Alpha-Arbutin for Skin Whitening
Alpha- Arbutin is an over-the-counter product and a less expensive alternative to lightening medications such as d-kojic acid and hydroquinone. These medications achieve similar goals of lighter skin colors and unwanted spot reduction. Alpha-Arbutin reduces skin darkening at its source, as the compound inhibits the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin (brown pigment) in the body. Normally, the results of Alpha- Arbutin manifest after two or three months of continued use.
Why it is effective
The compound has certain properties that set it apart from other lightening prescriptions. Although considered as a synthetic compound, Alpha-Arbutin comes from all natural plant sources such as bearberry and duckweed. Bearberry is an evergreen bush that grows in the mountainous areas of the Northern Hemisphere and continental US. Docweed on the other hand is a weed common to Canada.
Alpha Arbutin is distinct with its water soluble white powdery feature that can survive pH 3.5 up to 6.5. In tests, a percentage of the solution of Alpha Arbutin added in lotion resulted to quicker lightening and a more even skin tone than when other products are used. The active ingredient works to prevent your body from creating melanin, which results to lighter skin tone.
There are a lot of commercial products that come with Alpha Arbutin available these days. They come in the form of whitening creams, lotions, and bleaching serums which are mostly aimed at helping consumers achieve a lighter complexion and reducing skin impurities like erythema and brown age spots.
It is safer
The Alpha-Arbutin compound's compatibility with other lightening products and their ingredients is no issue, although scientifically speaking, there is really no use combining products that yield the same result at the same time. Some substances in fact, may only cause absorption problems when used together.
Alpha-Arbutin is different from the potentially dangerous hydroquinone by the way its mechanism works. By suppressing the activity of the pigment producing enzyme in the body, Alpha Arbutin eliminates the need of killing the same pigment producing cells, making it a safer alternative to use. Hydroquinone has even been banned in some South African and European countries because of its long term potential harmful effects on the body.
To read more about Alpha Arbutin, and effective ways to eliminate dark spots and hyperpigmentation visit SkinWhitening.org - website that reviews various skin lightening products and agents, including Meladerm ingredients, and educate buyers about effective skin brightening.