Have you ever dreamed of having fair, radiant skin? That might seem like a simple enough fantasy, but given the sun-kissed tropical conditions here in Malaysia, where we are exposed to sunlight all year round, fair skin may not be as easy to achieve as one might think. In fact, we are more inclined to burn from the sun’s UV rays instead.
Your skin and UV rays
The sun gives you light but at the same time, it emits UV rays, which are one of your skin’s worst enemies. Too much exposure to UV rays activates the enzyme tyrosinase which leads to overproduction of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its colour. There are two major forms of melanin – eumelanin (dark pigment) and pheomelanin (light pigment). Excessive melanin production results in its uneven distribution in the epidermis, showing up as skin darkening, uneven skin tone and appearance of unsightly dark spots.
That’s not all! UV rays induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the culprits of oxidative damage to the skin. This is the major cause of photoageing, characterised by formation of wrinkles, fine lines and skin dryness.
To safeguard your skin from these dreadful UV rays, you can try any and all means of shielding every inch of your skin, including applying sunscreen, covering up with clothes, wearing a hat, or even avoiding any form of outdoor activities. However, the above measures are never truly enough!
Radiant complexion does not work solely on external protection alone but should begin from within. It is of utmost importance to enhance your skin’s internal defence by nourishing your body from the inside out.
L-glutathione for skin lightening
You may have heard of L-glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant which works miracles for skin lightening. It is produced naturally by the body through the synthesis of 3 amino acids: L-cysteine, L-glutamate and glycine.
Yet, your body’s ability to make L-glutathione tends to decline with advancing age. Toxins from pollution, poor nutrition, certain medications and stress can further drain the L-glutathione reserves from your body.
How L-glutathione works
Touted as a miracle skin-lightening molecule, L-glutathione activates your skin’s internal defence against complexion-ravaging UV rays and environmental aggressors. Studies have shown that L-glutathione suppresses melanin production by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase. It interrupts the melanin metabolism, switching the synthesis of melanin from eumelanin to pheomelanin. An increased proportion of pheomelanin will naturally lighten the skin from the inside out, giving a lighter and more even-toned complexion.
On the other hand, L-glutathione helps correct visible signs of skin ageing exacerbated by ROS generated in epidermal cells following UV exposure, while preventing future damage for improved skin youthfulness and luminosity.
The excellent synergists of L-glutathione
Not all L-glutathione supplements are created equally. A synergistic formulation which combines L-glutathione with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), vitamin c and zinc brings you one huge step closer to realizing your skin-lightening dream! NAC is a stable precursor to L-glutathione.
Together with ALA and vitamin C, it helps boost the levels of L-glutathione in the body. Astaxanthin and zinc provide excellent sun protection to your skin.
Unleash your skin’s natural glow with the illuminating power of L-glutathione. Your skin will love you for it!
