The arbutin is a substance derived from hydroquinone. It is used as a depigmenting agent in beauty treatments to eliminate facial spots and smooth imperfections in the melanin in the skin due to hyperpigmentation. Its properties as a facial whitener and benefits for the corneal layer of the epidermis.
What is arbutin
It is a hydroquinone glycoside derived from the leaves of the Arctostaphylos uva-ursi plant, Bergenia Crassifolia, and blueberries.
Known for its depigmenting effects, in cream form it is capable of reducing dark discoloration in some parts of the face.
Properties
The active ingredient when ingested is anti-infectious in the urinary system. It works to eliminate symptoms of prostate and bladder infections. It is effective at attacking bacteria in the urine and affects the growth of the intestinal flora. Thus, the properties of arbutin are:
- Depigmenting.
- Antibacterial.
Its ingestion is only possible in products prepared for this purpose. If you buy arbutin for the skin, you should not ingest it. Due to its strong impact on the body, it could produce significant side effects.
Contents
What is arbutin used for
Its main feature is inhibiting the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the oxidation of tyrosine in the process of coloring skin pigments. By blocking this process, there is an improvement in skin spots, whether they have appeared on the face or body.
By inhibiting the function of tyrosinase, arbutin forces a lower synthesis of melanin and, in turn, a faster breakdown of skin imperfections.
Arbutin as a depigmenting agent
It is naturally present in the leaves of bearberry or “bear grape.” In this form, it has uses as a skin depigmenter. Some of its uses are to reduce spots that appear during pregnancy, tone changes on the face due to UVA sun rays, burns, and the natural grouping of melanin.
There are different brands that distribute it under various commercial names, so it is always important to check the label to verify that it is included under some of these names:
- Arbutin.
- Bearberry.
- Artostaphylos uva-ursi.
- Blueberry hydroquinone.
Extracted as an active ingredient, arbutin is a very good depigmenter. Its use is recommended by dermatologists and doctors who treat skin and its pathologies, diseases, and disorders.
To improve skin tone, it should be used for several months in a row.
Pharmacy cream
It is quite common for it to be prepared in a compound formula at 2%. The reference value is between 2 and 5 percent.
It has the advantage of being less irritating than hydroquinone. This makes it advisable for use by people with sensitive or delicate skin. Additionally, it can be mixed with other acids and anti-spot creams, so it has great utility and many uses.
In creams with arbutin, active ingredients such as Vitamin C and other depigmenting acids are often included to improve its action and allow greater tolerance when applied, such as with 2% glycyrrhizic acid.
Arbutin and kojic acid
This combination of substances is quite common because it mixes the properties of two active ingredients with depigmenting function. Both stop the formation of melanin, meaning that the properties of kojic acid for spots act on melanocytes, inhibiting the synthesis of tyrosine and therefore the amount of melanin that will be distributed in the skin.
With the use of both products, with kojic acid at 2% and 5%, or separately, it is advisable to use a body and facial sunscreen. This prevents the appearance of new spots from UVA-UVB rays.
Side effects
- Skin itching.
- Burning sensation.
- Redness.
- Peeling.
It is quite common to feel a burning sensation after its application. The use of arbutin has side effects on people with sensitive skin. Most of them will notice discomfort and redness of the skin during the first few days. If the discomfort is very severe, it is recommended to stop using it and consult the doctor who prescribed it.
Sometimes, to relieve reactions or side effects, the frequency of use can be changed to once a day or every other day. However, altering the amount applied, while it will alleviate undesirable effects, will also reduce its effectiveness.
So, is arbutin good for whitening the skin?
Any depigmenting agent has this function. Some are more intense, abrasive, and others are better tolerated.
In this regard, arbutin for the skin is much more assimilable than hydroquinone, tretinoin, or retinoic acid itself. All of these molecules are related in their molecular structure, properties, and benefits.
If you are looking for a good beauty product to treat imperfections and improve the appearance of spots, arbutin for whitening the skin works.
