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Have you ever resisted soaking up in the sun or venturing out for a sun-kissed photo, fearing it might leave you with an unwelcome tan?
You’re not alone!
With the changing climate every minute, more people are prone to skin concerns caused by sun damage than anything else. But let’s accept it.
We live in a tropical country where the sun is at its full glory for more than half of the year and unfortunately, there is no way out.
All you can do is protect your skin with sunscreens and look for ways to prevent and reduce the aftermath of sun exposure, i.e. sun tan and uneven pigmentation.
We have good news though. To get rid of your tanning and dark spots, you can opt for science-backed solutions, approved by dermats!
Say hello to alpha-arbutin - a mild active that could be your go-to remedy to remove all those skin tanning just like that!
Now that we have your attention, let’s learn about alpha arbutin for the skin, understand its benefits, and know its uses for facial tan removal. But first, start with the basics, shall we?
Understanding Alpha Arbutin for skin
Alpha Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like bearberry, cranberry, mulberry, etc. It is more potent than beta arbutin, which is another derivative of arbutin, a skin-brightening ingredient.
Alpha arbutin is derived from hydroquinone but is a safer and milder alternative. It inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for producing melanin, preventing skin darkening. It helps reduce age spots, acne spots, post-acne blemishes, and hyperpigmentation and clears the skin. It also brightens the skin, giving you an even skin tone.
Alpha arbutin benefits for skin
Now that you know what alpha arbutin is and its scientific formulation, here are some alpha arbutin benefits for the skin you must know about:
1. Melanin inhibition
Sun exposure, genetics, and inflammation can cause your skin to overproduce melanin, the prime reason for the appearance of dark spots, pigmentation, and tan. Alpha arbutin inhibits the production of melanin, thereby reducing the darkening of the skin.
2. Brightens skin
Alpha arbutin is known for its brightening traits that reduce dark spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation, giving you an even, radiant skin tone.
3. Safe for skin
Alpha arbutin is your reliable buddy when it comes to brightening your skin and fading pigmentation. Unlike other tough actives, alpha arbutin is a safer and milder alternative. An additional benefit of using this ingredient is that it doesn’t react with any other active ingredients, rather, works better when layered with them.
4. Gentle on skin
Apart from fading spots and hyperpigmentation, it slowly but effectively releases hydroquinone on the skin, making it less irritating and thus perfect for all skin types.
What is alpha arbutin best combined with?
Alpha arbutin is one of the very few active ingredients that works well with all other actives. You can use it with other spot-fading ingredients such as Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, etc. for radiant skin.
Here is how you can get the maximum alpha arbutin benefits for your skin by layering it with other ingredients.
|
Active ingredient |
Benefits of layering |
|
|
Alpha Arbutin |
Vitamin C |
Reduces dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, and boosts skin glow |
|
Niacinamide |
Reduces blemishes, tightens pores, and gives even-toned skin |
|
|
Hyaluronic Acid |
Improves hydration, clears skin, and enhances elasticity. |
|
|
Salicylic acid |
Fights active acne & post-acne marks |
How to get the best of alpha arbutin benefits for your skin- A simple skincare routine
Here’s a simple skincare regimen to help you add alpha arbutin to the skin:
Cleanse
Cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Ensure it's suitable for your skin type. Opt for double cleansing, if required. This will ensure that your skin is clean of all makeup, impurities & dirt and is ready to absorb the goodness of all the subsequent products in your routine.
Tone
Cleansing removes dirt that can sometimes open your pores and disturb your pH level. Use an alcohol-free toner to tighten your pores and maintain the skin's pH balance. Use your palms or a cotton pad to gently dab the toner on your skin. Allow it to air dry.
Check out the Niacinamide Toner to improve skin texture!
Treat
To reap the optimum benefit of alpha arbutin on the skin, use a face serum. Being a water-soluble ingredient, alpha arbutin serum penetrates deep into the layers of your skin to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Leave it for a few seconds to allow it to absorb into your skin before following up with another serum or a moisturizer.
The Plum Alpha Arbutin serum is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid that fades tan and reduces dark spots, boosts hydration and brightens and refines skin texture.
Moisturize
The most essential step of any skincare routine is to hydrate your skin. Apply a moisturizer that best suits your skin concerns and time.
Things you need to know about alpha arbutin serum
1. Sunscreen is a must
Whatever be the season or weather, always follow up your routine with sunscreen. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with at least SPF 35 to protect your skin from sun damage.
2. Consistency is the key
Depending on the intensity of your tanning, you might only see results after a while. Ensure consistent usage for a few weeks to see visible results and a reduction in tanning and dark spots.
3. Always do a patch test first
Though alpha arbutin is a mild ingredient and suits all skin types, it is always advised to do a patch test first before incorporating it into your routine. For the patch test, apply the serum on a small area of the skin, preferably inside the elbow, and wait at least 24 hours to see its reaction on your skin. If there is no irritation, itching, or redness, it is suitable for your skin.
4. Side effects
Like all other active ingredients, overuse of alpha arbutin can be harsh on your skin. It can cause acne, sunburn, and mild irritation to your skin. Understanding how to apply alpha-arbutin on the skin is always preferred before adding it to your routine.
Alpha arbutin is a hero ingredient for sun tan removal and skin brightening. Add this to your daily routine to achieve an even tone complexion and brighter skin.
FAQs
Is it safe to use alpha arbutin every day?
Alpha arbutin is a very mild active ingredient that helps hydrate your skin, even out your skin, and remove tan. Therefore, you can comfortably use it twice a day. However, ensure that you follow up with a rejuvenating moisturizer in the PM routine and sunscreen in the morning routine.
Does alpha arbutin remove tan?
Yes, alpha arbutin is a milder form of hydroquinone, a brightening agent. Alpha arbutin helps inhibit the production of melanin, which removes tan and brightens your skin tone.
