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Ingredient Focus, Pigmentation, Skin Care Ingredients, Skin Concern

How Arbutin Helps Clear Hyperpigmentation

Dr Alek Nikolic Discusses Arbutin and Its Role in Treating Hyperpigmentation

If you struggle with dark pigmented skin marks and have tried various skin care products or skin treatments with slight effect then this article may be for you. Dr Alek Nikolic looks at the benefits of adding Arbutin to your skin care regime found in the Obagi Nuderm range of skin care products and why this may be the wonder molecule to treat stubborn hyperpigmentation caused by UV damage, Melasma, or inflammatory skin conditions.

What is Arbutin?

Arbutin is a naturally occurring derivative of hydroquinone. It is believed to be one of the best alternatives to hydroquinone as it provides the skin-lightening effect of hydroquinone without some of the potential side effects. Hydroquinone is considered the gold standard in skin lightening agents but it should only ever be used under strict medical supervision and for no longer than 3-4 months.

[quote author=”Dr Alek Nikolic”]Arbutin is now found in a variety of skin care products aimed at lightening skin pigmentation and is the key ingredient in the Obagi Nu-Derm range. Skin lightening is often desired for cosmetic purposes to help fade or lighten hyperpigmentation. In vitro studies of 7% Arbutin appear to have a strong inhibitory effect on melanin production.[/quote]

Where does Arbutin come from?

Arbutin, also known as Alpha-Arbutin occurs naturally in several different plant species. Plants with the highest known concentrations are bearberry and mulberry. It is also found in blueberry, cranberry, wheat, and pear varieties. Synthetic forms of Arbutin can be created by chemical synthesis or by an enzyme induced process.

How Does It Work?

Arbutin is composed of hydroquinone with a sugar group attached. The hydroquinone group allows Arbutin to act as an inhibitor of tyrosinase, a key enzyme involved in melanin (pigment) production. In addition to its innate inhibitory effect, Arbutin may also act as a reservoir that slowly releases hydroquinone. Once absorbed into the skin, enzymes within the body can cleave off the sugar group from Arbutin, releasing hydroquinone. This acts like a built-in safety valve, preventing the skin from being exposed to too much hydroquinone at once.

How Effective is It?

Researchers have been studying Arbutin’s ability to inhibit tyrosinase in skin cells, since the 1990s. There is promising scientific evidence to suggest Arbutin is effective as a skin lightening agent, particularly with regards to the synthetic forms, A-Arbutin and deoxy arbutin.

“However, most of this evidence is from animal studies or in vitro studies on cultured human skin cells.”

OBAGI-NUDERM-CLEAR-FX-&-NUDERM-BLEND-FX-BEFORE-AND-AFTER

What can Arbutin Treat?

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Lentigines
  • Melasma and Chloasma
  • Freckles

Are there any Side Effects?

It is argued that naturally-sourced Arbutin does not have side effects and safety issues for the user as it is naturally sourced. Studies on arbutin have all firmly stated that it’s a “safe and effective ingredient for skin lightening.”

I hope you found the above article helpful and useful especially if you suffer from dark pigmented skin marks and would like to get rid of them with a topical skin care regime

Kind regards

Dr Alek Nikolic

PRODUCTS CONTAINING ARBUTIN

OBAGI Nu-Derm Clear Fx

R2,340.00
EARN 936 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Hydrate 50ml

R1,895.00
EARN 758 SkinMiles

OBAGI Hydrate Luxe

R1,930.00
EARN 772 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Blend Fx

R2,020.00
EARN 808 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Toner

R895.00
EARN 358 SkinMiles

OBAGI Sunshield Matte SPF 50

R1,100.00
EARN 440 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser

R890.00
EARN 356 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte

R1,770.00
EARN 708 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Foaming Gel

R960.00
EARN 384 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm Exfoderm

R1,750.00
EARN 700 SkinMiles

OBAGI Sunshield Tint Cool SPF 50

R1,095.00
EARN 438 SkinMiles

OBAGI Nu-Derm System – Normal to Dry

R9,175.00
EARN 3670 SkinMiles

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Potential Hydroquinone Side Effects:

  1. Mild burning, stinging, redness, and dryness may occur. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
  1. Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin.
  1. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare and can include the following: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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References:

  1. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Apr;27(4):510-4. Inhibitory effects of alpha-arbutin on melanin synthesis in cultured human melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin model. Sugimoto K1, Nishimura T, Nomura K, Sugimoto K, Kuriki T.
  2. Arch Pharm Res. 2009 Mar;32(3):367-73. doi: 10.1007/s12272-009-1309-8. Epub 2009 Apr 23. Inhibitory effects of arbutin on melanin biosynthesis of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced hyperpigmentation in cultured brownish guinea pig skin tissues. Lim YJ1, Lee EH, Kang TH, Ha SK, Oh MS, Kim SM, Yoon TJ, Kang C, Park JH, Kim SY.
  3. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Jun;33(3):210-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00616.x. Epub 2011 Jan 25. The melanogenesis and mechanisms of skin-lightening agents–existing and new approaches. Gillbro JM1, Olsson MJ.
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About Dr Alek Nikolic

Dr Alek Nikolic was born in South Africa and received his MBBCh (Wits) in 1992 and in 2000 he received his MBA (UCT). He has been in private practice for 24 years and is the owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, which has offices in Cape Town. Dr Nikolic specialises in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. He is very driven and has lectured extensively and has performed live demonstrations throughout South Africa and Internationally including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw. Dr Nikolic’s focus is on skin care, skin ingredients and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers. He has performed over 20 000 procedures to date and as such is responsible for training numerous medical practitioners both in South Africa and internationally. Dr Nikolic is one of the founding members of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy and chaired its inaugural launch in 2012. The Allergan Academy provides essential training to keep up with the latest technology in aesthetics. Dr Nikolic holds the advisory position of Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics and is the Allergan Advanced Botox and Dermal Filler Trainer. He is Vice President of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) and is an Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

2 thoughts on “How Arbutin Helps Clear Hyperpigmentation

  1. NesuPillay says:

    Good morning
    Trust that you are well.
    I have since started the Neoretin range.
    Is it normal for the skin to peel especially at the darker areas .
    Many thanks
    Take care
    Nesu Pillay

    1. Hi Nesu thank you for your comment. The peeling can be 100% normal as the dark pigmented lesions are brought to the skin surface. However it may also indicate that your skin is reacting to the retinol. My advice to be on the safe side is to stop the Neoretin until the skin settles (no more peeling) and then start introducing the Neoretin again by applying every 3rd day (Gel Cream) and night (Booster) for 2 weeks, then every 2nd day and night for 2 weeks and then daily/nightly. Please let me know if there are any problems. Kind regards Dr Alek Nikolic.

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