MEET ALPHA ARBUTIN – THE BEST SECRET INGREDIENT FOR SKIN BRIGHTENING

WHAT IS ALPHA ARBUTIN?

Alpha Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound and a derivative of hydroquinone (a popular skin-lightening ingredient) extracted from the dried leaves of plants like blueberry, cranberry and bearberry. It works as an effective skin-lightening agent, fading pigmentation and spots caused by breakouts, age factor or sun damage.  And, along with its excellent brightening abilities, Alpha Arbutin is also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Uneven skin tone, dark spots and scars are some of the biggest skin care concerns caused by UV exposure. Alpha Arbutin blocks the activity of tyrosinase by slowing down the pigmentation process caused by UV rays. This helps your skin keep dark spots and tan at bay.

While many products and ingredients claim to brighten skin, Alpha Arbutin is one that most people have never heard of, but having said this, it is gaining its popularity as a powerful skin brightener without any of the potential problematic side effects of its brightening counterparts have.  The main reason which makes this ingredient so unique is that it is not only effective, but is also safe and works well for all skin types and tones. If you experience post-blemish redness, age spots, or acne scars then Alpha Arbutin is very effective at treating these ailments. It also helps to even out skin tone and reduce overall redness. If you have sensitive skin, then it is worth giving Alpha Arbutin a try since it is known for being gentler than other skin brighteners like Retinol and Glycolic acid. Arbutin forms an active ingredient in many anti-aging and skin-lightening products and is suitable for all the skin conditions be it oily, dry, normal, combination, or even sensitive skin.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 ARBUTIN SKIN CARE BENEFITS?

Alpha Arbutin functions similarly to hydroquinone but with reduced risk factors. This ingredient poses minimal irritation and sensitization risk, making it a more tolerable alternative to hydroquinone. Arbutin slowly releases hydroquinone over time, thus inhibiting tyrosinase and effectively stops the extra production of melanin as well as blocks the production of tyrosinase.  Ultimately this reduces the degree of skin darkening and dark spots without any harmful side effects.

Natural skin lightening agent – TREATS HYPERPIGMENTATION

Alpha Arbutin helps to reduce sun damage on your skin by reducing the degree of melanin production and sun sensitivity. This natural ingredient can be very beneficial in treating melasma characterized by brown patches, dark spots or discoloration. Given its skin brightening qualities, Alpha Arbutin is shown to help in reducing the intensity of these patches. Being a stable water-soluble compound, it safely and visibly fades dark spots, blemishes and hyper-pigmentation without irritation by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. It is not only known to reduce the appearance of sun spots but also helps in preventing them.

Brightens complexion – GET THE GLOW

Alpha Arbutin is a safe skin-brightening ingredient that can actually brighten your complexion to reveal a younger looking skin.  It reduces the appearance of sun spots and discolored patches by reducing the amount of melanin produced in your skin. It fades discoloration caused by inflammation and environmental stressors and at the same time evening out skin tone. Arbutin does not permanently bleach your skin, it actually brightens your skin by slowing down the melanin production.  It is indeed a safe option for all skin tones as it does not change the skin colour, only evens out your complexion. It brightens the darker areas of the skin (sun damage, melasma and hyper-pigmentation), resulting in a natural even skin tone, looking healthier and vibrant.

Less Aggressive than hydroquinone – SAFE & STILL POWERFUL

Alpha Arbutin is frequently advertised as a safer alternative to hydroquinone. While hydroquinone works by killing the cells that produce pigmentation and melanin, Alpha Arbutin inhibits the enzymes that stimulate pigment-producing cells that minimizes the melanin production in your skin. Unlike other skin brightening ingredients, Alpha Arbutin is gentle and less irritating on the skin. This is due to its active components that are released slowly. It is safe to use in concentrations of up to 2% without experiencing any harsh side effects and a great alternative for sensitive skin types given its mild nature.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER BENEFITS OF USING ALPHA ARBUTIN?

Sun protection properties

Bearberry plant in Alpha Arbutin is found to have sun protection and anti-oxidant properties enabling it to maintain the balance of free radicals in the body.  It tends to neutralize the free radicals and helps fight the early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, Alpha Arbutin helps protect your skin against harmful UV rays and age-causing free radicals, resulting in a clearer and healthier skin.

Smoothening skin tone

 Alpha Arbutin not just only lightens the skin’s complexion but also notably fades away tough acne scars, dark spots and prevents future breakouts.  It works on the skin texture, calming the uneven tone and brightens the skin and slowly provides a radiant glow to it.  Over time, it does improve the skin texture and helps smooth the scarred and uneven skin.  If you have a dry, aging and scaly skin, you can also significantly benefit from Alpha Arbutin’s topical use. It protects, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, giving you a smoother, youthful look.

Less irritating on the skin

Arbutin releases its active component, hydroquinone, slowly and gradually into the skin, making it less irritating than the other skin-lightening ingredients.  People are confident using this active ingredient knowing that it will not pose danger to their skin. Due to the presence of active components released very slowly, it is less drying and irritating.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ALPHA ARBUTIN TO LIGHTEN SKIN?

Just like hydroquinone and other skin whitening agents, Alpha Arbutin works by inhibiting the function and activity of tyrosinase, an oxidizing enzyme that is responsible for the production of melanin in the body. Less melanin means less pigmentation. On being applied topically, Alpha Arbutin, gets absorbed in the skin, targets the tyrosinase enzyme, and inhibits its action.  The pigmentation gradually fades away with regular use, leaving your skin evenly toned without any undesirable spots and patches. It will take about 2 months of consistent topical use of Arbutin before you begin to see improvements. Remember – consistency is key for best results.  You may use for a maximum of 3 months to target hyper-pigmentation but do not use this active ingredient every day, for longer than 3 months at a time. 

We need to understand that Alpha Arbutin only affects the tyrosinase activity and has no permanent action on our skin’s melanocytes. Consistently using Alpha Arbutin will reduce the hyper-pigmented areas and spots on the skin as long as the tyrosinase stays blocked.  Therefore if you discontinue using this active ingredient, the skin-lightening effect will continue for a few more weeks and then eventually wear off. 

HOW TO USE ALPHA ARBUTIN?

You can apply Arbutin product directly to the areas on your face affected by hyper-pigmentation as spot treatment, or you can apply to your entire face (avoid eyes, lips, and mouth). Besides your face, your chest and hands are other areas that hyper-pigmentation can affect as well. Therefore, you can also apply Arbutin to the tops of your hands and chest.  Always hydrate your skin twice a day with a moisturizer after topical application of Arbutin. Let your Arbutin cream or serum fully dry before applying your moisturizer. If you apply moisturizer right away, the Arbutin will not have a chance to get absorbed into your skin enough to work its magic.  Arbutin can make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn and more sensitive to UV rays. Melanin helps protect your skin from sunburn, and since Arbutin limits melanin production, it leaves your skin more susceptible to sunburn. If you are trying to lighten hyper-pigmentation, limit your time in the sun and apply sunscreen daily.

Alpha Arbutin can be used twice daily. For effective results, use it in combination with skin lightening creams, lotions, gels, cleansers, serums and masks. Alpha Arbutin is water soluble and easily incorporated into the water phase of cosmetic formulations. You can use it in 1-2 percent concentration, when incorporating into your skincare formulation. To boost its benefits, you can also apply Alpha Arbutin alongside Vitamin C, Niacinamide or after exfoliating with an AHA. Make sure to apply it to clean, dry skin, before moisturizing.  Do remember that patience is key for optimal results. It will take 1-2 months of consistent topical use of Alpha Arbutin before you begin to see improvements.

HOW TO INCLUDE ARBUTIN IN YOUR DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE ?

Alpha Arbutin is the ideal active ingredient for skin lightening and anti-aging cosmetics like serums, toners, creams, lotions, essences, face masks and foundations.  Pure Alpha Arbutin comes in powdered form and this powder must not be applied directly into a skin because of its potency which may cause a burning sensation. In addition, it has to be dissolved thoroughly before it can be mixed directly into any skin care product. Otherwise the Arbutin will just sit in the mixture like flaky chunks of powder and will not spread evenly across your skin.  Be sure to always buy pure Alpha Arbutin https://greenherbology.com/product/alpha-arbutin-powder/ and never create any skincare product which has more than 2% of Alpha Arbutin.

Below we are sharing a DIY video clip showing  a simple step by step procedure on how to make your own night cream using Alpha Arbutin.  All the ingredients are natural and obtainable at our website https://greenherbology.com/

WHAT DO YOU NEED ❓

👉 Calendula Hydrosol  https://greenherbology.com/product/ca…

👉 Alpha Arbutin  https://greenherbology.com/product/al…

👉 Kojic Acidhttps://greenherbology.com/product/ko…

👉 Emulsifier France https://greenherbology.com/product/em…

👉 Vitamin E https://greenherbology.com/product/vi…

HOW TO MAKE ❓

Add 50ml Calendula Hydrosol into beaker

Add 0.5% Alpha Arbutin ( 3% per total 50ml)

Add 0.5% Kojic Acid ( 3% per total 50ml)

Add 3% Emulsifier France (depending on how thick you want)

Stir well again until a thick paste is formed

Add 2,3 drops of Vitamin E

Stir again until well mixed

Get your bottle and pour it in carefully

Ready to use! Can be stored in freezer

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NOTE 👇

💥 You can add essential oils to achieve more benefits and good scent!

💥 You can add preservative to extend the shelf life

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WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT CAN BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH ARBUTIN ?

Arbutin is commonly paired with other skin brighteners like Retinol, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C or Niacinamide. They all work on the same pathway leading to dark spots and pigmentation and have a greater effect when paired together.  The good news is that Alpha Arbutin has not been reviewed to negatively interact with any other ingredients, so it can be confidently combined with other spot-fading ingredients — i.e. Vitamin C,  Kojic Acid and Niacinamide.  Dealing with hyper-pigmentation is complicated and frustrating as many of these active ingredients work in different ways.

Alpha Arbutin with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help neutralize the free radicals in your skin. Both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin work the same way and thus they complement each other very well. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant which brightens the skin tone and also reduces the signs of aging.  Alpha Arbutin, however, is a highly purified biosynthetic active ingredient that reduces the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.  Both Arbutin and Vitamin C are two of the best skin brightening active ingredients for discolored skin. They are found to draw on each other’s strengths and even speed up brightening process for the overall complexion.  You can also easily mix Alpha Arbutin with Vitamin C serum.

Alpha Arbutin with Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another powerful antioxidant and both Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide make a perfect skin duo. Both ingredients are water-based that can blend quite well and often formulated to feel lightweight for the skin. Apart from improving skin elasticity, it also help restore the hydration for the skin and also work at promoting the production of collagen.  By pairing this with the skin brightening benefits of Alpha Arbutin, you will find the build-up of dead skin cells are exfoliated away leaving you with healthier, clearer and firmer skin which is more resilient.

Alpha Arbutin with Kojic Acid

Alpha Arbutin and Kojic acid are both potent skin lightening agents that can be used quite well together. Alpha Arbutin helps to balance and even out the skin’s texture by targeting age spots, freckles, melasma and hyper-pigmentation.  Kojic Acid displays powerful antioxidant properties helping to protect the pigment producing cells by lightening age spots and skin discoloration. Kojic Acid also displays powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect skin against free radical damage.  Including both ingredients in your skincare regime will help eliminate skin hyper-pigmentation faster and more effectively.

Alpha Arbutin with Retinol

As we know, Retinol boosts in collagen and elastin production improving the skin and reversing any signs of aging and sagging.  Additionally, Retinol  can help fight against uneven skin tone ensuring that areas of hyper-pigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and acne scarring are reduced and less noticeable. Because of the ease of using Alpha Arbutin in your routine without the worry of it causing irritation or reaction to the skin and considering both ingredients are highly potent and that each ingredient works in different areas of the skin, therefore both ingredients will deliver effective results without competing.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ARBUTIN AND HYDROQUINONE ?

Alpha Arbutin is a preferred choice of brightening ingredient because it is a natural derivative of hydroquinone, one of the most effective skin-lightening and spot-fading actives. Hydroquinone has the potential for side effects such as irritation and ochornosis (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin tissue).  That is the reason why you can only use this ingredient for a few months at a time, and also the main reason it has been banned entirely in some countries. Fortunately, Alpha Arbutin works by slowly releasing hydroquinone over time, inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme responsible for the production of melanin in the skin. Because the hydroquinone is being released slowly, the skin will not exposed to too much of it at any one time, mitigating the likelihood of those nasty side effects.  Generally, Arbutin does not have the same type of toxicity as hydroquinone does.  Hydroquinone is one of the best skin brightening ingredients, being potent in nature, it can cause permanent skin damage if used without medical supervision. Alpha Arbutin is considered as an effective and safe alternative to Hydroquinone without any of its harsh side effects.  But unlike hydroquinone and other skin whitening products, the effects of Alpha Arbutin is faster and more effective. In addition, it does not lead to adverse skin health effects as it is naturally extracted.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY TIPS OF USING ALPHA ARBUTIN?

Alpha Arbutin products are safe to use twice a day, both in the morning and evening skincare routines.  For better absorption and hydration, do apply moisturizers and creams in the day and night time respectively. Regardless of the time of day, always cleanse your skin properly before using any product with Alpha Arbutin. Do not forget to apply sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors even if the weather is cloudy.

Alpha Arbutin is proven to be safe for all skin when used in 0.5-2 percent concentrations. While Arbutin normally suits all skin types, there are still rare cases where it can cause adverse reactions. And since it is a form of hydroquinone, it is best to stay away from this ingredient while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Those with sensitive skin may want to avoid using high levels or combining with products containing other potentially irritating ingredients. To be on the safe side, always start from a lower concentration.

A few common side-effects of using Alpha Arbutin are:

Skin irritation

Sun-sensitivity

Mild skin breakouts or redness

To avoid such incidences, it is advised to perform a patch test at least 48 hours before including Alpha Arbutin products in your skincare regime.  And to maintain the potency of this product, please make sure to keep this away from sunlight and store it in a cool dry place to retain its potency and shelf life.