What is Glutathione?
Posted by Brendan Leonard on Feb 18th 2022
Skin Actives Scientific is a different kind of company. For instance, a few years back, the marketing team sat down with our founders, Jonatan and Dr. Hannah Sivak, to really drill down on what the message of Skin Actives should be.
The answer: education. That was what Jonatan and Dr. Sivak really wanted people to see when they shop at Skin Actives. We’re not into looks or fashionable trends. No matter where you choose to shop in the future (we do hope it’s with us), we want you to be able to make educated, informed decisions about your skin and what goes on it.
It’s that simple. The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself.
Today we’re diving into glutathione, what it is, how to use it, and why you should be looking for it in your skin care routine. Glutathione may not be for everyone, it may not address what you are looking for. But we’re hoping that after you read this blog, you’ll have the information necessary to make that decision for yourself.
Glutathione For Skin
L-Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of amino acids. Glutathione (GSH) is part of the antioxidant defense system of the cell, together with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutaredoxin (GRX), thioredoxin (TRX), alpha-D-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and others.
Glutathione protects cells by reducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS*). ROS are the destroyers of DNA, proteins and lipids. They are produced internally during respiration but are also a big part of why pollution makes us sick.
Glutathione not only detoxifies ROS*, but can also regenerate oxidized Vitamin E and retinoids.
In aged skin the concentration of antioxidants is strongly decreased, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and glutathione. The function and interaction of all antioxidants is deeply interwoven. Glutathione is an important part of this system, on which skin physiology and health depend.
Why Glutathione is So Important
Glutathione is crucial to cell life, and impairment of the glutathione system results in damage to the cell membrane and cell death.
Due to its role in eliminating ROS*, glutathione has a number of potential applications for skin care skin care.
- UV Damage - Preventing damage from ROS is a critical role of contemporary skin care. With ROS damage arising from potentially multiple sources, prevention should be at the forefront of our minds. While no substitute for sunscreen, consider some glutathione an essential part of your daily routine.
- Even Skin Tone - Glutathione can be used to address both hyperpigmentation and melasma to even out skin tone.
- Cell Maintenance - Glutathione is also needed for proteins like glutaredoxin and thioredoxin to do their jobs. To maximize the health and performance of your cells, it is a good idea to apply topically daily.
As Dr. Sivak says:
“It (glutathione) is key to a finely adjusted redox state that allows for life to go on. It circulates in the cell as a wild card that re-reduces molecules that were oxidized by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS*) that came into the cell or were produced by its mitochondria or enzymes like NAD….Your body is pretty good at regulating its own redox state. Besides, oxidation is one of the defensive mechanisms the skin has against bacteria, fungus and even cancer cells. It is your skin that is subjected to a continuous bombarding of UV (and the ROS* it originates), ROS* from the environment and more.”
Dr. Sivak points out above that oxidation is both a natural and beneficial process. It’s important to remember that like many things, oxidation is not simply an enemy of the living world but a vital function. When we strive to protect ourselves against oxidation or reverse damage caused by it, we are referring to excess oxidation that is potentially harmful to our skin. Just like how calories are necessary for life, but too many calories can potentially diminish our health, the Skin Actives way is to strive for balance.
If you're interested in a version of this blog that fully analyses the science of glutathione, check out Dr. Sivak’s personal blog here!
Glutathione Safety Measures
Oral Supplementation: There are plenty of people that will try to sell you glutathione to be taken orally, but there’s no evidence that it will do anything measurable for you. It is your skin that is subjected to a continuous bombarding of UV (and thus the ROS* it creates), ROS* from the environment and more.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again in terms of oral supplementation: there is currently no scientific means to test whether a supplement taken orally is distributed to your skin. We do know, however, that your body de-prioritizes the skin when it is distributing vitamins and nutrients. This makes it unlikely that supplements taken orally will have any discernible benefit for your skin.
As always, caveat emptor.
Potential Side-Effects: Although it is uncommon, some people have developed rashes when they apply glutathione to their skin. If you are using a glutathione product for the first time and develop a rash, discontinue use immediately.
Skin Actives Products With Glutathione
Skin Actives utilizes glutathione in a number of our signature products because of how powerfully it addresses so many skin concerns.
Remember: All protective mechanisms in the skin are interconnected. Skin aging, both internally caused and photoaging, inflammation, redness, hyperpigmentation, depigmentation! Everything!
Ready to Use:
- Collagen serum
- Redness Reduction Serum
- UV Repair serum
- Antioxidant serum
- Anti-aging Cream
- Triple correction Eye Cream
- And many more!
Ingredients for DIY:
Check out our webpage and search not just by product, but by ingredient! Skin Actives encourages you to learn about the active ingredients that you need to overcome the challenges you face, we’re here to help!
Thanks for taking the time to deep dive into this specific active. We have many more blog entries on other actives that you may find useful as you become your own skin health expert, check them out. See you next week for a brand new entry!