Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist -  Written by Akruti Khandkar (Journalist) on 18th Feb 2021

Alpha Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid: A Great Combination For Skin 

Alpha Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid

Regardless of your skin type or age, there's one irritational factor that isn't partial: dull spots. Be it the aftereffect of sunburn or the unwanted past acne marks, or hyperpigmentation. These issues can be one of the most stubborn skin worries to address. It requires persistence and time. Also, it requires the right ingredients. Layering up your skincare routine is an excellent method to address numerous worries without settling on others. If you have dry skin and experience redness's ill effects, a rosacea-reducing serum followed by a hydrating moisturizer is an extraordinary method to make your healthy skin routine.

Hydroquinone and Vitamin C are regularly viewed as the go-to lighting up specialists in skincare treatments. However, nowadays, dermatologists are swearing by another dim spot obliterator: Arbutin (likewise known as "Alpha-Arbutin"). With arbutin's capability to treat dark spots and Hyaluronic acid's moisture magnet, one can get glowy, non-flaky skin. 

What is Arbutin? 

Arbutin is a compound obtained from a bearberry plant that has skin-brightening properties. It meddles with the action of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is expected to create melanin or pigment in the skin. Due to this reason, you may find arbutin in serums, creams, and treatments planned to help dull sunspots and light up the general complexion.

Arbutin is generally combined with other skin brighteners like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid. They all work on a similar pathway prompting pigmentation and have a more noticeable impact when combined. Although arbutin has no severe side-effects, it depends on an individual's skin. If, in any case, you might find irritation on your skin, quit using it.  

What is Hyaluronic Acid?  

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural sugar found in our skin that holds water and helps keep it hydrated. The HA inside our bodies holds its weight in water multiple times to hold that moisture in our skin & joints and prevent it from evaporating.

Similar to elastin and collagen, the amount of HA in our bodies diminishes as we age.

When utilized in healthy skin items like creams and serums, Hyaluronic acid carries moisture to the surface of your skin. As a result of its capacity to draw and hold water, it very well may be utilized as a humectant in your skincare routine.

In a 2017 study, researchers inspected the anti-aging impacts of hyaluronic acid in 60 Japanese adults.

The members who ingested the Hyaluronic acid supplements encountered a decline in wrinkles and improved skin condition.

In a 2016 German study, specialists compared the aftereffects of four distinctive face creams containing hyaluronic acid. The researchers noticed expanded skin tightness and a 10–20% decrease in wrinkle profundity in every 20 members.

Generally, hyaluronic acid supplements, injections, and topic items by all accounts, to be protected when individuals stick to the guidelines on the most efficient method to utilize them.  

What Are the Skin Benefits of Arbutin and Hyaluronic Acid?

Liquid error (sections/pf-36c6a9d2 line 62): product form must be given a product
  • Sun protection properties: Arbutin can diminish the level of skin obscuring after sun introduction by hindering the creation of tyrosinase. Hyaluronic acid supplements can prevent the decline of the natural hyaluronic acid caused by UV exposure.
  • Gentle on skin: While other skin lighting up specialists can dry and bother the skin, arbutin is less disturbing. Since arbutin's active compound is delivered slowly, it tends to be less problematic than other skin-helping specialists and better for those with sensitive skin.  
  • Improves uneven appearance: Since arbutin represses tyrosinase, a chemical that assists with melanin creation can forestall dull spots or even blur them, prompting an even more complexion. Hyaluronic acid will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and redness and help with smoother skin texture.  
  • Safe usage: There are no known adverse effects of using arbutin and hyaluronic acid or other skincare ingredients as hyaluronic acid is produced naturally.  
  • Can be utilized twice every day: For most extreme outcomes, arbutin can be used both in the morning and evening. 
  • Safer than hydroquinone: For some time, hydroquinone was the "supernatural ingredient" skin-brightening ingredient—until it was announced carcinogenic by the FDA (when taken orally). While hydroquinone works by damaging the cells that produce pigmentation and melanin, arbutin hinders the catalysts that invigorate pigment cells.
  • Effective in blurring scars: Much like arbutin's capacity to blur dull spots, it is likewise extraordinary at blurring those red-purple acne scars that stay long after a zit is no more. Hyaluronic acid helps heal wounds faster with a technique of regulating inflammation levels, making it work hand in hand with arbutin. 
  • Brightens skin: As clarified above, arbutin restricts the development of dull spots, offering a lightening impact on the skin.  
  • Hyaluronic acid helps fight infections as it has antibacterial properties.  

How to incorporate arbutin and hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine? 

Since arbutin is prominent for its brightening impact, it has been utilized in various skincare items. You can discover it in lotions, serums, creams, and numerous different structures. The utilization of arbutin-containing items relies upon the idea of these items. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. It maneuvers dampness from the air into the skin to keep it ideally saturated, hydrated, and flexible.

According to Dr. Alexis Stephens, a board-certified dermatologist,

HA is very good at increasing the topical delivery of medications (like alpha arbutin), making it more effective.

Serums are concentrated agents that target explicit skin issues. They are frequently applied on pain points. Minimalist's Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid 1%, which has a double composition of topical dosages to focus on dull spots and helps Hyaluronic Acid get absorbed by the skin.  

Note:

Always do a patch test.

Start by applying the arbutin item at night to a little zone on your forehead (where your facial skin is thickest). If there's no irritation inside 24hrs, start applying the item as a spot treatment to your skin day or night. 

Apply to the whole face or as a spot treatment  

You can apply arbutin directly to the areas affected by hyperpigmentation as a spot treatment or apply your arbutin item to your whole face (maintain a strategic distance from eyes, lips, and mouth). Use 2-3 drops of hyaluronic acid after cleansing the face (AM and PM), then apply arbutin. Using HA before arbutin helps the skin to absorb the serum well. Wait for 2-3 minutes for arbutin to penetrate your skin.

Other than your face, your chest and hands are different regions that hyperpigmentation can influence also. Accordingly, you can likewise apply arbutin to the highest points of your hands and chest.  

Follow up with: 

A moisturizer  

Although with the presence of HA, your skin will hold its moisture but remember to hydrate your skin two times per day to get that glowy, soft effect. Many dermatologists suggest using a good moisturizer after using HA. Let your arbutin serum or cream completely dry before applying your moisturizer. If you apply moisturizer immediately, the arbutin won't get an opportunity to sink into your skin enough to work its magic.  

Sunscreen  

Arbutin can make your skin more powerless to burn from the sun and more sensitive to UV beams. Melanin shields your skin from sunburn, and since arbutin limits melanin creation, it leaves your skin more helpless against harmful UV rays. Besides, if you're attempting to get rid of hyperpigmentation, not wearing sunscreen can cause age spots and sunspots, and no one needs that. Limit your hours in the sun, and always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above).  

Did you know?

The FDA has approved hyaluronic acid utilization during specific eye medical procedures, including corneal transplantation, cataract removal, & repair of a detached retina and other eye injuries.  

Overview  

Arbutin and hyaluronic acid are individually powerhouses, but they will benefit you with two times better-looking hydrated skin when brought together.

Arbutin is a great ingredient to add to your skincare routine. A 2018 study published in Cosmetic Facial Surgery mentions that arbutin reduces melanin content to approximately 39%.

Layering and consolidating active skincare ingredients can be convoluted. Finding your daily skincare routine and layering it cautiously will pay off. Consult your dermatologist in case of confusion.