What is arbutin and what does it do?

Uneven skin tone and dark spots are some of the biggest skin problems. While many products and ingredients claim to brighten skin, alpha arbutin is something that most people have never heard of. Arbutin is a powerful skin lightener that targets dark spots. What makes this ingredient so unique is that it is not only effective but also safe for all skin types and tones. We told you what arbutin is, what it does and how it is used.

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What is arbutin?

Arbutin is a natural derivative of hydroquinone (a common skin lightening agent) isolated from the dried leaves of plants such as blueberries and cranberries. Alpha Arbutin is an effective skin lightening ingredient that reduces pigmentation and blemishes caused by acne or sun damage. The amount of melanin in the skin is determined by an enzyme known as tyrosinase in melanocyte cells that determines skin color. Tyrosinase is activated when your skin comes into contact with UV light. Alpha-arbutin inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing the pigmentation process caused by UV radiation. This will help your skin avoid dark spots and sun damage.

Now that we know what arbutin is, let’s see what it does.

What does arbutin do, what are the benefits?

Alpha Arbutin effectively brightens and reduces dark spots caused by UV-induced pigmentation and free radicals without increasing sun sensitivity. Corrects discoloration caused by inflammation and environmental stressors and evens out skin tone. It can also effectively treat skin pallor and loss of elasticity caused by glycation and sugar.

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Reduces dark spots and pigmentation

Alpha-arbutin reduces the activity of tyrosinase, which reduces the formation of melanin in the skin. Reduced levels of tyrosine and melanin effectively remove pigmentation and dark spots. Thus, it provides a smoother appearance.

Helps treat melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown spots on the face of pregnant women due to hormonal changes. Alpha Arbutin helps reduce these blemishes due to its skin lightening function. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before using alpha arbutin.

Brightens the skin

Alpha Arbutin brightens the skin by combating hyperpigmentation and dark spots for a more youthful-looking complexion. Although it does not lighten the skin permanently, it brightens the skin by reducing the formation of melanin.

Evens out skin tone

One of the benefits of alpha arbutin is that it does not affect skin color. Alpha Arbutin is safe for all skin tones. Evens out skin tone while brightening darker areas of the skin.

Who Should Use Arbutin?

Regardless of your skin tone or age, you can use alpha arbutin to remove pigmentation and sunburn related problems on your skin. It is suitable for topical use in skin care at doses up to 2%. On the other hand, beta-arbutin is safe for topical use in skin care products at concentrations up to 7%. Unlike many other skin lightening products, alpha arbutin is gentle and less irritating to the skin.

We learned what arbutin is, what it does, and who should use it. Now let’s see how to use it.

How is arbutin used?

Alpha Arbutin can be applied twice a day (morning and evening). For best results, it should be used in combination with lotions, gels, cleansers, serums, masks, and other skin lightening chemical peels. You can apply Alpha Arbutin to the skin after exfoliating with Vitamin C or AHA to maximize its benefits. It will be better if you apply it on clean and dry skin before moisturizing.

Remember that consistency is essential for the best results. It will take 1-2 months of continuous topical application of Alpha Arbutin before you notice any improvement.

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