Did intense research on skin brightening and getting rid of hyperpigmentation lead you to the arcane Alpha Arbutin?
Well, it’s brought you to the right place. We’ve got you covered coz even though we’ve been led to believe otherwise, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated!
What is Alpha Arbutin?
Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are chemically derived versions of Arbutin, which is a naturally occurring glycoside found in plants such as Bearberry, Mulberry, and Cranberry. Both Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are skin brightening agents but Alpha Arbutin is found to be more stable, potentially less irritating, and almost 10 times more effective than Beta Arbutin.
How does Alpha Arbutin work?
Alpha Arbutin acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, in other words, it inhibits tyrosinase and interferes with Melanogenesis. Unlike one of the most potent and popular skin brightening ingredients Hydroquinone, Alpha Arbutin does not harm the cells that produce melanin. Instead, Alpha Arbutin competes with tyrosine and impedes the effect of tyrosinase which is responsible for the production of melanin. Less melanin means less pigmentation.
How Alpha Arbutin serum benefits the skin
- It can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation or PIH.
- It can improve uneven skin tone and texture.
- It can help fade acne scars and dark spots.
- It can improve the appearance of tanning and damage caused by sun exposure.
- It can safely brighten skin.
Who should use Alpha Arbutin serum?
If the thought of using a skin brightening agent worries you, fear not, for Alpha Arbutin can generally safely be used by all skin types.
How to choose the right Alpha Arbutin serum?
If you’ve managed to get over your skepticism concerning Alpha Arbutin, you might be wondering how to choose which alpha arbutin serum you should add in your skincare routine. Alpha arbutin has shown to be safe and effective for concentration of up to 2% . As with other actives, higher concentration can cause irritation.Ingredients that pair well with Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin itself, is a skin brightening agent, but the fact that it pairs well with other brightening agents such as Vitamin C or Kojic acid is just the cherry on top of the cake. When used with other brightening ingredients, it can effectively reduce pigmentation. Alpha Arbutin can also be used alongside an AHA or a BHA for better absorption. Alpha arbutin and Niacinamide together help to achieve smoother and brighter skin.
Ingredients to keep Alpha Arbutin away from
Alpha Arbutin can safely be used with most ingredients out there. While there are no known negative interactions with other ingredients, alkaline conditions may cause Alpha Arbutin to convert into hydroquinone. So make sure to investigate the pH of products you plan on using with Alpha Arbutin.
Potential Side Effects of Alpha Arbutin
Although unlikely, Alpha Arbutin may have potential side effects such as skin irritation, sun sensitivity, and redness. It’s also important to know that heat reduces the potency of Alpha Arbutin, so make sure to keep your Alpha Arbutin serum away from sunlight and store it in a cool place.
Conclusion
Alpha Arbutin is a safe skin brightening ingredient that works well alongside other ingredients. Due to lesser side effects, it’s a good alternative to conventional skin brightening ingredients such as Hydroquinone. While Alpha Arbutin isn’t an absolute necessity in your skincare routine, it is hands down one of the most effective ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
FAQs
- Is Alpha Arbutin safe for the skin?
Alpha Arbutin can safely be used by all skin types. As it comes without the nasty side effects, it’s considered a good alternative to hydroquinone. Alpha Arbutin safely works on the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase to tackle pigmentation and brighten skin.
- Can Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C be used together?
Absolutely yes! Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C are potent skin brightening agents. Combining the two increases their efficacy and may produce a much better result.
- Does Alpha Arbutin cause purging?
Alpha Arbutin does not typically cause purging. In case of irritation, consider switching to a formulation with different actives or a lower concentration of Alpha Arbutin.
- Does Alpha Arbutin permanently brighten skin?
No, Alpha Arbutin does not permanently brighten skin. Since it works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, the brightening effect on the skin only lasts as long as Alpha Arbutin is used.
