You must have already heard about the new magical pills and shots that can make your skin lighter. Many advertisements claim that if you take glutathione orally, topically or intravenously, it will brighten your skin tone. But what is Glutathione? And is it true that glutathione skin whitening pills and shots can whiten your skin? To get answers for these questions please continue reading this article.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in human cells. Our body naturally produces it. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, detoxifies the body and helps to boost immune system. In fact, it is critical for immune function.
Glutathione consists of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid.
Many researches show that Cysteine slows down natural aging process. It also prevents diseases that are associated with an accumulation of toxins in human body, like multiple sclerosis and dementia. Glycine protects kidney form harmful effects of certain drugs and alcohol. Glutamic acid is a neurotransmitter, and it is primarily used by the brain. It has been successfully used in the treatment of senility and schizophrenia. All of that, makes glutathione the master of antioxidants.
Glutathione is not only super powerful antioxidant, but it also helps our body to regenerate another protective glutathione molecule. It destroys free radicals and controls inflammation. Therefore, taking glutathione orally, topically or intravenously helps boost our immunity to various diseases.
A deficiency in glutathione leads to a variety of medical conditions from asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome to the more fatal, like heart failure and cancer.
There is no such thing as Too Much Glutathione!
Furthermore, high levels of glutathione can prevent aging, dementia, muscle damage, heart disease, cancer and metabolic problems. It also increases body strength and endurance.
Other names of Glutathione.
Glutathione [glu·ta·thi·one/ glü-tə-ˈthī-ˌōn] – GSH, Glutatión, L-Glutathione.
How can glutathione effect the skin?
As it’s mentioned above, glutathione constists of 3 amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. High level of cysteine in our body can lower a production of melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation.
By inhibiting an enzyme that stimulates the production of melanin – tyrosinase, cysteine changes the metabolic pathway of melanin from producing darker pigment to creating lighter pigment.
Glutathione contains a large amount of amino acids. It also helps clear your skin from within.
Do glutathione pills really whiten skin?
Glutathione pills are very popular in Asia. People widely use them for skin brightening and detoxification.
You can easily find them in pharmacies and beauty shops throughout Asia, however, in USA, not many people know about them. Moreover, the US Food and Drug Administration does not approve glutathione skin whitening pills yet.
One of the main concerns about the effectiveness of glutathione skin whitening pills is absorption. Glutathione products, that you take orally, have to be processed by your stomach and intestines into another molecule in order to get to your body cells.
How many glutathione tablets should l take to whiten my skin?
The dosage depends on how many milligrams of active ingredient is in one pill. For example, if your supplement has 500mg of glutathione, then one capsule a day for 30 days should be great. Then you can take a break, and continue taking the pills again after a week or two. Customer reviews of most of the glutathione supplements show that 4-6 months of regular use demonstrate good results.
How much do glutathione pills cost?
The average cost of glutathione pills in the US ranges from 30 USD to 50 USD per 30 capsules bottle.
How do Glutathione Injections work?
Glutathione is usually injected intravenously, and it is always recommended to be done by a licensed professional.
Although, you’ve probably seen all those YouTube videos of people self-injecting glutathione in their veins. Moreover, many spas and online stores sell “injectable glutathione” and DIY kits nowadays.
Please avoid all the risks and make sure you only get glutathione IV injections from a reliable, certified medical professional.
Glutathione intravenous injections considered to be the most effective method to deliver extra glutathione to your body. Since you get the glutathione straight to your system, and your body cells fully absorb it.
The skin whitening effects of glutathione shots may very from person to person; as well as the number of treatments. Some people may notice a visible result after 10 treatments, others may need to take up to 30 IV injections before they start turning whiter.
During my last trip to South Korea, I have noticed that there were tons of places that offer glutathione injections for skin whitening out there. I decided to try it, check if it works, and if it can really whiten my olive skin tone.
Two days before my flight back to the US, I’ve decided to make an appointment at the VIPP clinic in Gangnam District in Seoul to get my glutathione injection done. The clinic was very nice and clean, moreover, they offer many other services in addition to the shot itself, including free peeling and brightening facials. However, the estheticians were honest and informed me, even before I scheduled the procedure, that I wouldn’t be able to see the results from just a single treatment. Evidently, you have to get at least several treatments in order to see the result.
How much do glutathione injections cost?
Many online shops sell DIY self-injectable glutathione for 200-300 USD. It may seem cheaper to purchase it online and do it yourself, because you can avoid 10-20 trips to your dermatologist office. However, please avoid all the risks and let a professional do it for you.
The price of getting the glutathione injections by a licensed dermatologist in the US will cost you somewhere between 200 USD to 800 USD per session. Many Hollywood stars says that they went from dark skin to lighter, at a cost of 900 USD per IV treatment, twice a week. The price may vary depending on the treatment and what it includes, as well as professionalism of a dermatologist and location, of course.
Tips and tricks.
- To get a better price, check out Groupon for Glutathione Injection Deals. You may get up to 50% OFF, especially in Miami, Los Angeles and New York. They always have discounted deals posted on Groupon.
- Combine glutathione skin whitening pills and shots with Vitamin C to increase efficacy.
Why glutathione injections may be better than glutathione pills?
The main difference between glutathione skin whitening pills and shots – delivery.
If you get glutathione by IV, your blood stream will absorb it right away and deliver it to the liver, which will then create natural glutathione and export it to all of your body cells.
If you take glutathione orally, it has to pass your digestive system first, and it may be lost in the process.
Results are not permanent.
Remember, that glutathione skin whitening effect is not permanent, therefore, you have to consume or inject it continuously over a period of time.
Are there any side effects of glutathione skin whitening pills and shots?
There have not been any side effects of glutathione skin whitening pills and shots reported in the United States.
Many doctors say that it is possibly safe for most adults when taken orally or by injections. Possible side effects are unknown.
Although, there were cases reported, when people received fake glutathione injections. No one died from it, but it was total scam and waste of money. Therefore, make sure you are getting glutathione injections only from a licensed professional.
Warnings and Precautions
Consult your doctor before taking glutathione if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not inhale glutathione, if you have asthma, because it may increase some symptoms.
Conclusion
Even though, many commercials claim that if you take glutathione orally or intravenously, it will whiten your skin; there is a very little evidence that establishes that.
Furthermore, the safety or efficacy of glutathione skin whitening pills and shots for skin lightening have not been scientifically proven yet.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and it may actually provide many health benefits. However, considering the unclear benefits, unknown risks and overall lack of medical information on glutathione skin whitening pills and shots, it is wiser to think carefully before taking glutathione skin whitening pills and shots. Take care of yourselves!
