For years, hydroquinone was the gold standard ingredient for skin lightening, widely used in cosmetic products for its ability to halt melanin production and promote a fairer complexion overall. It was all fun and games until the FDA issued a ban on the chemical and began regulating products containing the ingredient, making it almost impossible to obtain over the counter or without strict supervision. This ban followed extensive research which found hydroquinone to be cytotoxic and carcinogenic, meaning it is toxic to living cells and has the potential to cause cancer – yikes!
The withdrawal of hydroquinone from the market thus motivated experts around the world to develop other better, safer alternatives. That’s when alpha arbutin came into the picture!
WHAT IS ALPHA ARBUTIN?
Alpha arbutin, an epimer of Arbutin, is a naturally occurring, plant-derived compound found in different plant species including bearberry, blueberry, cranberry and pear trees. Alpha arbutin is also known as the “good ol' cousin” to synthetic hydroquinone. It works almost equally as efficient, minus the irritation and other ugly side effects. Alpha arbutin is now commercially used in the skincare industry.
If you haven’t tried alpha arbutin before, here are 5 reasons why you should start including it in your routine!
1. REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF HYPERPIGMENTATION
One of the most difficult skin concerns to correct is no other than hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can either occur as a result of prolonged sun exposure or be the lingering reminder of acne and pimples we used to pop (note: hands OFF your face!). It takes time, not to mention astounding patience, to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Most importantly, it takes the right ingredients!
Alpha arbutin may be your answer in dealing with this situation. Mount Sinai Hospital director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology, Dr Joshua Zeichner states that “Alpha arbutin interferes with the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is required to supply animal pigment or pigment within the skin.”
This means that alpha arbutin is able to inhibit pigmentation. The best thing is, alpha arbutin only suppresses and eliminates unwanted pigmentation. Unlike hydroquinone, it does not kill off the cells associated with pigmentation.
2. HELPS WITH ERYTHEMA
Some studies have also shown that alpha arbutin can help to treat skin redness, also known as erythema. Erythema could either be superficial reddening of the skin caused by injury, or irritation which causes dilatation, the opening of blood capillaries. The usage of alpha arbutin, paired with other soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica or honey, may help to reduce erythema.
3. IMPROVES SKIN TONE
If you have problems with uneven skin tone due to pigmentation or tanning, alpha arbutin is here to the rescue! Alpha arbutin can help brighten and even out your skin tone naturally, restoring your skin luminosity.
4. RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Recent studies suggest that alpha arbutin possesses far more superior antioxidant properties to that of hydroquinone. Antioxidants are substances that may stop or slow down damage to cells caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and alternative pressures. Usage of antioxidants can help to slow down the process of ageing.
5. BRIGHTENS OVERALL COMPLEXION
Although alpha arbutin is a phenomenal ingredient on its own, there are always more ways to spice things up! It can be combined with other skin care ingredients to maximize its efficacy, for example, with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) to exfoliate skin and facilitate the absorption of arbutin. When paired with Vitamin C, arbutin could also impart even skin tone with improved radiance.
KAYMAN BEAUTY ROSA GLOW TREATMENT ESSENCE CONTAINS ALPHA ARBUTIN
The Kayman Beauty Rosa Glow Treatment Essence contains 2% alpha arbutin, the highest concentration that a product can offer. We are happy to announce that the Essence has been one of the most top-rated products among consumers in the local beauty scene since the day it was released!
Rosa Glow Treatment Essence is also formulated with Beetox-H, a premium blend of honey, royal jelly, propolis and bee venom. It offers a natural botox-like effect which helps to maintain skin’s youthfulness while assisting overall brightening and fights against hyperpigmentation. Rose water is also included as one of the ingredients for its skin brightening and soothing properties, while cucumber extract and glycerine offer hydration.
Don’t let the watery consistency of the Rosa Glow Treatment Essence fool you – this super potent, life-changing miracle in a bottle will transform your skin like nothing else!
xoxo,
Bunny & Fiqah.
