solid research proving that glutathione can lighten skin, I don't give into this. I've seen numerous 'studies' out there claiming patients lightened by a shade, but those are quite iffy. It never outlines the dosage or conditions the patients were in prior to testing.

Personally, I believe and know that topical treatment of pigmentation concerns is the ultimate way. Retinoids, sunscreen, TOPICAL antioxidants like Vitamin C serums, botanical lighteners are the best route to take.