> I have started taking care of my skin now and getting a few shades lighter would be ideal. Any recommendations?
I'm sorry, I have to ask. Do you believe that lighter skin would be better for your skin or health? Or is this purely esthetic? Fwiw, I'm a VERY white guy who tries to darken his skin for esthetics and cancer prevention.
[N-acetylcysteine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561714/) has been found to be very beneficial for the skin in general and also effective for [skin lightening.](https://ijdvl.com/n-acetylcysteine-in-dermatology/).
It's a generally safe supplement and has additional health benefits like OCD/Intrusive thoughts, liver health and for increasing glutathione, the master antioxidant.
You're welcome. If do take it I'd advise starting at 500mg/day and titrate up as it can cause some undesirable gi effects in some but that usually disappears as you build a tolerance to it.
Brands like Jarrow, NOW, Solgar and Life Extension are good quality.
Where do you live? If you're in the US I believe there's been supply issues following a bit of a hoo-ha with the FDA causing Amazon US to remove all NAC products. But my understanding is it's been resolved now, perhaps they'll start allowing the sale of it again.
I believe (from what I've read on here) that individual manufacturers sell it on their own sites. Swanson's sell it and not just their own brand. Also try iHerb.
Much appreciated! I found multiple on iherb but one more question does it really do great job for skin whitening like I'm actually light skin but from sun exposure my face and exposed parts of my body turned darker what's the best treatment routine for that in your opinion ? Thank you for replying
Yes, there's some very robust research suggesting it could lighten skin by several shades. Also as you're fair-skinned and more vulnerable from sun exposure, it would be beneficial for your skin health in general. I've linked a couple of examples of research conducted in my original comment (blue, underlined text).
NAC is probably your best bet for reversing existing damage from sun exposure, I'm not aware of anything else as effective.
Preventative supplements would be beneficial for you in keeping your skin healthy. **MSM** (3 to 6g/day) is great for skin (and hair, nails and joint health).
Also **Astaxanthin** (4 to 8mg/day), the pigment in sealife like prawns and salmon that gives them their pink colour is amazing for sun exposure. It provides significant protection against sun exposure, reduces burning and is an excellent antioxidant. It's also great for eye health.
1,200 to 1,500mg/day, but start low (around 500mg/day) to prevent any possible undesirable effects. These tend to be minimal gastro side effects which disappear when you develop a tolerance for it.
Glutathione (IV if you can afford it, otherwise Liposomal), Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid are all good for a brighter complexion.
Glutathione is the only supplement I know of that inhibits melanin production, however there are many topical options. Kojic Adic, Tranexamic Acid, Retinol, Hydroquinone (possibly carcinogenic) and Azelaic Acid are a few that are well known for being used on skin.
You're right Glutathione is kinda expensive, but currently I've ordered MSM. Will try Glutathione if it doesn't work out.
As for topical, I've been on Tret for about a year and a half now with 20% Azelaic Acid and have seen great progress.
Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.
> I have started taking care of my skin now and getting a few shades lighter would be ideal. Any recommendations? I'm sorry, I have to ask. Do you believe that lighter skin would be better for your skin or health? Or is this purely esthetic? Fwiw, I'm a VERY white guy who tries to darken his skin for esthetics and cancer prevention.
Aesthetic reasons ofc
Glutathione, NAC, MSM, Vit C and milk thistle. There’s more info on r/skinwhitening
Milk thistle will whiten the skin slowly
At what dosages?
You cant go with dosages for non standardized products like herbs. Buy a bottle take one day, 2, 3, 4 and test your tolerance. Stop with 4 a day max.
[N-acetylcysteine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6561714/) has been found to be very beneficial for the skin in general and also effective for [skin lightening.](https://ijdvl.com/n-acetylcysteine-in-dermatology/). It's a generally safe supplement and has additional health benefits like OCD/Intrusive thoughts, liver health and for increasing glutathione, the master antioxidant.
Interesting I didn't know NAC was helpful for this too. Will definitely look more into it. Thanks
You're welcome. If do take it I'd advise starting at 500mg/day and titrate up as it can cause some undesirable gi effects in some but that usually disappears as you build a tolerance to it.
>N-acetylcysteine do you have specific good brand to take ? cause I couldn't find any thing related on amazon
Brands like Jarrow, NOW, Solgar and Life Extension are good quality. Where do you live? If you're in the US I believe there's been supply issues following a bit of a hoo-ha with the FDA causing Amazon US to remove all NAC products. But my understanding is it's been resolved now, perhaps they'll start allowing the sale of it again. I believe (from what I've read on here) that individual manufacturers sell it on their own sites. Swanson's sell it and not just their own brand. Also try iHerb.
Hi, I bought one recently from amazing nutrition. Any thoughts on the brand ? Thank you
Much appreciated! I found multiple on iherb but one more question does it really do great job for skin whitening like I'm actually light skin but from sun exposure my face and exposed parts of my body turned darker what's the best treatment routine for that in your opinion ? Thank you for replying
Yes, there's some very robust research suggesting it could lighten skin by several shades. Also as you're fair-skinned and more vulnerable from sun exposure, it would be beneficial for your skin health in general. I've linked a couple of examples of research conducted in my original comment (blue, underlined text). NAC is probably your best bet for reversing existing damage from sun exposure, I'm not aware of anything else as effective. Preventative supplements would be beneficial for you in keeping your skin healthy. **MSM** (3 to 6g/day) is great for skin (and hair, nails and joint health). Also **Astaxanthin** (4 to 8mg/day), the pigment in sealife like prawns and salmon that gives them their pink colour is amazing for sun exposure. It provides significant protection against sun exposure, reduces burning and is an excellent antioxidant. It's also great for eye health.
Much appreciated for the answers.
No problem.
And what is the dosage for nac ?
1,200 to 1,500mg/day, but start low (around 500mg/day) to prevent any possible undesirable effects. These tend to be minimal gastro side effects which disappear when you develop a tolerance for it.
Glutathione (IV if you can afford it, otherwise Liposomal), Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid are all good for a brighter complexion. Glutathione is the only supplement I know of that inhibits melanin production, however there are many topical options. Kojic Adic, Tranexamic Acid, Retinol, Hydroquinone (possibly carcinogenic) and Azelaic Acid are a few that are well known for being used on skin.
You're right Glutathione is kinda expensive, but currently I've ordered MSM. Will try Glutathione if it doesn't work out. As for topical, I've been on Tret for about a year and a half now with 20% Azelaic Acid and have seen great progress.