The skin lightening market is worth an estimated R130 billion, and despite the many health risks associated with the practice, this number is expected to reach approximately R300 billion by the year 2020, according to a 2009 Global Industry Analysts report.
South Africa is one of three countries on the African continent that regulates the use of skin bleaching products, having banned harmful ingredients including mercury, hydroquinine and corticosteroids, and discriminatory cosmetic advertisements that claim to “bleach”, lighten or “whiten” skin. Yet even with these measures in place, skin lightening is still widely practiced in the country.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology surveyed women in Durban and found that 33% used skin lightening products, suggesting that many are willing to risk serious side effects such as discolouration and skin infections in order to become a few shades lighter.
Recently, due to glowing reviews from local celebrities like Khanyi Mbau and Nomasonto “Mshoza” Maswanganyi, glutathione intravenous (IV) drips are increasingly being hailed as an effective skin lightening method. But there is significant concern among medical experts and scientists on the safety of this method offered by local beauty clinics.
How do glutathione IV treatments work?
Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant present in all cells of the body and occuring naturally in many foods – it’s an immune system booster and detoxifier. Some studies have shown that glutathione may have the potential to fight almost any disease, particularly those associated with aging. However, scientists point out that there is a lack of evidence linking gluthathione supplementation to positive changes in health outcomes.
A few small studies have suggested that it may also have the potential of lightening skin tone due to its reported ability of preventing skin cells from producing melanin, the pigment responsible for darker complexions. This is why the beauty industry is now cashing in on this antioxidant and has offered it in many forms including in tablet form and lately as an IV infusion.
Some local beauty clinics are charging a steep R1000 per glutathione IV session and administering an infusion of glutathione and other vitamins and minerals straight into a customer’s bloodstream via an IV drip. These clinics recommend that customers have weekly sessions until they reach their desired skin tone, after which monthly treatments are required to maintain the results.
Glutathoine IV drips could damage your health
Unfortunately, it is this suggested prolonged treatment that concerns health professionals. "The vast majority of women – and men – shouldn’t be encouraged to have glutathione IV treatments, as the consequences of long-term use hasn’t been discovered yet,” explains Professor Lester Davids, a molecular cell biologist at the University of Cape Town.
According to a recent paper authored by Professor Davids and published in the South African Medical Journal, IV glutathione treatments have so far only been deemed safe when administered for a few weeks at the most, with further studies needed to determine the safety of long-term use.
Professor Davids reports that some of the possible adverse side effects of long-term use include a higher risk of UV damage and skin cancer due to lower melanin levels. “There’s also the potential for serious complications such as septicaemia, infective endocarditis, and blood infections as a result of the treatments being given by those without health qualifications,” says Professor Davids.
Back in 2015, the United States Federal Drug Authority (FDA) announced that it hadn’t approved any injectable skin lightening treatments, warning that they could be unsafe and contain harmful substances.
With this in mind, those eager to sign up for glutathione IV treatments should hold off on the decision, at least until their safety has been established. And rather than focusing on complexion, Professor Davids advises that attention shifts to the overall condition of one’s skin. "Lighter skin is not necessarily good skin – healthy skin is good skin,” he cautions.
FEATURED PRODUCT: Olay's Ageless anti-ageing collection
Looking to transform your skin's appearance so it doesn't show your age? Make use of the convenience of online shopping to purchase and try out the Olay Ageless anti-ageing collection.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com