“Hello, I am Doctor Prasoon. Welcome back to Dofody. Let’s start our discussion on a topic many of you have asked about,”.
Here is what we will cover in this important discussion about Glutathione:
- Many people are talking about Glutathione, and perhaps you have heard it called the “magic drug that helps whiten skin”.
- The most important question we need to answer is: Is it possible to use Glutathione therapy to change our skin color from a dark shade to a lighter shade?
- It is crucial to understand that Glutathione is not a new drug. It is a well-known substance that functions as an antioxidant.
- In this discussion, we will provide clear, detailed answers to your core questions about this treatment:
- What exactly is Glutathione?
- Does it really have an effect on skin color?
- What are the side effects you need to be aware of?
- What is the price (cost) of this therapy?
II.What Exactly is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a remarkable substance that is often described as a peptide. A peptide is essentially a small protein, and Glutathione itself is formed by combining three different types of amino acids
The Role of the Body’s Master Antioxidant
The most important thing to know about Glutathione is that it is a powerful antioxidant. Its main job is to reduce the amount of “free radicals” that exist in your body
Why is reducing free radicals so important?
• Free radicals are particles that can cause damage to the body and create inflammation
• Glutathione fights this damage, protecting cells from harm caused by environmental factors like UV rays and pollution
Because the level of free radicals naturally increases as we get older, Glutathione’s ability to keep them in check means it can be seen as a medicine that reduces aging
Natural Production and the Effects of Aging
Many people think Glutathione must only come from supplements, but your body actually produces it naturally
The challenge is that as we age, the amount of Glutathione produced naturally by the body gradually decreases
. This decrease is linked to several visible signs of aging, including:
• Changes in skin color
• Changes in skin texture
• The appearance of wrinkles
Therefore, understanding this natural decline is why many people look toward external sources of Glutathione to maintain their health and skin appearance
III. The Unexpected Discovery: Glutathione’s Role in Skin Lightening
When we discuss Glutathione today, we often focus immediately on its ability to change skin color. However, it is important to remember that Glutathione was not originally used for skin whitening
Glutathione’s Original Medical Use
Glutathione was initially given to patients suffering from serious conditions
. Doctors used this medicine to treat:
• Chronic liver diseases
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Patients who were undergoing chemotherapy
It had a long history as a medication for these conditions before anyone focused on its cosmetic benefits
The Accidental Discovery
The key discovery of Glutathione’s effect on skin color came about completely by chance
• Patients who were taking Glutathione for months, and sometimes years, to treat their serious illnesses (like those listed above) began to notice something unexpected
• As a side effect of this long-term treatment, their skin color gradually became lighter
When this significant side effect—the lightening of skin color—was observed, it sparked extensive studies and research into exactly how Glutathione affects skin pigment. This is how Glutathione transitioned from being solely a treatment for critical diseases to becoming a sought-after therapy for skin lightening.
IV. How Glutathione Works to Lighten Skin
Glutathione lightens the skin by targeting the fundamental ingredient that determines your color: melanin
Understanding Melanin Pigment
Melanin is the pigment found in our skin. However, melanin is not just one uniform substance; it exists in two primary types
1. Eumelanin: This pigment typically results in a darker skin color
2. Pheomelanin: This pigment typically results in a lighter skin color
Your specific skin color is determined by the ratio of these two pigments in your skin. If a person has a higher amount of Eumelanin, their skin color will be darker
Glutathione’s Dual Action
Glutathione works in two specific ways to shift the balance of these pigments, which can potentially lighten dark skin color by one or two grades
1. Reducing Overall Production (The Brake): The first action is that Glutathione reduces the overall production of melanin
2. Promoting Conversion (The Shift): The second, and perhaps most important, action is that Glutathione promotes the conversion of Eumelanin (the darker pigment) into Pheomelanin (the lighter pigment)
By both reducing the total amount of pigment being made and shifting the pigment type toward the lighter version, Glutathione achieves its skin-lightening effect.
V. How to Get Glutathione: Diet and Supplements
A. Natural Sources (Food Intake)
As the amount of Glutathione produced by the body decreases with age, it becomes important for us to get this crucial antioxidant through our diet
Foods that contain Glutathione include:
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Green Vegetables like Spinach, Cabbage, and Broccoli
• Aloe vera
B. Medicinal Preparations
Glutathione is available to us in three primary forms if you choose to pursue medicinal therapy
1. Oral Forms: This includes Glutathione taken as tablets or as an oral spray
2. Intravenous (IV) Forms: This is when the medication is available in an injection form, delivered directly into the vein, much like receiving a drip
3. Topical Forms: These are products like creams or gels that you apply directly to the skin
C. Comparing Effectiveness: Which Method is Best?
The effectiveness of Glutathione depends heavily on how it is absorbed by your body:
1. Intravenous (IV) Injection: The Most Effective
• The Intravenous (IV) form—the direct injection into the vein—is considered the most effective preparation
• It offers a fast action because the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream
2. Oral Tablets: Takes Time
• Glutathione tablets are effective, but the results take significantly longer
• You may need to take tablets for three months, six months, or even up to two years if you have very dark skin
• A key challenge with oral Glutathione is that its oral absorption is often low. (Note: Some supplements pair Glutathione with Vitamin C, which helps the body absorb it more effectively and increases its overall efficiency. Specific technologies, like Swiss effervescent technology, are sometimes used to enhance the absorption of these nutrients
3. Topical Cream/Gel: The Least Effective
• Glutathione available in topical forms (creams or gels) is the least effective preparation
• This is because the Glutathione molecule is quite large. When you apply it to the skin, very little of the molecule is actually absorbed and able to reach inside the body.
VI. Glutathione Safety and Side Effects
When considering Glutathione treatment, the safety profile depends heavily on the form you choose—oral tablets or intravenous (IV) injections.
FDA Approval Status: A Key Distinction
It is important to understand the official standing of these treatments:
• Oral Glutathione Tablets are FDA approved for treating serious illnesses like liver diseases and for patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Intravenous (IV) Glutathione does not have FDA approval for the purpose of skin lightening Furthermore, the specific long-term side effects that may occur from using IV Glutathione for cosmetic purposes are currently unknown
Side Effects of Oral Tablets (Lower Risk)
Oral Glutathione generally has few side effects . If side effects do occur in the short term, they are usually minor, such as:
• A rash
• Minor stomach pain
Side Effects of Intravenous (IV) Glutathione (Higher Risk)
The IV method is the most famous and effective Glutathione therapy, often involving one or two sessions per week because of its fast action. However, the direct and powerful delivery method comes with increased risks:
• Skin Discoloration: Some individuals may develop a rash . More seriously, some people may experience “patchy color” on their skin, meaning one area may be a different color than another, leading to an uneven overall skin tone
• Hair Color Changes: Since Glutathione works by reducing melanin
, and melanin is the pigment that colors our hair, reducing its amount may lead to changes in hair color . This can result in the hair turning gray or potentially experiencing premature graying .
• Stomach Discomfort: Studies have also reported that IV Glutathione may cause slight stomach pain .
Because IV therapy lacks FDA approval for skin lightening, and the long-term effects remain unknown, it is crucial to weigh the effectiveness against these potential side effects.
We have covered the types of treatments and the side effects, but now we must discuss the long-term reality of Glutathione therapy. This is a crucial warning for anyone considering treatment.”
VII. A Critical Warning: Maintaining Results and Lifelong Use
When patients seek skin lightening treatments, they often hope for a permanent change. However, it is vital to understand the temporary nature of Glutathione therapy.
Treatment is Not Permanent
- Glutathione treatment, whether taken as an intravenous (IV) injection or as an oral tablet, is not a treatment meant to be used life-long .
- This is a very important point: if you stop the treatment—whether you discontinue the IV injections or stop taking the tablets—your skin color may return to its original shade .
The Need for Maintenance
Since the body’s natural tendency to produce darker melanin resumes when the medication is stopped, you must follow a maintenance plan to keep the results you achieved .
After completing an IV course, your doctor may recommend maintenance using different methods, such as:
- Taking oral tablets .
- Applying creams .
- Regular and consistent use of sunscreen .
By diligently following these maintenance steps, you will be able to maintain your skin color at the lighter grade achieved during the initial therapy .
We’ve covered everything from how Glutathione works to the reality of maintenance. Now, let’s wrap up with two crucial pieces of practical advice: who you should consult, and what you should expect regarding cost.”
VIII. Practical Advice: Cost and Consultation
A. Seek Expert Advice First (Consultation)
Before you decide to start Glutathione treatment, whether through tablets or injections, it is highly recommended that you first consult a professional
- Please seek out a certified dermatologist or a skin specialist .
- A specialist can help determine if this treatment is right for you and guide you on the safest and most effective method.
- (Note: You can connect with skin specialist doctors on the Dofody app if you have further questions) .
B. Understanding the Cost
The price of Glutathione treatment varies greatly depending on the preparation chosen:
- Oral Tablets: Oral Glutathione tablets are generally not very expensive .
- Intravenous (IV) Injections: IV Glutathione, delivered via injection, is the form that people use most often and is considered the most effective, even if it is on a trial basis . Because of its nature, this is significantly costlier .
- You should prepare for a substantial expense, as the price for each IV session may start at 5000 or even more in certain locations .
In addition to diet and the traditional tablet or IV methods, many people seek out combined supplements. Let’s look at why these products are designed the way they are, and what additional ingredients are often included to maximize results.”
IX. Special Mention: Combination Supplements
The Need for Supplements in Modern Life
Due to the demands of stressful environments and busy lives, our bodies may not produce enough Glutathione naturally, nor do we always get sufficient nutrients from our current diet and lifestyle. Because of this gap, vitamin supplements are often needed to help maintain skin health and deliver the necessary nutrients.
The Critical Role of Vitamin C
You will often see Glutathione paired with Vitamin C, and there is a scientific reason for this pairing.
- Increased Absorption and Efficiency: Vitamin C helps your body absorb Glutathione more effectively and significantly increases the overall efficiency of the Glutathione itself.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Separately, Vitamin C tablets help prevent premature aging and fine lines, and they also work to increase collagen production.
Addressing the Absorption Challenge
We noted earlier that the oral absorption of Glutathione can be low . To counter this, specific preparation methods are employed:
- Enhanced Bioavailability: Some products utilize technology, such as Swiss effervescent technology, to make the absorption of nutrients very easy and efficient.
- This method increases the bioavailability because the mixture reaches the stomach at the correct pH level required for effective absorption.
Example of a Combination Formulation
Combination products aim to deliver multiple skin benefits in one supplement. For instance, some supplements, like ChicNutrix Glow, offer a combination of Japanese Glutathione tablets and Vitamin C effervescent tablets to support radiant, glowing skin.
Such ingredients are claimed to be clinically proven and dermatologist approved. These formulations are also often described as being safe to consume, gentle on the stomach, and vegan.
We have now reached the end of our detailed discussion on Glutathione. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your health and skincare goals. Let’s summarize the key takeaways.”
X. Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Here are the essential points to remember about Glutathione skin lightening therapy:
- What it Is: Glutathione is a powerful, well-known antioxidant—a protein made up of three amino acids—that fights cell damage caused by free radicals.
- How it Works: It achieves skin lightening by reducing the overall production of melanin (skin pigment) and actively promoting the conversion of darker Eumelanin to lighter Pheomelanin.
- The Reality of Results: While Glutathione can potentially lighten skin color by one or two grades, the treatment is not permanent. If you stop taking the IV or oral tablets, your skin color may return to its original shade .
- Maintenance is Mandatory: To keep the lighter color you achieved, you must commit to a maintenance plan, which may include continuing with oral tablets, using creams, or diligently applying sunscreen .
- Safety Check (IV vs. Oral):
- Oral tablets are generally safe and are FDA approved for treating conditions like liver disease .
- Intravenous (IV) Glutathione is the most effective form , but it does not have FDA approval for skin lightening , and the long-term side effects remain unknown . Risks include patchy skin color and potential premature graying of hair.
- Final and Most Important Advice: Before you start any form of Glutathione treatment, it is highly recommended that you consult a certified dermatologist or skin specialist . You can also connect with skin specialist doctors on the Dofody app if you have further questions .
“Thank you so much for reading. Stay healthy, take care, and I will be back in the next article.” .
