Glutathione, known as the “skin’s light messenger”, with its excellent antioxidant ability, deep into the skin, against free radical damage, significantly improve skin stains.
In the quest for perfect skin, we always yearn for a magic that can dispel the haze of dark spots and restore the pure glow of skin.
1. Structural characteristics of glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine).
It is one of the most important antioxidants in the human body and is widely present in cells, especially in the liver.
The structure of GSH is unique in that it contains a mercaptan group (-SH), which is key to its antioxidant function.
GSH protects cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals directly through its thiol groups or by participating in a variety of antioxidant enzyme reactions as a coenzyme.
2. Glutathione action mechanism
The action mechanism of glutathione is mainly reflected in its antioxidant, detoxification and immunomodulatory functions.
As a powerful antioxidant, GSH is able to react directly with free radicals, converting them into harmless substances that protect cell membranes, proteins and DNA from oxidative damage.
GSH reduces hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides to water and corresponding alcohols in cells through the catalysis of enzymes such as GSH peroxidase (GPx).
3. Glutathione efficacy verification
The efficacy of GSH has been demonstrated in several studies.
A study on the effects of GSH on skin health found that oral glutathione supplements were able to significantly improve skin spots and gloss, suggesting its potential for whitening and anti-aging.
Another randomized, double-blind clinical trial showed that GSH supplements were effective in increasing antioxidant levels in patients with chronic diseases, thereby reducing symptoms caused by oxidative stress.
GSH has also been shown to have a protective effect against liver disease.
In a study involving patients with cirrhosis, glutathione supplementation therapy significantly improved the patients’ liver function markers and reduced liver cell damage.
These results indicate that GSH has a wide range of applications in antioxidant, detoxification and immune regulation.
Note: Changes in levels of biochemical parameters in normal, injured, and treated animal groups, where levels of (A) urea, (B) creatinine, (C) GSH, (D) protein, (E) IL-I-β, (F) nitric oxide, (G) MDA, and (H) SOD in different groups.
(N: significantly different from the normal group; C: Significantly different from CP group; G: Significantly different from CP+GSH group)
4. Application reference
The application of GSH is very wide, covering many fields from healthcare to beauty and skin care.
In the beauty and skin care industry, GSH is popular for its whitening and anti-aging properties.
Many whitening products and anti-aging serums contain GSH,
which designed to slow down skin aging through its antioxidant effects and reduce dark spots and fine lines.
GSH supplements are also a common beauty supplement that taken orally to help improve skin health and overall antioxidant status.
For best results, GSH products should used with attention to their formulation and usage.
For example, oral glutathione supplements often recommended to taken with vitamin C-rich foods to increase their absorption.
Regular use of glutathione-containing skin care products, combined with good lifestyle habits,
can significantly improve the condition of the skin and enhance the level of health.
Citation:
- [1] “Antioxidant Mechanisms of Glutathione.” PubMed.
- [2] “Medical Applications of Glutathione.” The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- [3] “Optimal Use of Glutathione Supplements.” Healthline.
- [4] “Glutathione in Liver Disease: Research Findings.” Hepatology.
- [5] “Glutathione in Skincare Products.” The Derm Review.