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How do I Use Glutathione for Skin Lightening?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is used to brighten or lighten skin through soaps, creams, and pills. It is scientifically proved to prevent the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for darkening the skin. Research shows that it is effective when applied topically through soap or creams, but glutathione taken orally has a very low absorption rate. Therefore, when using glutathione for skin lightening, it is best applied directly to the skin as a soap or cream.

In soap form, glutathione can be used daily in the shower. Normally, its effects are not immediately noticeable, as the antioxidant does not produce drastic results quickly. In fact, it can take weeks or months for the skin to be noticeably lighter to the layperson. Even so, this product is popular around the world and can be found in drug stores and Internet shops. Using glutathione for skin lightening is often viewed and advertised as a natural way to lighten the skin because the antioxidant is naturally produced in the human body.

Glutathione is sometimes used for reducing acne scars.
Glutathione is sometimes used for reducing acne scars.

Using cream or gel glutathione is also a popular option, though it tends to be more expensive than purchasing a glutathione soap. Unlike the soap, creams or gels are usually not applied all over. Normally, they are sold in 1- to 5-ounce (28- to 142-gram) containers, which are quickly used up when not used sparingly. Therefore, this form of glutathione is often used to treat certain areas of the skin, such as scars on the face or age spots on the hands.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for darkening the skin.
Melanin is the pigment responsible for darkening the skin.

Many people find that using glutathione for skin lightening reduces the appearance of their scars, whether from acne or a minor injury. It is also known to brighten the skin while evening the user’s skin tone by fading dark spots and age spots. While it cannot completely rid the skin of imperfections, it can significantly reduce their visibility if glutathione is used over a long period of time.

Soaps and other products that contain glutathione may help lighten age spots.
Soaps and other products that contain glutathione may help lighten age spots.

Using glutathione for skin lightening is a popular beauty treatment, but its effectiveness at whitening skin and making the skin healthier is highly debated. It is generally accepted that glutathione taken orally is likely not effective, but many argue that soaps, creams, and gels are just as ineffective. This argument is usually made because active ingredients like glutathione gradually decompose. By the time the product reaches the buyer’s doorstep, it might be completely ineffective at improving the appearance of skin.

Discussion Comments

anon996286

From which age we can use this soap? Anything for kids' skin whitening?

candicesum

For oral glutathione, this is the best glutathione brand: the Beauoxi white max 12in1 glutathione pill. It contains 12 antioxidants in all, like collagen, coQ10, NAC, alpha lipoic acid and placenta extract which are very good for skin care, anti-aging and skin lightening.

shell4life

@StarJo - I wouldn’t be too afraid of glutathione, because it occurs naturally in the body in every one of our cells. I’m sure an overdose would be reason for fear, but if taken as directed, it should not harm you.

I look for further information about any product before using it in or on my body. I, too, am dealing with age spots and would like to remove them, so I investigated glutathione. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant in the body, because it exists inside the cell. Since they reside inside cells, they have the opportunity to destroy free radicals.

I think I’m ready to give it a try. I believe small doses will be safe.

StarJo

I thought about using glutathione to lighten my age spots, but after reading the list of possible side effects, I put the box back on the store’s shelf quickly.

Side effects include wheezing, rash, nausea, allergic reaction resembling anaphylaxis, decreased blood pressure, vomiting, rapid skin swelling, cramps, and diarrhea. Other rarer, more severe side effects included coughing up blood and obstructive pulmonary disease.

I would rather grow old gracefully than take my chances of getting any of these!

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    • Glutathione is sometimes used for reducing acne scars.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Glutathione is sometimes used for reducing acne scars.
    • Melanin is the pigment responsible for darkening the skin.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Melanin is the pigment responsible for darkening the skin.
    • Soaps and other products that contain glutathione may help lighten age spots.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Soaps and other products that contain glutathione may help lighten age spots.
    • Glutathione may not be an effective skin whitening agent.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Glutathione may not be an effective skin whitening agent.
    • Glutathione is used to lighten skin through pills.
      By: Monkey Business
      Glutathione is used to lighten skin through pills.
    • Research shows that glutathione is effective when applied topically through creams.
      By: carroteater
      Research shows that glutathione is effective when applied topically through creams.
    • Glutathione may be useful in reducing the appearance of scars that occur as a result of a minor injury.
      By: auremar
      Glutathione may be useful in reducing the appearance of scars that occur as a result of a minor injury.