AN OVERVIEW OF GLUTATHIONE INJECTIONS FOR SKIN WHITENING:
There is a rapid rise in the popularity of Glutathione around the globe, because of its magical skin whitening properties. Despite its unavailable safety data, Pharma-cosmaceutical companies are still promoting Glutathione injections for skin whitening these days.
Not only skin clinics but also medical spas are frequently administering Glutathione as a “wonder” drug because of its hyped skin lightening properties. This trend is most commonly practiced in Asia, as fair complexion is considered a beauty standard here. Asian women are ready to do anything in order to achieve a fairer, lighter complexion.
However, this trend is changing now, we can now notice the boom of inclusive foundation shades. We are slowly moving towards progress. Skin-tone emojis & hashtags like #woman of color #melaninmagic are getting popular these days.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the liver. It is made up of amino acids i.e, Glycine, Cysteine & Glutamic acid. It is a very strong antioxidant. Glutathione is involved in tissue building & repair, making proteins and chemicals in the body, and in the maintenance of the immune system.
Over the period of time, with aging, Glutathione levels in the body may decline. Other factors like environmental toxins, poor nutrition, and stress may also reduce its levels.
Glutathione is available in the form of oral formulations, i.e tablets & capsules, inhalers & in the form of injectables. Although The Food & Drug Authority (USA) has not yet approved Glutathione Injections for Skin whitening, still the most popular route of administration of Glutathione for skin whitening is intravenous (IV). Its only approved indication is as an adjunctive treatment to reduce neurotoxicity, associated with Cisplatin chemotherapy i.e, used to treat different types of Cancer.
The Pros and Cons of Glutathione Injections for Skin whitening:
Pros of Glutathione Injections
Although there is no evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of Glutathione injections for skin whitening, however, this natural body component plays an important role in improving our immune system. Glutathione is also said to provide:
Radiant, Brighter Skin:
Although there is no clinical data to prove that, the most promised result of Glutathione is radiant, brighter, and fairer skin. It apparently deactivates the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for melanin production.
Therefore, Glutathione injections for skin whitening are particularly popular in Asia because they regard fair skin as a standard of beauty.
Stronger Immune System:
In the US, doctors are using Glutathione to help boost the immune system especially in patients with cancer, AIDS & Parkinson’s disease. As the patients report an overall improvement in their stamina & feel more energetic.
Boosts the Effects of Anti-Aging Products:
Taking Glutathione supplements or injections can supposedly reverse the effects of aging. This is also one of the reasons why the beauty industry includes it in its products.
Cons of Glutathione Injections for skin whitening:
Glutathione is possibly safe, taken by mouth when used in doses up to 500 mg daily. But, there isn’t any specific scientific data available about its possible side effects.
Apart from the lack of clinical trials favoring Glutathione injections for skin lightening, the extremely high cost of injections, is another reason to avoid it. Some adverse effects reported with Glutathione injections by FDA include:
Allergic Reactions: Glutathione may induce an allergic response in some people, such as a rash. Inhaled Glutathione may cause difficulty in breathing & trigger asthma attacks in asthmatic patients.
Steven-Johnsons syndrome: Ranging from mild skin rashes to potentially fatal Steven-Johnsons syndrome
Severe abdominal pain:
Reported in patients taking Glutathione IV twice a week
Thyroid dysfunction:
One of the serious side effects reported with Glutathione injections is thyroid dysfunction
Renal dysfunction
Renal dysfunction with the potential to develop renal failure.
Fatal complications:
Fatal complications such as air embolism, potentially fatal infections due to incorrect/unsterile method of IV administration.
Beauty at the cost of risking health:
The alarming increase in the unapproved use of Glutathione injections for skin whitening at high doses is unsafe & poses a threat to the overall health of its users. One should especially take caution when taking any supplements while they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have already existing allergies.
