Glutathione Injection for Skin Whitening - A Complete Guide
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that is present in almost all cells of our body. In the early 20th century Glutathione was discovered and used as a medical treatment for liver disease, immune deficiency and for chemotherapy because of its antioxidant properties and detoxification abilities.
In the late 2000s, Doctors observed brightening of skin color among patients taking glutathione for liver and cancer treatments.
This skin whitening effect of glutathione is studied by scientists and they discover that glutathione inhibits melanin formation in the body resulting in lightening of dark skin tone.
Now Glutathione is widely used as glutathione injection for skin whitening in aesthetic medicine clinics in Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Korea, and the Gulf states.
Melanin and Skin Tone
Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin. It is present in two types: Pheomelanin that is responsible for lighter skin tone and eumelanin that is associated with dark skin tone.
So more pheomelanin means bright skin complexion and more eumelanin means dark skin complexion.
Role of Glutathione in Melanin Reduction
Glutathione works to inhibit tyrosinase enzymes in the body that are responsible for formation of eumelanin pigment.
By decreasing eumelanin levels glutathione increases pheomelanin formation leading to lightening of skin tone.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant produced in our body. It is produced by our liver and has many functions like repairing and building skin tissues, enhancing immunity, slowing the aging process, neutralizing free radicals, and it also acts as an anti-cancer agent.
But with age and other hormonal and environmental factors glutathione levels in our body decrease resulting in wrinkles, fine line, skin dullness and uneven skin complexion.
As a solution skin specialists and dermatologists use glutathione injections to boost glutathione amounts in the body that help you keep your skin youthful, bright and healthy.
Composition of Glutathione
Glutathione is a tri-peptide antioxidant made up of 3 amino acids: glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid. The amino acids help by
- Detoxifying the lipid peroxides.
- Regenerates Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
- Regulates the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.
How to Administer Glutathione IV?
Administering glutathione injection is just like taking a vaccine shot. Skin specialists will prepare injection by mixing the required number of vials and ampoules according to your skin type, condition and desired outcomes. Most brands require mixing with 100 ml of normal saline, while brands with high potency need 500 ml of saline.
Then injection is administered with the help of IV drip. The infusion process normally takes 20-25 minutes for standard doses and 45-50 minutes for higher concentrations.
Generally 6 to 8 weekly and biweekly sessions are recommended and users start observing visible results after 3 to 4 sessions while complete results appear after 6 to 8 sessions.
Important Things to Consider Before Taking Glutathione IV
To ensure smooth treatment process with maximum safety and effectiveness must consider following things before taking injection:
- Must undergo LFT and KFT as these injections have to be processed through these organs, so they should be perfectly healthy to avoid any side effects.
- Must verify the quality of product by scanning QR Code available on pack, it should be certified and original.
- Appoint qualified and experienced skin specialist or dermatologist for administration of injection.
- If you are taking IV drip, make sure it is prepared in front of you with authentic ingredients.
- Always take complete details of the product and its ingredients from your specialist prior to treatment.
Glutathione Injection vs Pills
Skin specialists prefer injections over pills because injections are more effective than pills. They are absorbed more quickly in the body as they directly enter the bloodstream as compared to pills and capsules that absorb gradually as they have to pass through the digestive tract of the body, where a lot of their nutrients are lost resulting in slow results.
Benefits of Glutathione Injection
Glutathione treatment has a wide range of skin and health benefits. Most common benefits include:
- Make you skin tone fair and bright
- Reduced pigmentation and acne scars
- Minimize dark spots, pimples and uneven skin patches
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and skin dullness
- Provide your skin a youthful and lighten complexion
- Make your skin more elastic and firm
- Maintain skin hydration and nourishment leading to radiant glow
- Protect skin from free radicals and external damage
- Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, sunburn and sun damage.
- Boosts immunity and enhances overall skin health.
Side Effects of Glutathione Injections
Generally glutathione injections are safe when administered by qualified professionals under clinical considerations. But like any other medical treatments they also have some side effects that are usually rare and short lived:
- Short term redness
- Skin rashes
- Chest pain
- Pain in breasts
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Mild swelling at the injection site
- Mild nausea or dizziness
- Hair loss and whitening of hair
If injection is not taken properly or self administered, some serious side effects can occur which includes
- Breathing problem or Asthama.
- Steven johnson syndrome.
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Allergic reactions at the injection site.
Aftercare
There is no downtime of treatment. You can return to daily life activities without any rest or medications. To prevent side effects or to maintain results skin specialists provide some post treatments instruction that include
- Drink maximum water.
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Intake high nutrients diet.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Complete all follow up sessions.
Conclusion
Glutathione therapy is a highly effective skin whitening treatment that provides brightening and radiant glow with zero downtime.
Always remember these treatments will not transform your skin color overnight, they work gradually by reducing melanin production and detoxifying the skin, usually providing effective outcomes in 5-6 sessions.
Maintenance sessions, regular skincare routines, sun protection and hydration are required to maintain long term results.
Always consult a professional or visit authorized clinics like Dot Clinics Multan for safe and effective treatment.
FAQs
Q. When will I get effective results?
Results vary from person to person based on skin type, condition, goals and metabolism. Most patients report visible outcomes after the third or fourth session and complete results in the sixth or eight sessions.
Q. After complete treatment should I stop taking injections?
After getting complete treatment and desired results you need to take maintenance sessions as per doctors advised to keep your results for a long time otherwise after a specific time period your skin will gradually return to its previous condition.
Q. Are glutathione treatment results permanent?
No, results are permanent, they usually last several months to a year. If you stop taking injections, your skin will slowly return to its previous form. Regular maintenance sessions are required to keep long lasting results.
Q. Is glutathione function affected by any toxin?
Yes, there are many toxins that can affect glutathione function, which includes:
- Alcohol
- Chlorine
- Acetone
- X-Rays
- UV radiation
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Excessive barbecued food
Q. What are the primary contributors for the depletion of glutathione from our skin cells?
There are many things we do on a daily basis that can deplete glutathione. It may be in the form of environmental factors such as pollution, smoke, and dust or through lifestyle choices such as exercise habits and dietary restrictions.