Glow from the inside: This is how the trend active ingredient works glutathione-according to expert

Who recently with skin care, infusion therapies orHas hardly passed this term: glutathione. The body's molecule is celebrated as a detox booster, glow secret and anti-aging active ingredient-and is now not only found in infusions, but also in nutritional supplements and skin care products. But how good is the effect really? And where is the difference between the capsule, cream and infusion?

For a medically well -founded assessment, we have with Dr. Lukas Kohler spoken, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and founder of practiceLVATEin Munich, where the trend active ingredient is part of modern infusion concepts. In conversation, he explains how glutathione works - and why some of the forms of dosage do not keep what they promise.

"Glutathion is a strong antioxidant that protects our cells, reduces inflammation and helps to relieve the liver," says Dr. Lukas Kohler. In addition to these therapeutic applications, the active ingredient also promises cosmetic benefit: it reduces oxidative stress and inhibits melanin production, which makes the complexion appear even more even. ”

There are many antioxidants - but glutathione has a special unique selling point: it can not only neutralize free radicals themselves, but also reactivate other antioxidants such as vitamin C if their effect subsides. "Glutathione helps to bring used antioxidants back into their active shape - this extends its effect," explains Kohler.

At the same time, glutathione supports the body's detoxification, especially in the liver. And: It works where aging processes begin - in the mitochondria, the power plants of our cells. "This distinguishes it fundamentally from many classic antioxidants," said the doctor.

Glutathione is also particularly effective in the team with other active ingredients - for example inthat the expert offers in his practice. Here it meets alpha lipoic acid,and L-carnitine. "These combinations are not a coincidence," explains Kohler. "Alpha lipoic acid supports the regeneration of glutathione. NAD+ promotes the cell repair, L carnitine the energy metabolism. Together, this results in a clearly noticeable upgrade in terms of cell protection, focus and energy."

In addition to infusions, glutathione is now also available as a dietary supplement in all forms - sprays, powder, pills. "Orally, it is largely broken down in the gastrointestinal tract," explains Dr. Lukas Kohler. "Most of them don't even reach the target cells." In his view, it is much more sensible to supplement so-called precursors such as N-Acetylcystein (NAC). These stimulate the body's own production of glutathione - and are better bioavailable. Nevertheless, the effect remains more subtle than with an intravenous application.

If you want to detoxify once or support the body after a load, you can start with a few sessions. "We usually recommend two to four infusions within one month to increase the glutathione level - after that, the frequency can be individually adjusted," says the expert. He does not want to give flat-rate recommendations for long-term applications: "There are still no sound data, especially in the Longevity context." But it is clear that glutathione is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A lot can also be influenced by nutrition - for example with broccoli, spinach, zucchini or avocados.

Glutathion also appears more and more in Seren and creams. Its ability to inhibit the excessive pigmentation and alleviate dark spots makes the active ingredient exciting for the cosmetic nerve. Combined with vitamin C or ferula acid, glutathione has an antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect - a good choice also for sensitive skin.