Does Glutathione Help With Signs of Ageing?

The skin barrier gradually loses its resilience as well as youthful appearance as we naturally age.The firmness, elasticity, even tone, hydration as well as smooth texture of the skin may also be changed with the years of exposure to sun, pollution, oxidative stress and poor lifestyle habits that may bring the early signs of growing older. The need to protect the barrier from the damage as well as make it strong, healthy and radiant has urged the research and development to align the formulation of anti-aging ingredients with the powerful barrier-repair action. 

The Science of Aging 

Healthy as well as youthful skin is mostly due to the resilient structural integrity of the epidermal barrier, which is made up of vital collagen and elastin fibers, hydration and a balanced cellular turnover. Senescence of the skin somehow disrupts the normal function of the skin barrier and typically ends up leaving it vulnerable to cellular damage. This kind of damage is most probably linked to the generation of reactive oxygen species on the skin that promotes oxidative stress. 

This may additionally contribute to the degradation of the collagen. The exposure under the solar ultraviolet radiations for prolonged duration over the years can actually stimulate the (Matrix Metalloproteinases) enzyme. This aids in the breakdown of the collagen and disruption of the extracellular matrix. The wrinkles, fine lines and gradual loss of firmness on the skin are some of the common signs of photoaging which can be prevented with the help of glutathione anti-ageing effects.

Glutathione & Its Mechanism of Action

Skin aging basically involves cellular damage of the skin barrier due to:

• Pollution
• UV radiations
• Oxidative damage
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Reduced skin rejuvenation
• Inflammation, etc.

The distress on the skin due to cellular oxidative damage is linked with the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense mechanism of the body. 

Glutathione (GSH) is one of the major antioxidants present inside the cell that targets these free radicals and prevents cellular damage. 

It has a very simple mechanism of antioxidant action that supports the skin barrier in the following manner:

Redox Balance

Glutathione basically helps maintain cellular redox balance (the GSH/GSSG ratio), which indirectly suppresses pathological over-secretion and activation of MMP-2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase - II) during inflammation that aids in preserving the collagen fibers and the structural integrity of the skin barrier cells. 

The glutathione mainly exists in two forms - a reduced  form and an oxidized form. 

There are two primary types of glutathione: reduced and oxidized. 

With the increased activity of the glutathione peroxidases, the activated reduced glutathione exhibits potentially high antioxidant action. Going through a chemical process with the reactive oxygen species to completely neutralize them.

When glutathione is not active, it forms a dimer (GSSG) with disulfide linkages.

GSSG is stored and reactivated by glutathione reductases, which transforms oxidized glutathione back into its reduced and active form. 

GSSG + Glutathione Reductase → Active/Reduced Glutathione → GSSG (Dimer) → Oxidized Glutathione

Dark Spots Reduction

The stimulation of melanocytes along with the activity of tyrosinase enzyme leads to the formation of dark spots, blemishes and uneven skin tone. The glutathione shifts the formation of darker melanin pigment to lighter tones and suppresses the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme. This significantly promotes more radiant skin with the gradual fading away of the dark spots from the skin. 

Hydration

Glutathione helps to keep the skin barrier protected and reduces the oxidative stress. This leads to a stronger lipid barrier that controls the Transepidermal Water Loss and ensures the natural moisture barrier stays intact for a healthier as well as hydrated skin. 

Key Benefits of Glutathione for Skin Aging

The main glutathione skin ageing benefits are as follows:

• Provide powerful antioxidant defense
• Lighten the dark spots and pigmentation
• Improve the redox balance
• Boost and preserve the collagen
• Hydration support
• Support skin elasticity, firmness and resilience
• Delays the formation of wrinkles and fine lines
• Prevent cellular damage due to UV radiations, pollution, etc.
  

Tips to Boost Glutathione in the Body

Topical Skincare 

The topical application of glutathione offers localized delivery as well as a non-invasive approach to boost cellular repair. Top product recommendations for topical use of glutathione for anti-aging benefits in your daily skincare include -

• Alite Oil Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Glutathione Complex
• Foxtale - 10% Vitamin C-Glutathione Face Serum
• Vaseline Gluta-Hya Body Lotion
• Medicube Glutathione Glow Serum with Niacinamide

Oral Supplementation

The Liposomal Glutathione is the newer form of L-Glutathione for maximal absorption inside the body to achieve better results. It is not easily degraded in the stomach acids and retains its essential properties for stronger antioxidant action. The glutathione for wrinkles anti-ageing supplements recommendations include- 

• Glutiford EVTs--These are the liposomal glutathione based effervescent tablets that provide rapid action. Just pour a single tablet in 1 glass of water and drink immediately. Follow this everyday to boost the reduced GSH levels in your body. This power-packed EVT contains the additional benefits of hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, blueberry, Vitamin C & E. 

• Glutiford Glutathione Tablets--These are highly enriched with Lipoza® Liposomal Technology. Each tablet is filled with the powers of liposome-protected L-Glutathione enriched with the goodness of Grape Seed Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid with Licorice Extract, Vitamins C, B3 and E. 

• Other available options in the market are -

• Glutathione Builder Capsules

• Liposomal Glutathione Capsules

• Glutathione and Vitamin C Mouth Dissolving Strips

Injectables

They offer the highest bioavailability but can actually be painful as well as difficult to self-administer. Their regular administration generally requires strict supervision of a doctor. 

Dietary Support

You should follow a diet that is well-balanced and rich in antioxidants. You should add the below mentioned items to modify your diet:

Disorders Linked to Glutathione Deficiency

There can be several disorders and diseases that may be affected adversely with the lack of Glutathione action inside the body. This signifies how important glutathione is for the normal functioning of the body. The table below states some examples of the disorders and diseases that are linked to the GSH deficiency inside the body:

Key Points to Remember

Glutathione is helpful in supporting the antioxidant defense of the skin barrier but it should be considered a complete solution to stop or reverse aging effects. You need to consult a doctor if your skin shows the signs of early aging and extreme oxidative cellular damage. 

Sun protection is vital even if you use glutathione to support the health of the barrier. The sunscreen aims to prevent photoaging, pigmentation and collagen degradation.

Caution is of utmost importance when using injectable glutathione. They carry a high risk of hypersensitivity, localized pain and irritation, contamination and systemic side effects. 

Check the formulation and the safety evidence of the glutathione based supplements before use.

Add dietary supplements and avoid sedentary lifestyle habits to naturally boost the body’s antioxidant system. 

Talk to a doctor in case of any abnormalities that may be linked with the deficiency of Glutathione in the body. 

Summary

The skin barrier gradually loses its resilience as well as youthful appearance as we naturally age. exposure to sun, pollution, oxidative stress and poor lifestyle habits that may bring the early signs of aging. Senescence of the skin somehow disrupts the normal function of the skin barrier and typically ends up leaving it vulnerable to cellular damage. This is most probably linked to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Glutathione (GSH) is among the major antioxidants present inside the cell that targets these free radicals and prevents cellular damage. It assists to balance the redox reactions, reduces dark spots, prevents the degradation of collagen as well as to boost the hydration support with its power packed antioxidant action. You can boost the glutathione in your body with topical skincare, oral supplementation, injectables and dietary modifications. Follow the doctor’s advice on the use of glutathione to get the safe and effective anti-aging benefits of this master antioxidant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What are the advantages of glutathione?

Ans. The advantages of glutathione include:

• Powerful antioxidant defense
• Lightening the dark spots and pigmentation
• Improvement in the redox balance
• Hydration support
• Collagen support
• Support to skin elasticity, firmness and resilience
• Delayed the formation of wrinkles and fine lines
• Prevention of cellular damage due to UV radiations, pollution, etc.

Ques. Which is the best liposomal glutathione supplement for anti-aging?

Ans. The Glutiford EVTs are the best liposomal glutathione based effervescent tablets that provide rapid action. Just pour a single tablet in 1 glass of water and drink immediately. Follow this everyday to boost the reduced GSH levels in your body. This power-packed EVT contains the additional benefits of hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, blueberry, Vitamin C & E. 

Ques. Are glutathione supplements safe?

Ans. Glutathione supplements are generally safe and well-tolerable but professional advice is still preferable as individual response may vary. 

Ques. Can glutathione really lighten the dark spots and how?

Ans. The stimulation of melanocytes along with the activity of tyrosinase enzyme leads to the formation of dark spots and an uneven skin tone. The glutathione shifts this formation of darker melanin pigment to lighter tones and suppresses the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme. This significantly promotes gradual fading away of the dark spots with skin lightening.