Femme Organics Alpha Arbutin Powder

Alpha arbutin is a naturally occurring 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 or sun damage. Wondering how? Let’s dig deeper. 
 

Your skin colour depends on the amount of melanin, which is stimulated by an enzyme called tyrosinase in your melanocyte cells. Every time your skin comes in contact with UV light, tyrosinase is activated. 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

Extracted from plants such as bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries, alpha arbutin is a safe skin brightening ingredient which helps to fade scars and pigmentation left behind by breakouts and sun damage.

How To Use Alpha Arbutin?

Alpha arbutin can be used twice daily. For effective results, use it in combination with skin lightening creams, gels, cleansers, serums, masks and other chemical peels. They function by reducing melanin production and brightening your skin.

To boost its benefits, you can apply alpha arbutin alongside vitamin C, or after exfoliating with an AHA (which will improve its absorption). Make sure to apply it to clean, dry skin, before moisturizing.

Remember, consistency is key for optimal results. It will take 1-2 months of consistent topical use of alpha arbutin before you begin to see improvements.

Who Should Use Alpha Arbutin?

No matter what your skin type or age is, you can safely use alpha arbutin for your skin to treat pigmentation or tan related concerns. Alpha arbutin is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products. Whereas, beta arbutin is safe for topical use in concentrations of up to 7% in skin care products.

While many other skin lightening agents cause irritation and harshness to your skin, alpha arbutin is gentle and can be less irritating. However, conduct a patch test before use.

Side-effects Of Alpha Arbutin

Alpha arbutin is proven to be safe for your skin when used in 3-4 percent concentrations. While arbutin normally suits all skin types, there are still rare cases where it can cause adverse reactions.

Under alkaline condition, there are chances that alpha arbutin converts into hydroquinone, a depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin. In such cases, use alpha arbutin under the guidance of a dermatologist.

A few side-effects of using alpha arbutin:

• Skin irritation that may result in mild acne
• Sun-sensitivity or sun burns
• Redness or irritation from an allergic reaction

Does Alpha Arbutin Tend To Darken skin?

Alpha arbutin is used to lighten your skin and lessen melanin production. With the right concentration, the presence of this ingredient in your skincare products can greatly benefit you if you have hyperpigmentation.

Although, the whitening effect of arbutin is not permanent. This is because it merely interferes with the tyrosinase activity. The lightening effect may continue for a few weeks after you discontinue, but will ultimately disappear over time.

Difference Between Alpha And Beta Arbutin

Arbutin used in cosmetics comes in two forms - alpha and beta. Alpha arbutin has better water-solubility, heat-resistance, and light-stability properties compared to beta arbutin.

Due to more effectiveness, alpha arbutin is most commonly used in lotions, serums and treatments to lighten spots and brighten complexion. While alpha arbutin is expensive to formulate, beta arbutin is cheaper.

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