For a beautiful and fairer complexion
WHETHER we realise it or not, we are continually exposed to environmental toxins such as pollution, vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke.
Skin, the largest organ in the human body, is vulnerable as it is the most exposed to toxins and the sun’s UV ray. Prolonged UV exposure is potentially lethal to human, causing sunburn, tanning, hyperpigmentation, premature skin ageing, wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer.
These external attacks trigger production of harmful free radicals in the body. Excessive free radicals build-up can damage cells and lead to degenerative diseases and premature ageing.
Our body has the ability to fight off these destructive free radicals by synthesising its own antioxidants such as glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Glutathione is the most powerful endogenous antioxidant in the body.
What is L-Glutathione?
L-glutathione is a tripeptide molecule naturally produced by human body through the synthesis of the amino acids l-cysteine, l-glutamate and glycine. Yet, our body’s ability to make l-glutathione tends to decrease as we age. Factors such as smoke, alcohol, acidic diet, stress, toxin and strenuous exercise can drain l-glutathione from our body.
Youthful-looking skin
L-glutathione has become one of the most popular skin-whitening regimens recommended by dermatologists and skin care specialists. It lightens the skin naturally, leading to a vibrant, fair and youthful complexion.
The colour of our skin largely depends on the formation of a type of pigment called melanin. There are two major forms of melanin – eumelanin (dark pigments) and pheomelanin (light pigments). Each individual has both types of melanin but in different proportions. Therefore, skin colour depends on the type, concentration and distribution of melanin.
The metabolism of melanin is activated by sunlight and requires the presence of tyrosinase, the key enzyme of the pigmentation process. This metabolic pathway determines the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin in skin cells. Several factors such as free radicals, hormonal changes and sun exposure could affect the melanin production pathway.
L-glutathione works by reversing the melanin’s metabolism, turning eumelanin into phaeomelanin. L-glutathione also improves a number of skin conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles, acnes and pigmentations.
But l-glutathione is more than just for skin health. In fact, it is a vital antioxidant responsible for a myriad of essential body functions in the body.
Safeguarding cells from oxidative damage
L-glutathione is regarded as the body’s master antioxidant because other antioxidants depend upon its presence to function effectively. It neutralises free radicals and safeguards the cells from oxidative damage. What’s more, it is able to recycle itself and other antioxidants in the body, including vitamin C and E.
L-glutathione is most concentrated in the liver, the principal organ for detoxification. It binds to toxins such as heavy metals, solvents and pesticides, to form a water-soluble complex, allowing them to be excreted in the urine or bile.
L-glutathione also plays an important role in our immune functions, protecting our body from infections and diseases. Studies have shown that glutathione serves as the “food” for the immune cells. It boosts the production of white blood cells, particularly the T-cells (lymphocytes), which are the body’s first line of defence against foreign invaders.
L-glutathione which assists in detoxification, boosting the body’s immunity and neutralising free radicals, play an important role for our internal health. Good health is reflected through our skin as well. Therefore, it is vital to protect and nourish our body with L-glutathione to preserve the natural beauty of our skin.
Boosting L-Glutathione levels
Vitamin C is a good synergist to l-glutathione. It can potentially increase the production and effectiveness of glutathione in the body. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helps to recycle the used l-glutathione back into its active, fighting form. Cysteine is the most important amino acid needed to synthesis l-glutathione.
This article is brought to you by VitaHealth. For enquiries, contact VitaHealth at 03-7729 3873.