I’m an Indian female with an overall olive complexion, but almost brown forearms and back-of-neck; and quite positively brown elbows, inner thighs and knees. I aspire to get into modelling, and a fairer/lighter complexion would definitely help me. Is there any permanent skin lightening solution out there? How many times have you heard this question?
Getting fairer seems to be the mantra for most people these days… Is it possible ? Is it safe? And how? These are the common questions…
There are just too many lightening treatments out there. Let’s talk about the current trendy solution.
Hydroquinone versus Glutathione.
HYDROQUINONE works by inhibiting the synthesis of melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its color. It is not a bleaching cream. When you are using hydroquinone products you must use a sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun or else the hydroquinone won’t work well. Hydroquinone turns toxic when exposed to sunlight, so if used, it should only be used at night. This is the most commonly used melanin inhibitor used in cosmetic products and has antioxidant effects on the skin.
GLUTATHIONE is a substance found in every cell in the body, where it acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage. It is the most important molecule you need to stay healthy. Glutathione is the hero behind the scenes who does the dirty work. It fights the dangers of our stressful lives; lack of sleep, poor diet, pollution and the effects of natural aging such as joint pain and arthritis are all fair game to this fierce protector. They call it the mother of all antioxidants.
The good news is that your body produces its own glutathione. The bad news is that toxins from poor diet, pollution, medications, stress, trauma, aging, infections and radiation all deplete your glutathione.
Hydroquinone versus Glutathione (Duplicate Vs Real Hero)
Hydroquinone is for local applications and works on local area only, whereas Glutathione on the other hand helps with anti aging and skin lightening on overall body complexion.
Hydroquinone works on reducing melanogenesis,(pigment production) but it doesn’t target the cause of pigment production. Glutathione on the other hand makes oneself more resistant to sun reactions and works internally to reduce pigment production.
Hydroquinone causes skin sensitivity in long term use, this in turn leads to more sun damage and more pigment production. If taken in the right amount, the only side effect of Glutathione is skin lightening.
However as we can’t make a film without a duplicate hero, Hydroquinone is still the gold standard to treat melasma. This is because melasma as such is an enigma with both local and systemic factors triggering it. In order to balance it out we need Hydroquinone as a topical application and glutathione to boost skin functions.
Which is a better and permanent skin brightener?
Although Glutathione is better as it gives overall single tone and prevents photoaging, permanency is not associated with both. Glutathione is a natural ingredient in our body which depletes with age and production of toxins and for fairness glutathione has to be given in excess. Supplementing the same helps increase the benefit and continued effect can be maintained with lesser strength antioxidants like Vitamin C, Ubiquinone, Pycnogenol etc. Hydroquinone results are maintained with on and off usage and sun screen.
Which is safer?
If evaluated and administered at the right dose and right interval, Glutathione is safer. The master antioxidant glutathione’s presence is essential to the health of the body. It assists other antioxidants. Safety may be compromised on these injections and oral supplements because of unauthorized suppliers and dealers. Its freely available on online stores, when we pick up these products from over the counter is when we land up in trouble.
Both products are prescription only and must be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Tip: in the market there are various brands available. The body can only absorb L Glutathione and the absorption rate is increased with use of Vitamin C at the same time.
A new molecule Polypodium is available with Glutathione and Vitamin C to boost skin protection against sun damage and photo ageing call Skinbrite capsule in the Indian market.Dosage is body weight dependant