Glutathione – Glutathione has developed a reputation in nutrition and skin care as a highly beneficial and functional nutrient. It exists naturally in the human body, regulating cellular oxidative stress and earning itself the title of “Master Antioxidant”. Furthermore, glutathione is the key to whiter skin because it naturally inhibits melanin synthesis by disrupting the activity and transport of the melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase. Glutathione actually cause melanosomes to create a pink pigment, pheomelanin, giving skin a pink glow. Its antioxidant properties also transfer an enormous benefit to skin health by preventing the cell damage that can lead to discoloration. Its effectiveness is backed by clinical and preclinical studies as well as the scientific understanding of its mechanisms.
N. Arjinpathana and P. Asawanonda (2012) demonstrated the effectiveness of oral glutathione taken at a dose of 500mg/day for 4 weeks in a double-blind clinical setting. This study demonstrated a whitening effect on overall skin as well as dark spots.
Citation:
Arjinpathana, N; Asawanonda, P. Glutathione As An Oral Whitening Agent: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Journal Of Dermatological Treatment. 2012; 23: 97–102
Villarama, C.D.; H. I. Maibach. Glutathione As A Depigmenting Agent: An Overview. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science, 2005, 27, 147–153
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is involved in many of functions of the human body. Of particular importance is its role in the formation, protection and transport of collagen, the structural protein essential to our tendons, ligaments, skin, eyes, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, guts, intervertebral discs and the dentin in teeth. Vitamin C supplementation can be just as important as taking collagen supplements because of its natural maintenance and protection.
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to whiten skin through its effect on glutathione levels and activity. A double-blind, clinical study at the University of Arizona showed that 500mg/day of vitamin C increased cellular glutathione levels. This effect is probably due, in large part, to the strong antioxidant effect of vitamin C. Maintaining adequate levels of glutathione and vitamin C is essential to cell health and skin whitening.
Citation:
Johnston, CS; Meyer, CG; Srilakshmi, JC. Vitamin C Elevates Red Blood Cell Glutathione In Healthy Adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1993 Jul;58(1):103-5.
Collagen – The structural skin super-protein, collagen, has long been sought after by people with damaged or aging skin. Though it is naturally formed in the body, collagen synthesis slows with age or from stresses and health conditions. Loss of collagen leads to wrinkles, sagging and poor skin hydration. For firm, plump skin, collagen needs to be maintained through supplementation and nutrition.
The effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen, a highly absorbable peptide also known as collagen hydrolysate, as an oral supplement for skin support has been documented in numerous studies. A 2008 study from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology looked at oral ingestion of the peptide at a dosage of 0.2 grams of collagen per kilogram of body weight per day. They demonstrated that it was effective at reducing or mitigating UV-B-induced skin damage such as decreases in skin hydration, hyperplasia of the epidermis, and decreases in soluble type I collagen. A 2008 literature review from the Archives of Dermatological Research concluded, based on a number of clinical and preclinical studies, that oral ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen could achieve beneficial skin effects.
Citation:
Midori Tanaka , Yoh-Ichi Koyama , Yoshihiro Nomura. Effects of Collagen Peptide Ingestion on UV-B-Induced Skin Damage. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Vol. 73, Iss. 4, 2009
Zague, Vivian. A New View Concerning The Effects Of Collagen Hydrolysate Intake On Skin Properties. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2008. 300:479-483. DOI 10.1007/s00403-008-0888-4
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