Looking for a speedy solution to lighten your skin tone? With advanced cosmetology, there are multiple ways to achieve a whitened skin tone. One such method involves using Glutathione Injections.
Also referred to as the ‘mother of all antioxidants’, this brings with it both benefits and side effects. Read on to learn what Glutathione injection is and what to expect from it.
What Experts Say
“Glutathione is an amino acid antioxidant, which helps not only in skin whitening, but also in treating liver toxicity. It neutralizes the free radicals in the body. However, these injections are not safe when taken without an expert doctor's supervision. They might cause certain allergic reactions if not done properly.”
-Prajkta Sapre (PG, Cosmetic Technology), Product Development Executive, SkinKraft
Highlights:
What Is A Glutathione Injection? How Does It Work?
Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It is produced by the liver and is involved in several biological functions. Glutathione plays a role in tissue growth and repair, as well as in the creation of essential molecules and proteins. It also helps the immune system work properly.
Glutathione is primarily used to reduce minor cosmetic defects, brighten the complexion, and correct uneven skin tone. It can aid with cystic acne or unexpected breakouts too. Glutathione injections reduce hyperpigmentation, sun spots, wrinkles, acne, and even melasma by eliminating toxins and free radicals from the body. In addition, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
To be effective, Glutathione injections need to be done on a regular basis. Oral Glutathione supplements are not useful, since the benefits are minor. It's important to remember that the FDA [1] has not approved Glutathione injections, and the agency warns that there are no safe injectables for skin whitening. You must decide whether or not to take this injection because no scientific trials have been conducted to validate its effectiveness.
What Are The Benefits Of Glutathione Injections?
Glutathione promises increased energy, endurance, body cleansing, and, most significantly, better, whiter skin. Keep in mind, however, that these benefits have not been scientifically proven.
Women in Asia reported increased energy, immune system boosts, sex drive, and brighter, whiter, radiant skin after receiving these injections. However, there are currently no studies that show it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is necessary for melanin formation.
When delivered intravenously, Glutathione bypasses the body's sluggish and often unsuccessful digestive process. Being injected directly into the bloodstream ensures that the antioxidant is absorbed entirely and much faster than it would be if taken orally.
1. Skin Whitening
Glutathione injections have grown in popularity as a way to achieve that dewy, incandescent glow that many crave. Dry spots, acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles are a few of the faults that take away one’s natural radiance. Glutathione is a favorite choice among Asian women, who are known for their perfect complexions and commonly use it in their skincare routines.[2]
According to SkinKraft’s Product Development Executive, Prajkta Sapre, “Glutathione is an amino acid antioxidant which helps not only in skin whitening but also in treating liver toxicity. It neutralizes the free radicals in the body. However, these injections are not safe when taken without an expert doctor's supervision. They might cause certain allergic reactions if not done properly.”
2. Cell Renewal
When Glutathione detoxifies the body, skin health improves. This means it removes the dirt that normally stains the skin. Glutathione also promotes cell renewal, which is essential for achieving that lustrous glow. When skin is rough, dead cells build up and scatter light, making it appear dull and tired.
Clearing dead cells and promoting new, underlying cells to the surface are both aided by skin renewal. This process is also known as cell turnover and is aided by exfoliation. However, exfoliating too often can do more harm than good, so stick to one or two times each week.
3. Skin Radiance
Glutathione speeds up cell renewal in both young and old people. These new cells form a smooth canvas that reflects light and restores your shine. Cell turnover approximately takes place once in every 28 days, giving you a refreshed face once a month. However, by the time a person enters their 40s, this has slowed to 45 days, and continues to slow as they age. As a result, the skin loses its radiance and becomes dull.
The second internal factor that helps to brighten skin is good circulation. Increased blood flow transports nutrients and nourishment to the skin. It eliminates impurities and gives the skin a gorgeous rosy glow.
Trials have shown that Glutathione helps decrease blood pressure by lowering blood lactic acid levels. As a result, circulation improves throughout the body, feeding the skin and making you appear more luminous from within. Improved circulation has the extra benefit of lowering discomfort in key joints such as the knees and wrists, which are the most commonly affected by stress and arthritis.
4. Other Benefits
- Reduces the number of breakouts
- Effortlessly removes wrinkles
- Fades age-related and sun-damaged patches
- Improves the appearance of your skin by making it clearer and brighter.
- Strengthens immune functions
- Enhances stamina
- Gives greater physical strength
- Increases sex drive
- Detoxifies for overall improved health
Side Effects Of Glutathione Injections
Getting a Glutathione injection, like any other cosmetic procedure, might have a number of side effects. Depending on the dosage, unwanted effects might range from moderate to severe. You should have these injections done by a competent and experienced medical specialist to minimize or reduce the severity of side effects.
Major side effects such as renal failure or blood poisoning may develop if a patient is given a dosage that is far higher than recommended. Apart from that, some other side effects that may occur if the dose supplied is greater than 5 grammes include:
- Nausea
- Rashes, hives, or allergic responses on the skin
- Diarrhea
- Toxic effects on liver, kidney and nervous system.[3] [4]
Also, Glutathione drips usually contain vitamin C, and using them could lead to the formation of kidney stones. In fact, skin lightening treatment involving Glutathione could also lead to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
What To Expect From Glutathione Injections?
The procedure of taking a Glutathione injection is identical to that of any other vaccine or shot. Yes, it can be slightly unpleasant and painful, but it is only a minor inconvenience.
Experts recommend beginning with 300 to 600 milligrams of Glutathione three times a week. Treatments can be reduced to once a week after four weeks, with skin benefits expected in six to eight weeks.
1. Glutathione Injections Vs. Pills
Between Glutathione injections and tablets, the injections are far more effective and long-lasting. This isn't to say that the Glutathione supplements don't work. However, rather than pills, dermatologists frequently recommend injections. The pills can be taken on a regular basis to keep the injections' effects going.
2. Post Injection Care
Because any injection might result in bruising, doctors advise cooling the affected area after having a Glutathione dose. You can try using a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling. However, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately without any need for recovery time or medicine. If you do get a minor headache or pain, over-the-counter pain relievers should help. But, they should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Wrapping Up
Glutathione injections may solve your uneven skin tone issue, but you need to be extremely careful regarding it. Also, there's not enough evidence to know what a safe Glutathione dose is. Please remember that natural products aren't always suitable and that dosages are crucial.
Before usage, be sure to read the product label and check with a healthcare expert. It is also recommended that you take the injection only under the supervision of a doctor. Please note that Glutathione products are primarily for medical use and not for cosmetics purposes.
1. Injectable Skin Lightening and Skin Bleaching Products May Be Unsafe
2. Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808366/
3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns the public on the dangers associated with glutathione.
https://www.fda.gov.ph/fda-advisory-no-2019-182-unsafe-use-of-glutathione-as-skin-lightening-agent/
4. Unethical skin bleaching with glutathione, August 2016
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