What is the glutathione treatment that Sarina undergoes in Made in Heaven 2?
Indian beauty standards have often been associated with an unfortunate obsession with fair or white skin. This cultural inclination towards lighter skin tones has historical roots, influenced by factors such as colonialism, social hierarchies, and perceptions of beauty.
The media, advertising, and entertainment industries have perpetuated this preference, portraying fair skin as a symbol of attractiveness and success. This obsession has led to a widespread market for skin-lightening products, despite the potential physical and mental health risks associated with their use.
This time it is an Indian series, Made in Heaven, that tries to shed some light on the Indian's obsession with 'bright skin'. Without any spoilers, here's what happens in the series:
- Season 2 Episode 1 of the series, focusses on the wedding between Sarina and Aman.
- The bride-to-be Sarina (Zayn Marie Khan), is about to get married to Aman, an NRI.
- Her mother and prospective in-laws hold a negative opinion of her due to her skin colour.
- In an attempt to lighten her complexion, she undergoes a concealed skin treatment, resulting in a facial rash that emerges just a day prior to her bachelorette celebration.
The 'treatment' that she takes is called shots of glutathione, and yes we do still have treatments like this in India, EVEN IN 2023.
Let us break it down.
What is glutathione?
Dr Anupama Bisaria, a dermatologist from Noida, explains what it is.
She says glutathione is an antioxidant, "So, long ago, there were some chemotherapy patients who were being treated for cancer. And in these patients, glutathione was used as an antioxidant and it was noticed that their skin tends to become lighter."
- She explains that the effect of glutathione on skin lightening and whitening was extrapolated and some people started using it as a skin-lightening agent.
- Now, it can be used in various forms, but the two forms that have been found to have better results are when it is used either sublingually, that is, as tablets that dissolve in the mouth; or when it is given intravenously (like IV drips or injections).
She also adds that neither she nor her 'other dermat friends' recommend glutathione.
However, she also says that in some patients, glutathione can be used as a brightening agent, especially if your big day -- a wedding day, or a contest that you are participating in -- is coming up. This kind of treatment is generally done in some spas or hotels according to her.
"Personally, I do not recommend or give IV glutathione, but I know a lot of people who do, and the results definitely cannot be guaranteed in a lot of patients. And because it is an expensive therapy, it results in frustration," says Dr Bisaria.
Apart from being expensive, and ethically and morally wrong, glutathione has other side-effects too. Dr Shubhajit Shonswal, a dermatologist from Mumbai, explains the allergic reactions (like the one Sarina gets from glutathione in Made in Heaven 2).
Allergic reactions
In some cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to glutathione supplements. If you notice any unusual symptoms after starting supplementation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
He also said that Individuals with certain health conditions, such as asthma, should exercise caution with glutathione supplementation, as it may exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
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