Skin whitening injections are becoming popular for those looking to lighten their skin tone and achieve a more even complexion.
These injections contain a combination of active ingredients that reduce melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color.
By reducing the amount of melanin in your skin, skin whitening injections can help you achieve a lighter and brighter complexion with minimal side effects.
Are skin whitening injections really effective?
Expect temporary results with increased chances of adverse effects with glutathione treatments
Some evidence suggests that skin whitening injections may be effective at lightening the skin.
Glutathione, the primary ingredient in these injections, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can help reduce melanin production.
- Glutathione injections may induce ‘temporary’ skin lightening in some people.1
- Six out of 16 people who received glutathione injections in a study had significantly lighter skin color than those without active treatment. Nonetheless, no difference was observed between both the groups within 6 months of treatment.
- In a few studies, the oral form has also effectively reduced dark spots and achieved skin lightening.2
- According to a study, around 1/3rd of the patients achieved skin lightening with oral glutathione, which was temporary and didn’t even last 6 months. Moreover, adverse effects were noted in all the people enrolled, which required them to stop taking the medication.
These studies provide ‘some’ evidence that glutathione may be helpful in skin whitening injection to lighten the skin temporarily and only work in some people. However, there are several limitations with these studies like not involving many people, lack of proper groups for comparing, and ‘hidden interests’ due to funding from pharmaceutical companies.3
In addition, the mechanism by which glutathione might lighten the skin is not well understood, but it is believed to act through multiple mechanisms:
- Shifting the production of melanin (pigment which gives skin its color) from eumelanin to pheomelanin, which is lighter in color, thus resulting in a skin lightening effect.
- Direct inhibition of tyrosinase (the enzyme that helps to produce melanin).
- Quenching of reactive oxygen species and free radicals that influence tyrosinase activation.
Forms of glutathione available in the market
Glutathione is either available orally as capsules or tablets, in topical formulations like creams and facewashes, or can be directly injected into the veins for faster and better results.
The intravenous administration is the most touted treatment and is advocated as a beauty treatment for overnight skin whitening.
However, safety continues to be a concern as there have been reports of adverse reactions. These range from mild, transient headaches and skin eruptions to severe drug reactions requiring hospitalization.
Misleading claims made by salons and beauty professionals
Many salons and beauty clinic professionals make misleading claims about the efficacy of glutathione for skin whitening. Some of the claims that have been made include:
- Immediate and permanent results: Some salons have claimed that glutathione treatments can instantly and permanently lighten the skin. However, no scientific evidence supports these claims, and it is important to note that any skin-lightening treatment requires ongoing maintenance to sustain the results.
- Safe for all skin types: While glutathione is generally considered safe for most people, it may not suit everyone. People with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications may experience adverse effects from glutathione supplements.
- No side effects: Salons may claim that glutathione treatments have no side effects, but this is not necessarily true. Side effects of glutathione supplements can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additionally, there have been reports of serious adverse effects, such as kidney or liver damage and thyroid dysfunction associated with high doses of glutathione.
Be cautious of any salon or beauty clinic that makes exaggerated or unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy or safety of their treatments.
What are the potential side effects of skin whitening injections?
While these injections are generally considered safe, they may have potential dangers that patients should be aware of before treatment.
Some potential side effects of skin whitening injections include:
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to glutathione injections and experience hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Skin discoloration: While skin whitening injections aim to lighten the skin, some people may experience uneven or blotchy skin tone.
- Kidney damage: Glutathione injections can put a strain on the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage if used excessively.
- Thyroid dysfunction: Glutathione injections can disrupt the thyroid gland’s function, leading to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
- Headaches and dizziness: Some people may experience headaches or lightheadedness after receiving glutathione injections.
- Digestive issues: Glutathione injections can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
- Liver damage: Although not common, some reported cases of liver toxicity are associated with high-dose glutathione injections, particularly in individuals with underlying liver disease or those taking medications that can affect liver function.
It’s important to note that these side effects are uncommon and may not affect everyone undergoing skin whitening injections.
However, discussing potential risks with your doctor before undergoing cosmetic treatment is essential.
What are the Alternatives to Skin Whitening Injections?
You should always try alternative treatments before injecting chemicals for skin whitening into your body because of the associated risks. Several options are available if you are looking for alternatives to skin whitening injections. Here are some of them:
- Topical creams: A variety of topical creams and lotions are available that can help lighten the skin. These products usually contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates and removes the top layer of the skin. This can help to improve skin texture and lighten pigmentation.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves using a device to exfoliate the top layer of skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and other pigmentation issues.
- Natural remedies: There are a variety of natural remedies that can help to lighten the skin, such as using lemon juice, aloe vera, and turmeric.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these alternatives can vary depending on your skin type and the severity of your pigmentation issues.
It’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before trying new treatments to ensure they are safe and effective for your skin.
References
- Zubair S, Hafeez S, Mujtaba G. Efficacy of intravenous glutathione vs. placebo for skin tone lightening. J Pak Assoc Dermatol. 2017;26(3):177-81
- Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:147-153
- Sitohang IBS, Ninditya S. Systemic Glutathione as a Skin-Whitening Agent in Adult. Dermatol Res Pract. 2020;2020:8547960
