Alpha Arbutin with Niacinamide- an answer to all hyperpigmentation problems

Skincare goes beyond simply applying the latest formulas and wishing for great results. The key to radiant skin lies in choosing ingredients that work well together and provide effective results suited to your skin's needs, for example combining two ingredients in regulated concentrations can give effective results in a shorter time. 

Meet: Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide—a powerhouse combination that effectively addresses hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and overall skin vitality with expertise. 

Let’s understand more about these two ingredients and the benefits of using Alpha Arbutin with Niacinamide in your skincare routine.

What is Alpha Arbutin?

Alpha Arbutin is a potent active ingredient that helps fade tan, stubborn dark spots, and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production for an even-toned skin. 

Naturally sourced from the bearberry plant, Alpha Arbutin inhibits tyrosine production, an amino acid essential for melanin production in your skin.

Melanin is what gives skin its color, and inhibiting this enzyme reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This helps in effectively preventing those annoying dark spots from becoming a permanent fixture on your skin.

Since Arbutin can be a little harsh for direct topical use on the skin, its biosynthetic form– Alpha Arbutin, is used in skincare formulations.

Alpha arbutin serum is a popular choice for those seeking a gentle yet effective solution for achieving an even skin tone.

Unlike more aggressive skin-lightening agents, Alpha Arbutin is both gentle and effective, making it suitable for all skin types.

Benefits of Alpha Arbutin

1. Reduces tan 

2. Reduces hyperpigmentation by regulating melanin production

3. Reduces dark spots 

4. Brightens the skin to give you a radiant complexion

5. Compatible with most skin types, being a gentle brightening agent

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a true ‘overachiever’ in skincare. Whether you're facing issues like dull skin, dryness, redness, enlarged pores, fine lines, or excess oil, this ingredient has you covered. 

It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps maintain skin elasticity, strengthens the skin barrier, and is compatible with most skin types. Niacinamide serum is a popular choice for incorporating this powerful ingredient into your skincare routine.

Benefits of Niacinamide

1. Brightens your skin by reducing hyperpigmentation and blemishes.

2. Promotes hydration and locks moisture into your skin

3. Regulates oil production on your skin, preventing breakouts

4. Soothes your skin

5. Improves the skin’s natural barrier

Are Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide compatible?

Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide work together seamlessly without causing any skin irritation. In fact, Alpha Arbutin boosts Niacinamide's brightening effects. 

Together, they effectively address uneven skin tone and texture, making the combination a reliable choice for all skin types.

Benefits of Combining Alpha Arbutin with Niacinamide

Vouched by dermatologists, this combination has been extremely effective in treating all issues related to your skin’s complexion. Here’s why:

• Even skin tone: Niacinamide is known for its skin-brightening properties while Alpha Arbutin is extremely effective in reducing tan. Together, they give you an even-toned complexion. 

• Reduces hyperpigmentation – Reduces persistent dark spots and acne scars by regulating melanin production and repairing skin damage to give you an even skin tone. 

• Regulates Oil Production – They help regulate oil production, reducing breakouts on your skin.

• Enhances skin barrier function – Fortifies your skin against environmental stress, promotes keratin production,  and helps retain moisture.

• Boosts overall skin health – Achieve a brighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance without any irritation.

How to use Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide together?

Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide share synergic properties and are compatible enough to layer one on top of the other.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:

Cleanse: Begin with a gentle niacinamide face wash to clean your skin of dust and impurities. This allows optimal penetration of formulas into the skin and keeps your skin clean. 

Tone: Spritz a gentle toner all over your face and neck to tighten your pores and balance your skin’s pH while preparing it for the upcoming steps in the skincare routine. You can opt for a niacinamide toner formula infused with Niacinamide to give an additional boost of hydration to your skin. 

Apply Alpha Arbutin: After the toner is fully absorbed into your skin, dispense a  few drops of alpha arbutin serum on your face and gently pat it in. 

Layer Niacinamide: After the previous product has completely absorbed into your skin, apply a few drops of niacinamide serum and pat it in.  

Moisturizer: Seal the benefits of the serum with a good moisturizer. Using a moisturizer infused with humectants like hyaluronic acid will ensure maximum hydration to your skin. 

Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, at least 30 SPF or above, even if you are indoors, to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Always apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, if you are not using mineral sunscreen. 

What are the best practices for using Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide?

Here are a few things that you must note to get the maximum benefits of using the combination of Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide in your skincare routine:

1. Always perform a patch test before introducing new products into your skincare routine.

2. Begin with a lower concentration and then increase the strength of the dosage depending on your skin's needs. 

 For most skin types, a 1-2% concentration of Alpha Arbutin and a 5-10% concentration of niacinamide work perfectly.  

3. Consider your skin type. 

For oily/Combination Skin: Use twice a day for optimal results

For dry/Sensitive Skin: Use the combination once a day, followed by a nourishing moisturizer. Normal Skin: Use twice a day. 

You can also use Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin in alternate routines. Alpha Arbutin in your AM routine will give you radiance throughout the day while using Niacinamide at night will support your skin’s nighttime repair.

4. Always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.

5. Avoid overuse, especially if you are incorporating the active ingredients through a serum, as it can overwhelm your skin. 

6. Prioritize hydration: Be it drinking water or applying your moisturizer, be regular with your hydration as it is crucial for skin repair. 

Niacinamide with other actives vs Niacinamide with Alpha Arbutin

Like Alpha Arbutin, other active ingredients also make effective combinations with Niacinamide. 

• Vitamin C - Vitamin C boasts skin-glowing properties and its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress in your skin. Vitamin C serum is a popular choice for incorporating this powerful antioxidant into your skincare routine.  Although extremely effective as a combination, vitamin C with Niacinamide can be tricky to use. Unlike alpha arbutin, it can be a stronger active to pair with niacinamide. 

• Retinol - Retinol is an anti-aging ingredient that helps replace the old cells with new ones to regulate the skin's health. This vitamin A derivative is an extremely potent active ingredient that is recommended to be used in moderation only in the nighttime routine. Although compatible with Niacinamide, it is not suggested for people with sensitive skin as it can cause purging. 

That being said, always do a patch test on the inner side of your arm to check the product’s suitability on your skin. If your skin shows no signs of irritation, you can freely incorporate it into your skincare. 

Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide provide a gentle way to brighten the skin, unlike Retinol or Vitamin C, which can occasionally lead to irritation. 

These ingredients are both gentle and effective, working in harmony to combat hyperpigmentation, enhance skin texture, and maintain a balanced complexion. Especially if you have sensitive skin, use this combination to achieve glowing skin, keeping all risks at bay!

FAQs:

Can I use Niacinamide with Alpha Arbutin?

Yes. Niacinamide with Alpha Arbutin is an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone to give you bright skin.

How long does it take for Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide to work?

You can achieve visible results within a few weeks by using Alpha Arbutin with Niacinamide, consistently and under regulation. 

For example, combining Plum’s Alpha Arbutin serum and Niacinamide serum can give you clear, tan-free skin, in just 14 days. 

Which one goes first, Niacinamide or Alpha Arbutin?

Layering should happen based on the texture/consistency – you should first apply the thinner product, followed by the thicker one. Therefore, it is best to apply alpha arbutin serum first, followed by a layering of niacinamide serum.  

Which is better, Alpha Arbutin or Niacinamide?

There can be no definitive answer to this as each active ingredient manages distinctive skin issues, individually and in combination. While niacinamide is more effective in fading blemishes and brightening, alpha arbutin works effectively to reduce tan and give an even skin tone.