Dark spots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation – these are just a few concerns many of us face in our journey for a radiant complexion. While there are numerous brightening ingredients out there, two of the most popular are alpha arbutin and vitamin C. But which one is superior? In this blog, we'll delve into the key differences and benefits of both alpha arbutin and vitamin C, helping you decide which one (or perhaps even both!) is the perfect fit for your skincare routine.
How is Alpha Arbutin & Vitamin C similar?
- Both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin have antioxidant properties which help in fighting free radical damage that can contribute to wrinkles and premature aging.
- Both are used to reduce pigmentation or in evening out the skin tone
How is Alpha Arbutin & Vitamin C different?
- Alpha Arbutin functions by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase whereas Vitamin C functions by neutralizing free radicals.
- The higher concentration of Alpha Arbutin may cause pigmentation but that is not the case with Vitamin C. But that doesn’t mean you can use it in more percentage than required.
- Alpha Arbutin doesn’t stimulate collagen production but Vitamin C does.
Benefits of using Alpha Arbutin serum & Vitamin C serum together
The following are some benefits of using Vitamin C serum and alpha arbutin serum together:
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help your skin fight free radicals. Both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin together function on the same pathway, therefore they complement each other nicely. Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, improves skin tone and minimizes the indications of aging.
- When used with Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin serum benefits are amplified. Use Alpha Arbutin twice a day, in the morning with Vitamin C and sunscreen. Exfoliate twice a day with an aha and bha serum for optimum product penetration. So basically, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also brightens the skin.
Which is more effective?
Both are amazing antioxidants and have shown to be tolerated by almost all skin types (we’d still recommend doing a patch test) and it doesn’t have any negative interactions with any other ingredients. Both are used to reduce unwanted discoloration, pigmentation, acne marks, or blemishes.
Risks of Alpha Arbutin and vitamin C serum & how to use them safely
When taken in quantities of upto 2%, alpha arbutin has been shown to be safe for your skin. While arbutin is generally safe for all skin types, it can induce allergic responses in rare situations.
There’s a potential that alpha arbutin will convert to hydroquinone, a depigmenting chemical used to brighten darker skin, in an alkaline environment. In these cases, alpha arbutin should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Alpha arbutin has a number of negative side effects. Irritation of the skin that might lead to moderate acne. It may cause sun sensitivity or sunburns, as well as redness or irritation as a result of an allergic reaction.
Vitamin C is a chemical that is generally safe and well tolerated. The only risk is that some of these serums include a diverse range of substances.
Conclusion
While both alpha arbutin and vitamin C are superstars for brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation, they target the issue in slightly different ways. Alpha arbutin excels at inhibiting melanin production, while vitamin C boasts additional antioxidant and collagen-boosting benefits. The good news is, you can leverage the strengths of both! By incorporating them into your routine (with proper formulation and patch testing), you can create a powerful brightening duo for a radiant, even-toned complexion.
Faqs
1.HOW TO USE ALPHA ARBUTIN AND VITAMIN C TOGETHER?
Alpha arbutin is beneficial to all skin types and tones. It’s best if you combine it with vitamin C. Alpha Arbutin with Vitamin C can be used at any time of day or night, and should be applied to clean, dry skin before using an oil free moisturiser.
2.WHICH IS BETTER: ALPHA ARBUTIN OR VITAMIN C?
Both ingredients are good in what they do.Alpha arbutin is a highly active ingredient that helps in reducing the dark spots appearance and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin tone and helps to reduce signs of ageing, while alpha arbutin is a highly purified biosynthetic active ingredient that brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of aging.
3.CAN I USE ALPHA ARBUTIN WITH VITAMIN C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help your skin neutralize free radicals. Because Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C boost each other’s efficacy and hence work well together. Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, improves skin tone and minimizes aging indications.
4.WHAT COMES FIRST, ARBUTIN OR VITAMIN C?
Use Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C in conjunction or after exfoliating, which will improve its absorption.
So, it is important to use the right ingredient for your skin type & not to overuse them
