Glutathione and skin brightening

Before looking at how glutathione works on the radiance of your complexion, it helps to understand what melanin is.

Melanin is the pigment produced by certain skin cells, the melanocytes. It gives skin its lighter or darker colour and helps protect it from ultraviolet rays. It is made from an amino acid, tyrosine, through the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase.

The different types of melanin

• Eumelanin: a brown to black pigment, the most common, mainly found in olive and darker skin.
• Pheomelanin: a lighter, yellow-red pigment, found in particular in people with red hair and in freckles.
• Neuromelanin: found in certain areas of the brain, it has nothing to do with skin colour.

The main role of melanin is to protect the skin from the sun. Excessive or uneven production, however, can lead to pigmentation spots and an uneven complexion.

What is the link between glutathione and melanin?

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally present in the body. Scientific research suggests it may steer melanin production towards pheomelanin, which is lighter, rather than eumelanin. That is why it is increasingly used in routines aimed at a brighter, more even complexion. Results vary from person to person and require consistency.

What to expect from a glutathione routine

• a brighter complexion
• a more even complexion
• less visible pigmentation spots
• antioxidant action

For any persistent skin concern, ask a dermatologist for advice.