Before and After Glutathione: How This Antioxidant Affects Skin, Aging and Immunity

Glutathione injections have become all the rage, with people using them for everything from lightening skin tone to strengthening immunity, to achieving anti aging benefits.

In this article, we’re going to examine the uses and potential benefits of this master antioxidant…

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is found in, and used by, every cell in the body. It works at the cellular level to combat oxidative stress, neutralize free radicals, and provide powerful immune support.

It is made from three amino acids - glycine, glutamine and cysteine - and, alongside its boost to immunity, also has a reputation for reducing pigmentation and evening skin tone.

It's also popular for anti-aging, as it protects cells and mitochondria from oxidative damage, which is a key factor in the aging process.

Levels of glutathione tend to fall as we age, or during times of stress, poor nutrition, or after exposure to environmental toxins. Smoking and alcohol can also interfere with our natural glutathione production.

Glutathione iv therapy is a popular treatment for achieving glowing skin and improving immune health, but it’s essential to understand the benefits and risks of glutathione treatment before starting therapy.

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Key Benefits of Glutathione

Before we discuss the ‘extra-curricular’ uses of glutathione, let’s examine its role in the body.

Glutathione has many important functions in the body including:

• Supporting DNA synthesis, helping to create and repair DNA (1)

• Breaking down free radicals - this is a big one. Glutathione is one of the major antioxidants that can tackle and neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body which would otherwise damage cells. High levels of oxidative stress can be a pre-cursor to various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. (2)

• Supporting the immune system and immune function - glutathione is the main component in the body’s antioxidant defense, and has been shown to either stimulate or inhibit immunological response in order to control inflammation. Indeed, several clinical inflammatory conditions have been associated with lower levels of glutathione. (3, 4)

• Studies have also shown that supplementation with glutathione precursors helped to regenerate levels of vitamins A, C and E. (5)

• Other functions of glutathione include helping the liver deal with fats, assisting regular cell death, and helping certain enzymes to function. (6)

Note that low levels of glutathione have been associated with higher risks of hepatitis, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. (7)

Clearly, glutathione is a potent antioxidant that is crucial for many essential bodily functions. Clinical data supports many of these benefits.

Understanding Glutathione Therapy

Glutathione therapy involves the administration of glutathione through iv therapy, oral supplements, or injections.

Intravenous glutathione is considered the most effective method, as it bypasses the digestive system and delivers glutathione directly into the bloodstream for optimal absorption - but there are safety risks involved. (8,9)

Glutathione Injections and IV Glutathione

IV Glutathione or glutathione injections are not approved by the FDA for any cosmetic use. The FDA has stated that there is a lack of evidence to support claims of skin lightening or other benefits.

Injectable glutathione is off-label, meaning it is legal only if prescribed by a health professional for specific wellness aims, and made by a licenced pharmacy.

Beware any source that claims to sell or offer FDA-approved glutathione or to sell or carry out the procedure without a valid prescription or medical consultation.

Unregulated products and products sold online may include contaminants or impurities, and may cause organ damage.

Many people use glutathione for skin lightening, anti-ageing, detoxification, and pigmentation reduction.

So, let’s take a look at some of those uses - particularly what happens before and after glutathione…

Skin Brightening and Skin Health

Let’s look behind the hype - glutathione has been described as a ‘wonder drug’ for skin lightening or skin whitening, and the treatment of dark skin spots or reduced hyperpigmentation. Aggressive marketing has pushed this further.

Skin brightening involves improving the skin’s radiance and evenness by reducing dullness, discolouration and dark spots. Fans argue that glutathione treatment improves skin health by reducing melanin production, inhibiting hyperpigmentation, and promoting an even tone in the skin.

It may also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin a smoother texture. Results may vary depending on skin type, lifestyle, and medical history.

But does it work? What happens after you take glutathione? Allow me to cut through the spin…

Realistic Expectations

If you take oral or topical glutathione - ie, capsules or creams - it may just lighten your skin tone or lighten any dark skin spots.

In one 12-week study, 124 women with at least one facial dark spot were given L-glutathione or L-cysteine, or both (or placebo), each day. Results showed that both L-glutathione or L-cysteine lightened skin on the upper forearm, and reduced the color of dark spots on the face.

The combination of the two also reduced the size of the dark spots. Some patients experienced noticeable results, such as brighter skin and improved clarity.

Potential conflict of interest to note: Several of the study authors worked for the company who produced the product used in the study. (10)

Other studies have backed up these findings. However, there’s a caveat: the results only last for as long as the glutathione is consumed. It may also be inconsistent, and only be effective on some parts of the body.

That said, one study did note that oral consumption of glutathione was well tolerated, and glutathione did help in other ways - specifically, the potential to reduce skin wrinkles and potentially improve skin elasticity. (11)

The Food and Drug Administration in the Philippine’s - where the practice is incredibly popular - has also warned against IV glutathione, warning of potential liver damage, allergic reactions and a lack of standard dosing. (13)

Immune Health

As we already know, glutathione plays a key role in our body’s defense against chronic inflammation and more. It may also help manage symptoms related to autoimmune disorders by reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

But does supplementing with it help to improve our immune function?

Key Benefits for the Immune System, Energy Levels, and More

Let’s first examine glutathione’s role in the immune system in detail…

• Glutathione helps the immune system with antioxidant protection for immune cells, allowing them to function optimally.

• It supports the normal growth and function of lymphocytes like the T-cells and B-cells, important for recognizing and fighting infection. Crucial for adaptive immunity (targeting a specific pathogen). A glutathione deficiency can hinder T-cell growth.

• Glutathione also helps to control the production of cytokines, the immune system’s signalling and communication network.

• It helps to keep a balanced immune response, allowing the body to fight off pathogens without triggering inflammation.

• As a strong antioxidant, it fights oxidative stress which can help fight autoimmune diseases and reduce the risk of illness.

• Glutathione boosts immunity by strengthening the body's defenses against illness. (14, 15, 16)

All of that is great, isn’t it? But does supplementing with glutathione boost your immunity?

In theory, it could... if it boosted the amount of glutathione available for use by the cells - which means the form you choose here is very important.

We already know that both the FDA and researchers have warned against glutathione IV therapy (IV drip). They warn that the lack of rigorous clinical trials and standardized protocols raise serious safety concerns, including the risk of hepatoxicity (liver damage caused by chemicals) and allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. (17, 18)

Glutathione Oral Supplements

Here's why you should also look for capsules that focus on bio-availability in order to ensure that the glutathione gets to where it needs to go...

All of which means that standard oral glutathione supplements are often poorly absorbed.

Which is why you should choose an alternative that has superior bioavailability like Performance Lab Immune's Setria Glutathione.

Read on for more about this immune supplement with superior availability...

An Easier Alternative to Glutathione Injections

Don’t like needles? Want to ensure you’re taking something effective for immunity that’s made in a U.S. facility to the highest standards? An easy-to-take capsule that is designed for enhanced bioavailability?

We’ve got you.

Performance Lab Immune includes LC-Plasma postbiotic that enhances and activates five different immune cells with just one capsule a day. Even better, it is backed by seven different clinical trials.

Immune also includes foundational immune support with vitamins C and D3, Zinc and Selenium, as well as the master antioxidant, Setria® Glutathione.

Allow me to discuss Setria Glutathione here for a second as it’s directly related to the topic of this article. Setria Glutathione is made to be highly bioavailable, more so than standard glutathione.

Setria Glutathione supports the detoxification processes in the body, helping to reduce oxidative stress and enhance overall cellular cleansing.

Studies show it works too - a six-month trial noted higher levels of glutathione (GSH) in blood, lymphocytes, and cells, and demonstrated reduced oxidative stress as a result of supplementation.

Natural killer cytotoxicity - the ability of NK cells to kill target cells such as those infected by viruses - also increased by more than two-fold compared to placebo. (19)

"These findings show, for the first time, that daily consumption of GSH supplements was effective at increasing body compartment stores of GSH"- Study authors. (19)

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Anti-Ageing Effects

Some people also take glutathione for anti-aging, reasoning that if it protects cells from oxidative stress, it may in turn help to slow down the aging process and keep skin looking youthful.

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of free radicals and our ability to fight them off, and increases as we age. As well as being a precursor to several diseases, oxidative stress is also believed to cause inflammation and contribute to visible aging.

We've already heard that oral supplements - the bio-available kind - may help to improve skin elasticity.

One pilot study investigating a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine was shown to help older adults rather than younger ones, helping to reduce inflammation, glutathione deficiency, endothelial dysfunction, and 'multiple aging hallmarks'. (20)

It suggests that this powerful antioxidant may be more useful for older adults than for younger ones in preventing cellular damage. Just make sure you choose a highly bio-available form such as the above or Setria Glutathione in Performance Lab Immune for optimal results.

Possible Side Effects of Glutathione

Most patients who receive glutathione injections or undergo glutathione therapy under the careful supervision of a healthcare provider may experience only mild, temporary side effects, if any at all.

These can include minor allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or itching, but such responses typically resolve on their own without intervention.

It’s important to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before starting any glutathione treatment. This helps ensure that the benefits of glutathione outweigh any potential risks for your specific situation.

In rare cases, especially with high doses or improper administration, more serious side effects can occur, such as issues affecting the liver or kidneys.

Glutathione can also interact with certain medications, so always inform your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking.

Following the recommended dosage and administration guidelines is key to minimizing possible side effects and maximizing the benefits of your treatment. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can further support your body’s response to glutathione therapy.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns during your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Oral glutathione is considered a safer alternative to IV glutathione or glutathione injections, and is allowed without prescription.

Take Home Thoughts

Glutathione iv therapy is a controversial one. Unregulated injections sourced without a prescription can be dangerous, and are not legal. If you wish to investigate this, please do so via a certified medical professional.

Medical supervision and monitoring is recommended; consult a healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and benefits.

Oral glutathione supplements are considered generally safe but results may be inconsistent due to absorption issues. Which is why you'll want to choose supplements containing Setria Glutathione or N-acetylcysteine for improved absorption and benefits.

We recommend Performance Lab Immune for skin, immune system support, and overall health.