Just an antioxidant? How web series ‘Made in Heaven 2’ exposes the pitfalls of glutathione or skin lightening treatment

WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE?

Glutathione is basically an antioxidant and is made up of three amino acids, namely cysteine, glycine and glutamate. “It is a powerful antioxidant that helps in cellular repair, muscle repair and used as a pain suppressant in cancer patients. Now because it is an antioxidant, it manages to suppress the levels of melanin that decides skin pigmentation. Hence its popularity in skin creams, serums and lotions, all meant for topical application. Taking glutathione by IV injection seems to prevent nerve damage and other toxicities from the cancer drug cisplatin. And IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider. But while glutathione is good for a number of other purposes, there isn’t enough reliable information or scientific data to say whether injections help in permanent skin lightening. In fact, no dermatologist would advise injections,” says Dr Deepti Rana, Senior consultant, Laser and Aesthetic Physician Dermatology, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchseel Park, New Delhi.

“Glutathione is safe when applied as creams, oral tablets, oral spray, or even as lozenges, anything that is good for buccal absorption. I never recommend injections. Besides injectable glutathione was once used for liver abnormalities and autism, a technique which has now been appropriated by beauty clinics without any regulation,” says Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who sees at least two to three cases of skin procedures gone bad everyday.

WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS AND THEIR CAUSES

Serious side effects arising out of an overdose of glutathione injections include severe rashes, hives, chills, painful blisters and lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. “What many do not realise is that glutathione injections need to be calibrated and administered as per body weight. Besides, they need to be done in a proper medical set-up by qualified dermatologists,” says Dr Rana. “The trials that have been done till now on the role of glutathione in skin lightening administered through different modes have not had convincing results. Some trials have shown that although the safety of topical and oral application seems to be good, their efficacy (especially long-term) remains questionable. Even though it is pretty expensive, glutathione injections are quite popular and peddled by self-styled beauty clinics because they significantly increase the bioavailability of glutathione. However, further research is needed to establish this fact. Meanwhile intravenous glutathione can also pose the risk of overdosing and toxicity,” she adds.

WHAT’S THE SAFE LIMIT?

“The recommended daily dose of glutathione for adults ranges from 500-2,000 mg per day when taken orally, or 10-20 mg/kg body weight when administered intravenously. To maximise its effects, it is best to split up doses rather than take a single large dose each day. Glutathione is not approved by the US FDA for administration as a regular injection. Even a regular dose as an injectable can trigger a reaction. But a safe dosage for an injectable would be 1,200 to 2,400 mg a week. The frequency is important because after seven or eight weeks, the dosage needs to be administered once a month. The results, let me assure you, are not magical. Most are average, so if you are looking for a before and after transformation, that is not possible. Besides, whatever little improvement happens, it is just temporary. Is it worth the pinpricks and pain?” asks Dr Lall. “Always remember to consult a qualified dermatologist, who has done MD along with four years in a residency. Untrained hands can only ruin your skin further,” she adds.