Arbutin is the newest name that rides the bandwagon of active skincare ingredients. Extracted from plants like pear,blueberry and cranberry , the ingredient is mainly used in skin brightening. Treating blemishes and uneven pigmentation are major benefits of using alpha arbutin.
Dermatologists trust this ingredient much more than other active ingredients to treat blemishes than other active ingredient counterparts.
Termed as one of the safest ingredients to provide skin brightening and helping in fading out scars left by acne and breakouts.
It is termed safe than the counterpart hydro uinone but has the same skin brightening benfits without the process of bleaching that could be harmful. Hydroquinone is banned in Europe and Australia which paved way for arbutin to replace it in the shelves.
Arbutin works to suppress the enzymes which produce melanin thereby reducing pigmentation. A slow down happens in process by which the UV rays cause pigmentation. As a result arbutin works to prevent as well as treat pigmentation.
Post blemish redness, dark spots and age spots denote pigmentation in various stages. Arbutin works to treating thse conditions by reducing the redness and making the skin tone even. People with sensitive skin can best chose arbutin over harsher counterparts like retinol and lactic acid.
BENEFITS:
Treatment of hyperpigmentation
A cosmeceutical that helps to fade out scars, age spots and melasma.Arbutin also works to prevent future freckles and hyperpigmentation even after sunburn.
Arbutin stops any extra production of melanin. Melanin production involves a chain of processes. Simply put arbutin stops the chain to treat pigmentation.
BRIGHTER SKIN
Arbutin aids in making skin tone even and to brighten the skin. This makes skin glow and appear healthy. It is a skincare beauty blender that is naturally blending the skin instead of using a foundation.
SAFER AND POWERFUL ALTERNATIVE TO HYDROQUINONE
Traditionally hydroquinone has been used in treating melasma and pigementation because of its ability to clear out scars. But the synthetic hydroquinone thats been used in products is aggressive in nature causing skin damage if not used in proper application methods. Results show that improper usage can lead to blue or grey patches on skin, When compared arbutin is much safer for topical application and it also being a natural derivative makes it a better choice. Arbutin has been proven to work even on the toughest pigmentation conditions and extreme cases of melasma.
What should you keep in mind?
One thing to keep in mind is that alpha arbutin is safe when used in 2% concentration and beta arbutin concentration can go upto 7% for safer limits.
Arbutin is great on all skin types and tones.But few suggestions to improvise the application benefits would be to include vitamin C alongside to boost the brightening benefits or to exfoliate using an AHA and then follow up with arbutin.
Do not use beyond three months and the improvements take at least 1-2 months to show up.
Patience and perseverence are two most important things to keep in mind when treating skin conditions. No product is magical to just make your skincare concerns disappear in a day. Make sure to give time for the product to work and to trust your body.
How to use?
Can be used in forms of gel,cream or a serum.
The sequence in usage would be,
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Arbutin
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Use it initially as a spot treatment. Always begin with a patch test. Can be done on forehead when skin is thickest. Gradually increase areas of application to pigmentation prone area or even entire face. Massage for two minutes to get the product absorbed by skin.
Follwo up with moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. The arbutin must be dried up before appying moisturizer else it will not absorb into skin and do its job.
Arbutin makes skin susceptible to sunburn and UV radiation effects. Since arbutin works to inhibit melanin production the skin is delicate and can be damaged easily. So always make sure to use sunscreen when using arbutin.
ARBUTIN PRODUCTS
Minimalist 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum for Pigmentation, Dark Spots & Tan Removal with HA
The formulation is made up of 2% alpha arbutin with a combination of hyaluronic acid. Proven to be nine times more effective than beta arbutin. Can be used daily. Promises even tone in 5 weeks.
Suited for both AM and PM routine . To be followed up with sunscreen.
Price: 549 quantity : 30ml
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The Derma Co. 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum For Dark Spots & Uneven Skin Tone
The formulation contains 2% alpha arbutin in combination with hyaluronic acid and tartaric acid to reduce pigmentation and stop melanin production. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and also boosts collagen productions whereas tartaric acid on the other hand is naturally derived from grapes to work on lessening pigmentation and spots.
Suited for both AM and PM routine . To be followed up with sunscreen.
Price: 449 quantity : 30 ml
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Dot & Key Alpha Arbutin + Azelaic Biphasic Serum Radiance Concentrate
It is india’s first two phase serum that combines oil and water. Natural oils are infused with active ingredients to provide skin brightening benefits.
Formulation has alpha arbutin in combination with azelaic acid , peony flower rich in antioxidants, mulberry and rosehip oil.
Advised to be used in AM and PM routine.
Price: 491 quantity: 20ml
That Madras Mom 