Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) was discovered in 1888 by French physician J. de Rey-Paihade. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant made by our livers and essential for life. Glutathione has multiple functions: it serves as a cofactor in cellular processes, it reduces free radicals which damage our DNA and it promotes the longevity of our cells and ultimately our bodies. Additionally, glutathione has anti-melanogenic, or skin lightening, effects and improves aspects of skin quality such elasticity. 

Oxidative stress occurs in a cell when harmful oxidants outweigh antioxidant, resulting in cell damage and death, which we recognize as aging. Glutathione functions as a potent antioxidant by eliminating free radicals, peroxides, and heavy metals that cause damage to our cells’ DNA. With this protection in place, our cells have the ability to thrive, perform better and live longer. Glutathione also serves to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E to further protect the cell from oxidative damage. Ultimately glutithione’s antioxidant abilities will promote cellular health and longevity, protecting our bodies from the effects of aging. 

Glutathione functions in our skin as an anti-melanogenic agent. Essentially, glutathione inhibits a particular enzyme that would otherwise produce melanin, a skin pigmenting molecule. Glutathione infusions have shown to lighten and brighten skin. Research studies have also reported that glutathione improves wrinkles and skin’s elasticity over time.