Kojic acid

What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic acid is produced by several species of fungi, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which has the Japanese common name koji. It is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice, for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine. It was discovered as a natural product derived form a mushroom in Japan in 1989. It has been successfully used to lighten pigment spots and skin discoloration and considered as a kind of popularly specialized inhibitor of tyrosinase which is responsible for the production of melanin (e.g. Kojic acid dalpalmitate).

Kojic Acid for skin care?

Kojic acid can produce excellent effects in even toning the skin, fighting age spots, pregnancy marks, freckles as well as general skin pigmentation disorders of face and body. It is a pure (98%) and natural material. It also is widely used in the field of medicine and food since it can eliminate free radicals and strengthen cell activity.

As compared to hydroquinone (which is also popular for its whitening effects), Kojic acid is much safer. Hydroquinone is a synthetic agent and may cause irritation on the skin (e.g. edema, erythma, etc). On the other hand, Kojic acid is absolutely safe and has a better tyrosinase inhibitory effect.

Kojic acid preparations can be in a form of a soap, astringent, lotion or cream. It has a micropeeling effect which makes skin smoother, whiter-- with a pinkish glow.

Glutathione via IV insertion

Injectible Glutathione?


Glutathione can also be taken through intravenous (IV) insertion. Usually, people prefer taking glutathione via IV since the effect is faster as compared to the oral glutathione. According to the users, the whitening effect can usually be observed after 2 weeks. The efficacy is also increased when it is combined with vitamin C. The combination of vitamin C and glutathione enhances your immunity, reduces tiredness, and gives more youthful, radiant skin.


How is it administered?

It is given intravenously in the arm by IV push over 10 to 15 minutes usually three times a week.

Beware: Make sure you buy genuine glutathione products!!!

Glutathione and Its Whitening Effects

Glutathione has been making a buzz lately in terms of skin whitening. Different brands have been coming out, convincing consumers that their glutathione is more effective than the rest. Even celebrities swear by this product. So, what really is Glutathione and how does it help in skin whitening?

GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione is a protein consisting of three amino acids namedly cysteine, glutamic acid (glutamate) and glycine. It is known as the body's master anti-oxidant since it is found to be effective in preserving good health and achieving longer life. Exposing to toxins will lessen your body's supply of glutathione. Without the protection of glutathione acting as an anti-oxidant, the cells will die at a faster rate, leading to aging and toxin-induced diseases (e.g. carcinoma). This makes glutathione dfferent from any other skin whitening pills. It does not only whiten the skin but it also has anti-oxidant and healing effects.

Glutathione is found to detoxify the liver of toxins, heavy metals and alcohol. It is primarily formulated as an anti-oxidant and anti-aging. Dematologists usually recommend this since its other major "side-effect" is the whitening of the skin especially when taken with Vitamin C.

HOW DOES IT WHITENS THE SKIN?

Taking L-Glutathione in high dose inhibits tyrosinase activity. This inhibition of the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase will reverse melanin's metabolism turning dark pigmentations (eumelanin) into light pigmentations (phaeomelanin).


WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS IN TAKING GLUTATHIONE?

• improves immune system
• lessens the chances of having heart diseases, premature aging and chronic illness
• increases sperm count for males
• prevents cancer
• helps the liver in detoxifying our body
• protects our body from free radicals and reactive Oxygen molecules
• improves immune system

SIDE EFFECTS

Generally considered to be free of side effects even with prolonged use. However, the only discovered side effect especially when taken in increased doses is skin whitening. This is not a herbal supplement.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None known. However, during chemotherapy and radiation, antioxidants are contraindicated because of their inhibition of the free radical formation which is part of the therapeutic process.

TOXICITY

So far, no toxicities have been reported.

GLUTATHIONE AND SKIN WHITENING

Glutathione's recommended dosage as a skin whitening capsule should be between 20-40 mg/kg of body weight divided into 2 doses each day.

Duration of intake varies depending on your skin color:

• medium brown: ~1-3 months
• dark brown skin: ~3-6 months
• very dark skin: ~6-12 months
• black skin: at least 2 years

It's efficacy in skin whitening is improved when it is taken with Vitamin C, 2-3 times more than the dose of L glutathione.

WARNING! Not all L-glutathione preparations in the market are safe and genuine.


There are L-glutathione preparations in the market that are found to be not safe and effective. The following components are harmful and may cause advers side effects in the body when combined with L-glutathione in pills. Avoid taking L-glutathione preparations with the following ingredients:

• Goat/ Sheep placenta extract - this should not be taken orally. Usual complaints are gaining weight and pimples.

• Vitamin A and E of high dosage- these may lead to hypervitaminosis, or may cause toxicity with prolonged use. They are fat-soluble vitamins thus an excess of these will not be excreted and just simply be retained in the liver.

• Tyrostat (L Tyrosine)- meant for topical consumption and not to be taken orally. Some users complained that their hair turned white and tenderness of the breasts.