Skin lightening has been around for ages. And just like everything else in the world, the methods and processes have evolved with time. But we can’t say it has been for the better.
From rubbing creams to swallowing pills and now, taking injections and drips. It seems that there really is no limit to how far people will go to lighten their skin!
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a substance naturally found in the body, specifically in the liver. So no, it is not a chemical. It is involved in many processes in the body, including tissue building and repair. It also boosts the immune system and detoxifies the body.
Commonly used in the treatments of patients with cancer, it is popularly referred to as the world’s best antioxidant.
(Photo: swansonvitamins.com)
Does it lighten?
When ingested in high quantities, It can cause skin lightening by converting melanin to a lighter colour. Also, it deactivates the enzyme tyrosinase, which produces the melanin pigment. Note that Glutathione is not a bleaching agent. The skin lightening result is actually a side effect from ingesting it in large doses.
People have reported seeing results from using glutathione for skin lightening, but there are still several dangers that could arise especially from taking it intravenously (injection or drip). And as a matter of fact, there have been reported adverse drug reactions resulting from the use of glutathione IV for skin bleaching. Some of them are:
- Possible kidney dysfunction which could progress to kidney or renal failure
- Severe abdominal pain
- Thyroid dysfunction
It’s easy to read that with a dismissive thought ‘’God forbid” but the truth is, even besides the life-threatening risks, someone can die just from been allergic to glutathione.
(Photo: revivme.com)
Do people even think to test for compatibility before injecting substances into their body in large doses? You can suffer anaphylactic shock which can lead to death without immediate medical attention. Talk about dying before the drug even has the chance to lighten your skin. Allow that sink in for a second. Reminds us of a popular line from the rapper, 50 Cents that we’ll remix here ‘’get bleached or die trying’’. See what we did there?
At first glance, Glutathione seems to be the miracle product that bleaches the skin evenly without issues like dark knuckles, or stretch marks. It is preferred to creams because of harmful ingredients like hydroquinone and mercury. But in reality, using glutathione for skin bleaching isn’t exactly safer. It’s just a different, less obvious kind of danger.
It’s not a miracle, it’s a menace!
Anyway, if you didn’t know you can glow without lightening your skin. Find out how here.
(Featured image: multiracialmedia.com)