Problem with pigmentation?

Along with acne and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation is one of the biggest skin problems. Each of us would like to have a radiant skin with an even tone. In connection with hyperpigmentation, we mainly hear about vitamin C or niacinamide, which we have already blogged about. Arbutin is also among the effective ingredients that solve pigment irregularities. We will also talk about him. However, let's first look at what a pigment is and how it is created.

Pigment - melanin in the human body is formed by cells called melanocytes. Most of them are located in the lower layer of the skin in the so-called epidermis. Melanocytes using the so-called "protrusions" can deliver melatonin to the cells of the skin, thereby protecting it from the harmful effects of the external environment and especially harmful UV radiation. Every person has the same number of melanocytes, but the difference is in their size, the number of projections or the very activity of pigment formation.

Hyperpigmentation - that is, excessive pigmentation of the skin means an excess of melanin. It manifests itself in various forms - from small spots to extensive maps covering a significant part of the skin. Skin cells produce a large amount of pigment, either melanin, which is brown in color and is produced as a reaction to sunlight, or hemoglobin, which is rather light. Unfortunately, this is a pigment unevenness, and its elimination is not nearly as easy as its formation. It's a long shot - but it can be done.

If we summarize it like this, the color of our skin is influenced by melanocytes and, among other things, by oxygenated hemoglobin in the inflow and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the outflow blood capillaries and vessels. Also, skin color is affected by yellow-orange beta-carotene, subcutaneous fat, bilirubin level and wrinkles. The skin does not have a uniform color over the entire body and, in addition to pigmentation, it also depends on the thickness of the cornea. On the skin, where the cornea is thinner, blood capillaries shine through from the suede and the skin takes on a pinkish tinge.

Hypopigmentation - i.e. insufficient formation of the pigment - melanin means skin pigmentation disorders, which consists in a lack of melanin. It arises after overcoming inflammation, after a skin disease, after chemical or physical influences, but it can also be genetic. Unlike keratinocytes, melanocytes do not divide and therefore do not form new ones. If they are damaged or surgically removed, the area remains permanently lighter than the rest of the skin. Absence, reduction of activity or enzyme blockade in the formation of melanin causes skin diseases as well as graying of hair. Here we could talk about vitiligo, albinism or other skin diseases, but there are other scientific articles for that. Let's talk about an effective ingredient in cosmetics, namely ARBUTÍN.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ARBUTINE?

Arbutin is an organic compound that is obtained from the leaves of fruits such as pears, blueberries or cranberries, but it can also be produced synthetically. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps fight uneven pigmentation. Arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone and is considered the gold standard used for skin lightening. Although hydroquinone is very effective, on the other hand, it also has some undesirable effects and therefore can only be used in large percentages under medical supervision. Arbutin, on the other hand, is very gentle on the skin and brings many benefits to our skin.

HOW DOES ARBUTIN WORK AND WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?

Arbutin is therefore composed of a hydroquinone and a sugar group. The hydroquinone group allows arbutin to block the enzyme tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme involved in the production of the skin pigment melanin.

Although it contains a hydroquinone group, it does not have the side effects of pure hydroquinone. It is used only under medical supervision. This is due to the fact that arbutin breaks down very slowly in our skin, so our skin is only exposed to small doses of hydroquinone.

Its main effect is brightening and balancing uneven skin tone. As we already mentioned, it blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps in the production of melanin. As a result, it can prevent or help fade dark spots, resulting in a more even skin tone. It is effective for all types of hyperpigmentation caused by sunlight or age. It is effective in preventing and also the formation of new spots after exposure of the skin to sunlight.

 

Basic properties of arbutin:

Brightens the skin

It fights against pigment irregularities

Prevents the appearance of new stains

It is very gentle and gentle on the skin

WHO IS ARBUTINE SUITABLE FOR?

It is an ingredient that is considered safe and therefore suitable for all skin types.

You can apply it to the entire face or directly to areas with hyperpigmentation (for example, acne scars). If you apply it to the whole face, avoid the area around the eyes and mouth. In addition to the face, you can also use it on age spots or sun spots on the hands or chest. It is considered a safe ingredient that you can use twice a day.

Don't forget the last step in skin care. And that's our favorite SPF - or sun protection. The cream with a protective factor also helps to fight the formation of new hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.

The first results can be observed on the skin after about 1-2 months of regular use. However, it depends on the depth of hyperpigmentation, so be patient.

ARBUTIN AND PREGNANCY

As we mentioned above, arbutin contains a hydroquinone group. Hydroquinone is considered a substance with a number of undesirable and harmful effects, such as irritation, stinging or contact dermatitis. Therefore, these substances should not be used during pregnancy.

COMBINATIONS

Arbutin can generally be combined with most ingredients. However, the mere mixing of several active substances might not suit your skin and could irritate it.

For example, it is safe to combine it with vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant and helps balance skin tone. You can also combine it with ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or, for example, AHA acids (alpha-hydroxy acids).