Get to know Glutathione: King of Antioxidants in Human Body
Glutathione is a tripeptide compound formed by the connection of three amino acids, glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, through peptide bonds.
This seemingly simple molecular structure actually contains powerful biological activity.
Glutathione is widely present in human cells, especially in the liver where its concentration is the highest. It is the core substance of the human antioxidant defense system.
From a biochemical perspective, glutathione exists in two forms: reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG).
These two forms of dynamic balance reflect the REDOX state of the body and have also become important indicators for measuring the body’s antioxidant capacity.
Under normal circumstances, reduced glutathione accounts for more than 90% of the total. This high proportion of reduced state is the basis for maintaining cell health.
Glutathione mechanism of action: Protecting skin health through multiple pathways
1. A powerful antioxidant defense system
As the largest organ of the human body, the skin is constantly exposed to environmental stress such as ultraviolet rays and air pollution, which generates a large number of free radicals and triggers oxidative stress responses.
These free radicals can attack the cell membranes, proteins and DNA of the skin, accelerating the aging process of the skin.
Glutathione directly neutralizes free radicals through its unique thiol group (-SH), effectively blocking the chain reaction of free radicals.
More importantly, it can also regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, enabling these exogenous antioxidants to continue to function.
This “antioxidant regeneration” mechanism places glutathione at the core of the antioxidant network.
2. Regulate melanin metabolism and brighten skin tone
Excessive deposition of melanin is the main cause of dull skin tone and the formation of pigmentation spots.
Glutathione intervenes in the melanin production process through multiple pathways:
GSH can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the process of melanin synthesis.
Studies have shown that glutathione reduces tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, thereby decreasing the biosynthesis of melanin.
GSH can convert eumelanin into pheomelanin, which is lighter in color, thus making the skin tone brighter.
This conversion mechanism provides a new approach for safe whitening.
3. Enhance skin detoxification function
Heavy metals, organic pollutants and other toxins in the modern living environment can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the skin tissue, causing various skin problems.
Glutathione is an important detoxification substance in the human body. The sulfhydryl groups in its molecule can combine with heavy metals (such as lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) to form soluble complexes, which are convenient for excretion from the body.
GSH also participates in the second-phase detoxification reaction of the liver – the binding reaction, promoting the metabolism and excretion of various endogenous and exogenous toxins.
This systemic detoxification effect indirectly improves the health of the skin.
4. Glutathione Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects
Chronic inflammation is an important factor accelerating skin aging.
Glutathione inhibits the production and release of inflammatory mediators by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB).
GSH can also regulate the function of immune cells, maintain a moderate immune response, and prevent excessive inflammatory reactions from causing damage to the skin.
5. Glutathione promotes cell repair and regeneration
Glutathione participates in the DNA synthesis and repair process and helps maintain the stability of the skin cell genome.
GSH can also regulate the cell cycle process and promote the normal renewal and regeneration of skin cells, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier function.
Application methods of glutathione: Scientific selection and rational use
1. Oral supplement
Oral glutathione supplements are the most common application method.
Because glutathione is easily decomposed in the digestive tract, the bioavailability of traditional preparations is relatively low.
Modern formulation technology has significantly enhanced oral bioavailability by using delivery systems such as liposomes and nanoparticles, or by adding absorption enhancers.
It is recommended to choose a compound formula containing cofactors such as selenium and vitamin C, as these components can synergistically enhance the activity and stability of GSH.
Clinical studies have shown that continuous oral administration of an appropriate amount of glutathione (250-500 milligrams per day) for more than 8 weeks can observe an improvement in skin color.
2. Topical skin care products
Topical application of skin care products containing GSH can directly act on the skin.
To enhance the transdermal absorption rate, penetration enhancers are usually added to the formula or microencapsulation technology is adopted.
Topical glutathione is often compounded with whitening ingredients such as vitamin C and arbutin to produce a synergistic effect.
