Alpha Arbutin for skin: Benefits and how to use it?
When it comes to wrinkles, many people assume wrinkles are the biggest concern, but there are a lot of people who are concerned about uneven skin tone.
If you've been battling discolouration, you're certainly familiar with the big-name lightening ingredients on the market: hydroquinone, liquorice extract, and vitamin C. But take my word for it: a spot-fading hero is on the rise, poised to become the next big thing in skincare. Alpha-arbutin effectively combats hyperpigmentation without the potentially serious side effects associated with its lightning counterparts.
In this article, you will come to know about alpha-arbutin, including how to use it to achieve the glowing, even skin, you've always desired.
Highlights:
- What is Alpha Arbutin
- How it works on skin
- Top Benefits of Alpha Arbutin
- How to Use
- Side Effects
- FAQs
What is Alpha Arbutin
Arbutin is a naturally occurring substance found in plants such as Bearberry, Cranberry and Mulberry that inhibits the development of melanin (the pigment that creates skin colour). Alpha Arbutin is a chemically synthesised variant of plant extract used as a topical skin brightening agent to treat dark spots, pigmentation, and scars caused by UV exposure and breakouts. It also contains antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from UV rays. It's a common ingredient in anti-ageing creams, along with retinol, to cure age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
How it works on skin
Alpha Arbutin is essentially a sugar molecule that is abundant in bearberry plants. Arbutin's skin benefits are most sought in skincare because it is a powerful antioxidant and skin brightener. Hydroquinone is commonly used to lighten skin tones. However, Alpha Arbutin is a gold standard substitute for Hydroquinone because it performs the same function without any side effects.
Alpha Arbutin works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme found in melanocytes. Melanocytes are in charge of melanin production. Colored pigments are produced by melanin. In layman's terms, less tyrosinase means less pigment, which means less discolouration and unsightly dark spots. In addition to its remarkable brightening properties, alpha arbutin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Top Benefits of Alpha Arbutin
Listed below are some amazing benefits of Alpha Arbutin:
Reduce dark spots or patches:
By inhibiting tyrosinase activity, alpha-arbutin is known to reduce melanin production in the skin. Tyrosine and melanin levels are lower, which means reduced pigmentation, black patches, and a more even skin tone. Alpha arbutin can be used to diminish age spots, post-blemish redness and acne. It helps to make you free from freckles or liver spots if you have them.
Moisturizes skin:
If your skin is dry and flaky, you can fundamentally profit from arbutin's effective use. It secures and supports the skin, giving you a smoother, youthful look.
Sun protection:
Arbutin has sun protection benefits because it inhibits the formation of tyrosinase, which causes the skin to darken after exposure to the sun.
Skin-friendly:
In contrast to other skin brightening treatments, arbutin does not irritate or dry the skin. Because arbutin's active component is released slowly, it may be less irritating than other skin-lightening agents, making it ideal for persons with sensitive skin.
Improves uneven complexion:
Arbutin can help prevent or eradicate dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that aids in the creation of melanin (which results in a more even complexion). Alpha arbutin helps to improve skintone.
Safer than Hydroquinone:
Hydroquinone was formerly marketed as a skin-lightening wonder ingredient - until the FDA warned that it was cancer-causing (when taken orally rather than applied topically). Arbutin inhibits the enzymes that activate pigment-producing cells, whereas hydroquinones damage the cells that create pigmentation and melanin.
Brightens skin:
Arbutin evens and brightens your complexion, making it appear healthier and more vibrant. Consider it similar to a skin care beauty blender; however, instead of blending out with foundation, arbutin literally blends out your actual skin. Arbutin brings out your inner beaming, beautiful angel face.
How to Use
Patch test:
Put a small amount of arbutin on your forehead (where your facial skin is thickest) at night. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, start using the product as a nightly spot treatment on your skin. Apply the arbutin product both morning and night if there is no irritation after a week.
Apply on the entire face or spot treatment:
You can use arbutin as a spot treatment on the parts of your face affected by hyperpigmentation, or you can use it to treat your entire face (avoid eyes, lips, and mouth). Hyperpigmentation can affect other areas of your body besides your faces, such as your chest and hands. Arbutin can therefore be applied to the tops of your hands and chest.
Arbutin can be taken twice a day for the best benefits. It can be taken in the morning and at night.
Side Effects
When used in 3-4 percent concentrations, alpha arbutin is safe for your skin. While arbutin is generally safe for all skin types, it can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Under alkaline conditions, alpha arbutin has the potential to convert into hydroquinone. Alpha Arbutin should be used only with the advice of a dermatologist in such cases.
Alpha arbutin can cause the following side effects:
- Skin irritation that can lead to mild acne
- Sensitivity to the sun or sunburns
- Allergy-induced redness
Summary:
Arbutin is a remarkable chemical that has swept the Asian skincare market, and for good reason. It not only brightens the skin's appearance but also fades dark spots and acne flare-ups. Your skin returns to its pre-arbutin state as soon as you stop using the arbutin products. Arbutin's positive benefits are only transitory, because it simply reduces melanin formation by inhibiting the activity of the important enzyme tyrosinase. There is no long term reaction. The beneficial effects of arbutin on your skin may last for a few weeks. However, it will gradually fade and disappear. Remember that arbutin is the safest of its kind because it does not cause significant changes in your body.
In order to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, you should use alpha arbutin. If you are pregnant, you should avoid using it.
Let's just say that we wouldn't be surprised if alpha-arbutin begins to appear on beauty shelves soon. Yes, it is that good.
FAQs
Q. Is Alpha Arbutin safe for skin?
Ans. Yes, it is safe for all skin types. It only evens out the complexion without changing the skin colour. It lightens the hyperpigmented area and gives you even tone skin.
Q. Can we use Alpha Arbutin with vitamin C?
Ans. These both are powerful antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals from the skin. So, they give very good results when combined together.
Q. How long does arbutin take to work?
Ans. It will take around 1-2 months. Results will not happen overnight. Consistency is the only key to optimal results.