Overview
Not all anti-aging products are about eliminating the appearance of lines and wrinkles; some will instead focus on other signs of the aging process, like hyperpigmentation, that can appear on the face and hands. This can result in age and liver spots and other forms of discoloration on the skin. Products have now entered into the market to address this issue, and it is the ingredient in one of these products that we will look at here. Arbutin has been touted as the alternative to hydroquinone because it is safe, free from side effects, and doesn't have an odor. Arbutin can be found in numerous skin care products, primarily in those formulated to be used as spot lighteners on the hands and face.
Product Details
Arbutin is said to work by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, which in turn inhibits the formation of melanin pigmentation. This process will effectively eliminate age and liver spots, and can counter the effects of UV rays as well. Some manufacturers also claim that Arbutin is effective at minimizing skin reddening, also known as erythema. It is generally believed that the most potent form of Arbutin is the alpha variety, as opposed to the beta type, since alpha Arbutin will eliminate spots much quicker and more thoroughly.
Some products will combine Arbutin with other proven anti-wrinkle ingredients like soluble collagen for maximum benefit. We always appreciate when a product throws a proven anti-wrinkle substance into the mix to smooth the skin and decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. That's why we recommend looking for a product that combines these two functions with ingredients like soluble collagen, argireline or matrixyl. Sometimes Arbutin is combined with an alpha hydroxy acid that can exfoliate the skin and make the effects of the Arbutin more effective. Arbutin can also be found in oral supplements, because it is thought to contribute to urinary tract health by draining excess water from the body's cells.
The Good
- Arbutin is a proven skin whitening agent that can eliminate age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation on the skin.
- Arbutin does not come with any known side effects and it is claimed to be odor free.
The Bad
- While Arbutin is effective at whitening the skin, it cannot do much to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Some products containing Arbutin do not include other anti-aging ingredients for maximum benefits.
The Bottom Line
There doesn't seem to be much doubt that Arbutin is an effective skin whitener. It is also known to effectively counter the effects of the sun's rays on your skin. However, this ingredient by itself is not comprehensive enough in its benefits to encompass the full range of anti-aging issues. If uneven pigmentation is a major concern of yours, it is best to look for products that combine Arbutin along with proven anti-wrinkle substances like soluble collagen or argireline. It is also wise to choose items that come with complete ingredient lists so you know exactly what type of benefits you will receive from a particular product.