Arbutin. What is it for in cosmetics. Creams, masks for age spots, properties, application in gynecology

The solution to problems in the field of cosmetology is achieved through constant development and improvement of the composition of cosmetic preparations, the introduction of additional active ingredients.

One of these components is arbutin, the research on which cannot be called definitively completed. You should start using funds that contain a substance after studying the information about what they are intended for and what possible side effects.

What is arbutin?

Arbutin is an irreplaceable ingredient in products aimed at lightening skin color and evening tone.

To obtain it, it is required to conduct a number of chemical reactions based on interaction with plants:

• badan;
• bearberry;
• lingonberry;
• mulberry.

Its mild and safe action is due to its natural composition: it cannot be classified as a carcinogenic or toxic substance.

Its beneficial properties are due to its natural origin:

• Has a calming effect on the skin.
• Does not cause edema or dry skin.
• With increased skin pigmentation, it slows down the process of melanin synthesis.
• The substance acquires astringent properties and becomes an antiseptic after it enters an alkaline environment.

The products in which it is included have not only a pronounced whitening effect. Arbutin helps to actively protect the skin from the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation, and also helps to increase immunity at the local level. When using it, the degree of the appearance of painful sensations is significantly reduced and inflammation is eliminated.

Arbutin composition

Arbutin (for what and how it is used, will be described later) has a second name - hydroquinone-beta D... Hydroquinone in its pure form is recognized as a toxic substance, so its addition to various products has become prohibited. Arbutin has become an alternative to this substance in the composition of various drugs.

The organic compound is presented in the form of a simple ether, which is obtained by brewing the leaves of plants that contain it. When lead acetate is added, tannins settle.

The crystals of arbutin themselves are obtained by separating them from evaporated hydrogen. After treatment with activated carbon and water, arbutin is obtained in crystallized form. The substance arbutin has a chemical composition of C12H16O7 • ½ H2O and is subdivided into structural isomers alpha- and beta-arbutin.

Alpha and beta arbutin: properties and differences

When D-glucose enters into a bond with a hydroquinone molecule, a two-phase formation of arbutin occurs: with alpha and beta glycosidic bonds. Beta-arbutin is of natural origin and extracted from bearberry, alpha-arbutin is obtained exclusively in laboratory conditions.

The pure powder product alpha-arbutin has a higher cost price and better efficiency, which is often justified by the high prices for cosmetic products by many manufacturers. Differences in the way D-glucose binds explain the difference in the processes of influence of alpha and beta groups on melanin synthesis.

Alpha-arbutin is a rather expensive component and is capable of blocking the biosynthesis of epidermal melanin. According to the results of numerous clinical studies, it was revealed that beta-arbutin has a milder effect, therefore the effectiveness of its use is several times lower.

How does it work?

When it penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, arbutin has a suppressive effect on the formation of cells that contribute to the production of melanin. This action is aimed at preventing the appearance of new age spots and lightening those that have already appeared.

Its active action begins immediately after application to the skin, which protects the skin from the active influence of the sun's rays, which can cause darkening and dryness of the skin. The component is included in the composition of some sunscreens, as it prevents the appearance of strong sunburn. Once applied, the skin will be protected from harmful overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Arbutin has an antiseptic effect and partially disinfects the skin, eliminating inflammation and reducing the likelihood of rashes.

The safety and effectiveness of its use are proven: melanin synthesis is reduced by 76% at high concentrations, and by 40% at lower concentrations.

Advantages and disadvantages

Arbutin (for what and how it is used, it was described earlier) has many useful properties:

• Partially reduces the production of melanin, due to which the frequency of the appearance of excessive pigmentation on the skin is several times reduced.
• Eliminates sun spots, freckles, dark acne marks and other types of pigmentation.
• Improves overall skin condition.
• Helps reduce acne scars.

According to studies, no negative effect of the substance on the skin has been identified. However, it is worth remembering that arbutin is conventionally considered one of the varieties of hydroquinone - a substance that has been banned for use in various drugs.

Some studies show that hydroquinone contributes to the occurrence of malignant neoplasms. Arbutin does not contain carcinogenic substances, therefore it is not prohibited as a cosmetic additive.

Indications for use in cosmetology

In the field of cosmetic procedures, arbutin acts to suppress the process of melanin synthesis.

Cosmetic problems that can be solved by using special bleaching agents:

• Strong pigmentation.
• The appearance of age spots.
• Freckles and sun spots.
• Irritant stains.
• Different forms of melasma.
• Pigmented spots caused by inflammation (traces of acne or wounds).
• The presence of scars and marks that have remained from skin rashes.

You should not expect an instant result from the use of drugs that include a natural component. Lightening begins after a while: about 25-45 days after the first application of the product.

This is due to the fact that it is this period of time that the skin needs for its deep renewal, after which it will be possible to note the presence of an effect from the use of a particular drug. In the field of cosmetology, products with arbutin are considered harmless: they are not capable of causing irritation on the skin and do not cause the development of allergic reactions.

Don't miss the most popular column article: Facial massage according to the system of the Japanese doctor Asahi Zogan.

Contraindications

Opinions about the safety of using the substance differ and to date, no single solution has been found.A contraindication to the use of preparations for skin whitening with the active ingredient arbutin is individual intolerance and high sensitivity, since the likelihood of side effects will depend on the characteristics of the body.

It is recommended to use cosmetics with caution for people with dark skin, as this can have the opposite effect - pigment spots can become bluish-black.

Natural sources of arbutin

Arbutin's plant origin makes it a natural ingredient.

The substance is found in the leaves of such plants:

• bearberry;
• Caucasian blueberries;
• wintergreen;
• lingonberry;
• mulberry;
• badan.

The younger the plant, the more arbutin it will contain. To obtain the substance, plant leaves should be boiled in water, and then the tannins should be precipitated from the resulting mixture.

After evaporation, a crystalline substance forms, in which silky needles are formed.... After processing it with activated carbon, a component is obtained, which will then be further added to skin whitening products.

Cosmetic products with arbutin

For cosmetic purposes, products with arbutin are used to solve aesthetic skin problems associated with increased formation of age spots. The amount of a substance contained in a preparation will directly affect the effectiveness and safety of its use.

Excessive content of arbutin can lead to adverse effects in the form of black spots on the skin. When choosing funds, you should pay attention to the composition and the presence of additional useful components in it.

Arbutin (why this substance is used in cosmetics will be explained by dermatologists or a beauty salon specialist) is part of a large number products on the cosmetics market:

• lotions;
• cream;
• serum;
• soap.

Each of the options should be selected based on individual preferences as well as the general properties of the product. Most of the products are developed by Asian firms, where such products are quite common.

The substance can be combined with hyaluronic acid, natural plant extracts and enzymes, vitamin C, and also act as an additional ingredient in the manufacture of hair dye products.

Names and descriptions of creams

Among the wide variety of products on the cosmetic market, creams are often chosen for their affordability and ease of use.

The most famous and effective ones include:

• Roland Cream. The product is intended for use on the skin of the face and is declared by the manufacturer in the form of a product that will be suitable for any type of skin. Arbutin and placenta extract are the active substances of this agent, and it is produced by a Japanese manufacturer. The tool actively fights darkening on the face, has a pleasant texture and nourishes well. There is no oily sheen and no sticky film feeling on the skin. The vitamins that make up the cream gently nourish the skin and provide high-quality care for its condition.
• Whitening Cream from Himalaya Herbals. The product has a pronounced effect in the form of a noticeable lightening of the skin, and due to the presence in the composition of natural components of plant origin, the skin color is completely evened out. The product has a fairly light consistency and is well absorbed.
• MelaClear cream for skin whitening. The pigmentation remedy is an innovative development. The content of nano-liposomes in it allows active substances to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Due to the content of a large number of beneficial plant extracts, the product is used for deep moisturizing.The composition enriched with vitamins allows to activate cellular processes, improves nutrition and metabolism in cells.

When choosing creams, you should carefully study the composition before use. This will minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Don't miss the most popular column article: Face fitness for face contour lifting, rejuvenation, muscle tone. Master class from Elena Karkukli

Anti-age spots serum: product overview

A serum differs from a cream in a higher concentration of active active ingredients. The intense effect on the skin occurs because in most cases the serum is designed to solve a specific problem.

In the cosmetic market, the most popular products include:

• Anti-Melasma Serum. The drug is intended for use on skin that has severe problems in the form of rashes, inflammation and partial darkening. The presence of arbutin in the composition helps to obtain a uniform tone with regular use of the product. The drug has a very light texture and is absorbed as quickly as possible.
• The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% from the Canadian brand Deciem. The composition includes hyaluronic acid, which in combination with arbutin has a good effect and improves skin condition. The consistency is viscous, easy to apply with a pipette and quickly absorbed, leaving a soft film on the face. The product has a whitening effect, completely evening out the complexion.

Serums are produced in smaller volumes, but due to the consistency different from the cream, they are rather economically consumed.

Whitening soap

Arbutin (for which this component is included in cosmetic products can be read on the packaging of some products) is often used in the manufacture of soap, with which you can also get rid of:

• age spots;
• freckles;
• rash marks.

The most effective remedies include the following products:

• Therapeutic soap for the face Dr Yanhee Soap manufactured in Thailand. In addition to arbutin, the composition contains additional active ingredients: collagen, vitamin C and natural papaya enzyme. Has a whitening effect, removes pigmentation, acne and evens out the complexion.
• Natural soap Madame Heng well cleanses the skin and gently whitens it. Due to the presence of vitamins, amino acids and plant extracts in the composition, soap relieves inflammation, helps to narrow pores, evens out the tone and structure of the skin.
• Lab Dee alpha arbutin soap. The product is made in Thailand and is designed to even out the tone of the face and get rid of dark spots. The natural ingredients that make up the soap have a mild effect: the skin is not overdried, deeply cleansed, has an even tone without pigmentation.

More often, the soap is suggested to be used in conjunction with other products to lighten the skin: the skin is pre-cleaned with a special soap with the addition of arbutin, and then a cream, serum or lotion is applied.

Lotions for face

Among the wide variety of cosmetic products with age spots, special lotions with arbutin can be used.

The most famous and effective ones are:

• Cosmetex Roland.In addition to evening out skin color, it actively nourishes it and saturates it with useful components. The composition contains vitamin C and placenta, thanks to which the skin becomes velvety to the touch and noticeably hydrated. The pleasant texture allows the lotion to be absorbed quickly without leaving a sticky layer. The product is hypoallergenic.
• Hana Lotion Japanese production. To combat darkening on the face, Japanese manufacturers have developed a special product, which also includes hyaluronic acid. This component makes the skin noticeably softer, moisturizes and prevents aging.
• HADA LABO. The lotion is suitable for use on a variety of skin types and is available in two versions.When using the product, you can evaluate its complex effect: the components actively eliminate darkening on the skin, hyaluronic acid slows down the aging process, vitamin C allows the walls of blood vessels to strengthen. Artificial dyes, alcohol, fragrances and mineral oils are absent in the product.

To achieve a visible effect, you should regularly use the funds. The products are suitable for use as a stand-alone product, and can also be used in combination with other drugs.

How is arbutin used in gynecology for women?

Arbutin (this is why and how it is used in medicine, will be described below) has various useful properties that may be important not only in the field of cosmetology. It is for this reason that the substance is used in the creation of medicines. Arbutin is one of the constituents of the borax uterus, a perennial herb, which is often called female.

In the field of gynecology, the benefits of using the substance are explained by its many properties.

The table provides a brief summary of the conditions for which drugs with arbutin will be especially useful:

Borovaya uterus, which includes arbutin, helps to normalize hormonal levels and restore the menstrual cycle.

Side effects

The occurrence of various side effects will depend on the individual characteristics of the skin:

• Skin irritation in the area of ​​application - most often occurs when used by a person who is likely to develop allergic reactions.
• The appearance of bluish-black spots in the area of ​​hyperpigmentation. This phenomenon can be observed when using highly concentrated products, as well as in people with dark skin.

If a rash or redness occurs after using the product, rinse the affected area with plenty of water. Whitening products should be selected in which the content of arbutin will not exceed the recommended dosages (2-4% of the total amount of components).

How often can you use products with arbutin?

The main properties of arbutin-based products are: protection against ultraviolet radiation, skin whitening, elimination of inflammation and reduction of painful sensations on the skin after rashes.

Manufacturers recommend using the drugs twice a day, morning and evening. The entire course will last from 25 to 45 days, after which it is recommended to take a break. During this time, the top layer of the skin will have time to renew itself, which will allow assessing the effectiveness of the product used.

Arbutin is an effective substitute for hydroquinone and does not contain toxic substances. Numerous studies have proven that drugs with arbutin are harmless when the dosage is observed.

According to reviews, many people familiar with the problem of skin hyperpigmentation were able to evaluate the quality effect of arbutin-based products. Before using any drug, you should study the composition, as well as information about what it is intended for and how it is used.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Video about arbutin

How arbutin whitening treatments work: