We feel extremely conscious about the dark spots and uneven skin tone, but we barely know what to do about it. These skin issues are very common, owing to the increase in pollution levels and lack of necessary nutrients in the diet. But did you know about a brightening agent called alpha-arbutin? If not, you should start studying it more, and in this write-up, we will discuss the benefits of this brightening ingredient and how you should use it to get the best results.
What is alpha-arbutin?
Alpha arbutin is one of the most effective skin brightening agents. It delivers far better results than other skin-brightening components like kojic acid, vitamin C, and licorice. Many people suffer skin irritation, dryness, redness, and other skin issues while using skin brightening agents. However, alpha-arbutin surpasses all such ingredients as it delivers great results without any side effects.
Benefits of using alpha-arbutin
There are multiple benefits associated with the use of alpha-arbutin. Let us look at these advantages one by one.
Lightens dark spots
Alpha-arbutin delivers substantial results in lightening dark spots like sunspots, acne scars, age spots, melasma, etc. It lightens the skin tone and makes the skin look bright and radiant.
Diminishes acne scars
The red and brown color acne scars resulting from acne make the skin look dull and dehydrated, and alpha-arbutin reduces the appearance of these scars, making your skin look healthier.
Treats uneven skin tone
Alpha-arbutin inhibits the production of tyrosinase, which improves the tone of your skin, making it look more even and flawless. Besides, this ingredient also works on other skin issues like discoloration and loss of elasticity in the skin.
Prevents hyperpigmentation
Alpha arbutin is known to restrain melanin synthesis, making it a perfect ingredient for preventing hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Furthermore, it is also known to protect the skin from free radicals without boosting its sensitivity. Lesser melanin production means more even skin tone with lesser hyperpigmentation, freckles, and reduced dark spots.
How to use alpha-arbutin for best results?
If you notice, you’ll find alpha-arbutin in every dermatologist-recommended skin-lightening product that you buy for your skin. These products may include face washes, serums, creams, gels, and lotions. It is one of the most widely used ingredients in skin-lightening products, and it has gained a lot of popularity off-late.
However, if you still don’t know how to use it, we will guide you through it.
- Experts recommend that alpha-arbutin is safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Therefore, considering its safety, you can use this ingredient twice a day to get noticeable results quickly. So, whether you are using a face wash or face cream, including alpha-arbutin, you can use it twice a day.
- It would be best to do a patch test if you have over-sensitive skin. Patch test helps you be extra sure of the results.
- You can apply alpha-arbutin on clean and dry skin after washing your face and using the toner.
- Make sure that you let this ingredient dry out completely before using moisturizer and sunscreen because otherwise, your moisturizer or sunscreen won’t soak into the skin.
- You can use this ingredient as a spot treatment and apply it directly to the affected areas. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use alpha-arbutin on your entire face. Instead, you can use it both ways.
- While you use this skin-brightening ingredient, ensure that you don’t apply it to your lips, eyes, or mouth.
- It is absolutely safe to use alpha-arbutin in layering with other skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, retinol, etc. Layering would deliver great results in less time. However, it is advised that you should not use more than three skin-brightening ingredients together. So, for best results, it is advised that you consult your dermatologist.
- You can use alpha-arbutin even in the summers, as it does not make your skin sensitive to sun exposure.
- Monitoring the dosage is essential. So, you can take products with 2% concentration in alpha-arbutin and 7% in beta arbutin for topical use.
Experts suggest that you should not continue using these products for more than 90 days at a stretch. So, before you decide otherwise, make sure that you take your dermatologist’s help.
References:
Alpha Arbutin as a Skin Lightening Agent: A Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350621514_Alpha_Arbutin_as_a_Skin_Lightening_Agent_A_Review
Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available?
Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663177/
Arbutin