For ages humans with darker skin tone have aspired to have a lighter skin tone. Also, society norms are such that individuals with lighter skin tone (Europeans descent) are considered more presentable as compared to dark skin tone individuals. This has led to a general perception in society that having a fair skin tone leads to better relations, better job prospects and general success in society.
Even though Athena Skin & Laser Clinic doesn’t endorse this view, we are the leading clinic in helping people achieve their desired lighter skin tone through Skin Whitening. The article below describes the benefits of Glutathione: an emerging antioxidant which has shown great success in protecting the skin from UV radiation and other environmental factors and internal songstress. Glutathione inhibits melanin production: the primary reason of dark skin tone.
Generation of reactive free radicals in skin increases oxidative stress and leads to oxidative damage. This complex biochemical mechanism results in signs of aging and deterioration of physiological functions. Production of antioxidants via natural mechanism helps in combating the effect of reactive free radicals. However, due to stress, dietary insufficiency, UV radiations it is not enough to counter oxidative stress, hence the need for an external antioxidant.
Antioxidants apart from quenching free radicals also work as skin lightening agents and give radiant and beautiful skin.
Free radicals and its effect on skin
Oxidative stress is mediated by the formation of free radicals which as generated from the oxidation of chemical groups like carboxyl. Hydroxyl, amino, etc. The leads to the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which thereby captures electrons from other molecules and increase oxidative stress. Free radicals are derived either from normal metabolic processes in human body or from external factors such as: smoking, alcohol consumption, sunlight, air pollution, etc. ROS attacks and reacts with stable skin molecules leading to cross linking of collages and elastin. They lessen ability of the skin to repair the damage and also increase melanin index value thereby darkening the skin complexion.
Glutathione, a Master Antioxidant to enhance Skin Tone
- Glutathione is a tri-peptide or a small protein molecule formed from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid. The unique topical application of glutathione, maintains the glutathione levels and protects the skin from free radicals and aging. This helps achieve the lighter skin tone or skin whitening.
- Glutathione acts to reconstitute the antioxidant vitamins C and E after they have been oxidized, and plays a determinant role in their function.
- It prevents damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides and heavy metals.
Glutathioneantioxidant property also protects the skin from UV radiation and other environmental stresses as well as internal stressors that generate free radicals that cause skin damage and hyper-pigmentation. Glutathione is naturally present in several tissues of human body with different functions. In skin its action is for Skin whitening and antioxidant action.