Melanin is a major factor in darkening the skin. Since the amount of melanin synthesis is positively correlated with the activity of tyrosinase, blocking tyrosinase has become the key to preventing black. The ingredients that can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase include hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, hemostatic acid, etc., and the mechanism of action is slightly different.
Cysteine in glutathionehas the function of inhibiting tyrosinase activity. In medical trials, cysteine was found to reduce the activity of tyrosinase. Cysteine is an amino acid containing a sulfhydryl group. The sulfhydryl group has a strong nucleophilic effect. The sulfhydryl group can rapidly react with dopaquinone to rapidly form a colorless dopa derivative, thereby blocking the conversion of dopa to pigment.
Glutathione can indeed interfere with the synthesis of melanin, and its mechanisms mainly include:
1. Directly inhibit the activity of tyrosinase.
2. Free radicals can activate tyrosinase, while glutathione can scavenge free radicals and inhibit the activation of tyrosinase.
3. Turn the melanin synthesis pathway toward pheomelanin (rather than the melanin that darkens the skin).