Glutathione, Collagen & Probiotics Offer Skin Rejuvenation

Between free radicals and the unavoidable effects of age, maintaining healthy skin can pose a serious challenge. Luckily, ingredients such as glutathione (GSH), collagen and probiotics can help consumers keep their skin youthful and glowing.

Though the name may not sound like your typical beauty product, the ingredient glutathione (GSH) can regulate melanin production for a brighter skin tone when applied topically, according to a new study on healthy adult women. (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2014 Oct; 2014(7): 267-274)

In the study, 30 women ages 30 to 50 years old applied a lotion containing Kyowa Hakko’s Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) to one side of their faces for a total of 10 weeks. They also applied a placebo to the other side. Researchers found skin treated with GSSG experienced a noticeable whitening effect compared to placebo, as well as significant increases in moisture content, suppression of wrinkle formation and improvements in skin smoothness.

The number of free radicals attacking our bodies’ cells increases as we age, which is why antioxidants such as glutathione are critical for destroying free radicals and detoxifying the body. Middle-aged adults (ages 45 to 65 years old) tend to use GSH for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties, Karen Todd, R.D., director of marketing at Kyowa Hakko USA, reported in INSIDER’s Glutathione Digital Pulse. And while the company’s research shows only about 6 percent of consumers actually know about GSH and its benefits, this percentage has slowly been increasing over the years.

Collagen is another ingredient known to rejuvenate the skin, and a new company study shows Nippi Collagen’s TruMarine™ Collagen ingredient can noticeably improve skin’s texture, tone and smoothness for a more youthful appearance.

The study included 88 women ages 35 to 65 years who received either TruMarine Collagen or placebo after dinner for eight weeks. Before the treatment and at four and eight weeks, digital images of the face were analyzed by VISIA® Complexion Analysis with multiple end points for facial skin parameters related to cutaneous aging, including wrinkles, pores, age spots and texture (variation in tone and smoothness on the skin surface), which were objectively measured. In addition, subjects kept a daily diary and a subjective self-assessment questionnaire of facial skin condition. Overall, wrinkles, texture, tone and smoothness all significantly improved. The daily intake of TruMarine™ Collagen resulted in a noticeable improvement of facial skin condition at both four and eight weeks.

Though known for their benefits to gut and immune health, probiotics can also improve the skin health, and Sabinsa’s LactoSpore® now allows consumers to maintain a healthy balance of microflora on the skin with the launch of Massey Medicinals Candida Freedom® Soap and Candida Freedom® Bath Salts.

Candida Freedom Soap, an all-natural handcrafted soap, provides B. coagulans topically for supporting healthy skin. The product contains LactoSpore for probiotic support to the skin, and it also contains the oils of tea tree, lemon and lemongrass, which additionally provide antifungal cleanser benefits. According to Shaheen Majeed, Sabinsa’s marketing director, microbes are important for skin health because pathogenic bacteria is involved in conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. However, Candida’s new products offer a soothing effect to the skin and also aid in tissue repair.