Dark spots and dull skin are very terrifying aging signs. While wrinkles are the number one monster we are so ready to combat, dark spots can actually make skin looks a lot less youthful!
Arbutin, an ingredient that is well known as the Cinderella version of the cold-hearted Hydroquinone, is a completely safe and effective ingredient to deal with all the dark thingy on our skin! A lot of whitening products actually contain Arbutin in their ingredient list, but because of its amazing property of dealing with acne scars and any kind of darker area in our skin, we all pay more attention to it now!
❤ Why do all these dark thingy start to appear on our faces?...
Stimulated by harmful UV rays, melanocytes ( a cell in our skin) react by releasing melanin which acts as a natural sunscreen. Melanin is useful because it absorbs the energy from UV rays and redistributes it. However, the sun can trigger the production of too much melanin, causing dark patches of skin. Think of it as a group of labor workers when they are overworked, they do a demonstration and cause a riot. The labor workers are melanin, the riot is dark spots.
It gets worse when we age because as we get older, the time accumulated in the sun gets longer, and melanocytes decrease in number but increase in size and pigment production. Adding to that, matured age skin seems to be more translucent, making the appearance of dark spots even more obvious. Scary isn’t it?
What factors can cause “melanin overworked”?
- UV light
- Hormonal imbalance caused by improper diet, birth control, etc.
- Aging
❤ So who is this Arbutin, the so-called dark spot solution?
Arbutin (C12H16O7) is a molecule extracted from the bilberry plant that prevents the formation of melanin. Arbutin works by blocking tyrosinase, an enzyme in melanocytes that are activated by UV exposure to produce freckles. Less tyrosine and less melanin lead to lesser pigmentation, dark spots, and a more even complexion. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of China announced on June 5, 2001, that the maximum Arbutin can be added in a product to reach a brightening effect is 7%.
There are 3 types of Arbutin:
● β-Arbutin: Natural form, high efficacy, and safety
● α-Arbutin: Synthetic form, high stability with a very high efficacy
● D-Arbutin: Semi-natural form, low stability, and safety
A lot of skincare products with α-Arbutin claim that it has ten times a better brightening effect than other arbutin, although there hasn’t been any confirmed experimental studies backing this, α-Arbutin is already well known for its superior result.
❤ Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid, which one is better for skin whitening?
Both are very famous ingredients in this skin whitening world, you can choose according to your needs.
Arbutin: Highly safe, very low irritation properties, highly effective for dark spots removal after it is produced
Tranexamic Acid: Highly effective on prevention instead of removal.
❤ What are other ways to prevent dark spots and uneven skin tone?
● Avoid excessive sun exposure
● Sufficient rest
● Take more vitamin C and vitamin E
● Maintain healthy metabolism
❤ Q&A｜BHK's Natural Arbutin
Q: What is the effect after consuming BHK's Natural Arbutin?
A: Natural arbutin helps with dark spots removal, skin tone evening and brightening.
Q: How to consume BHK's Bilberry Arbutin?
A: Take 1 capsule daily after meal. For better result, take 2 capsules at once. DO NOT take more than 2 capsules per day.
Q: Is there any precaution?
A: This supplement contains fish, sesame, and glutathione. Not suitable for those with these ingredients allergies.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, also children under 12 years old, should avoid taking this product.
Q: Is it suitable for vegans?
A: No
Q: What is the difference between taking arbutin supplementation and applying skincare with arbutin?
A: BHK’s Arbutin derived from bilberry, which is a natural sourced is completely safe for long-term supplementation with no side effects to the body. While with cream, sometimes it is synthetically sourced, might have a more immediate effect but the safety of long-term usage is not guaranteed.
