How to use Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin
When it comes to layering skincare ingredients together there are a few things to remember to ensure you are reaping the rewards of this cocktail. It is usually considered a good idea to team a potent ingredient such as Alpha Arbutin with niacinamide because of the hydrating effects ensuring any dryness or irritation are combatted.
Now if you’re still a little muddled with how to use niacinamide and alpha arbutin don’t panic as we are here to clear things up, but before we jump into the science related stuff, lets quickly explain both ingredients and how they benefit the skin.
What is Alpha Arbutin?
Naturally occurring and extracted from the dried leaves of plants such as blueberries, bearberries, and cranberries. It can deliver impressive skin lightening and brightening results to the complexion. It can do this by targeting the cells in the lower layers of the skin that are responsible for the production of melanin helping to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots. With its structure and ability to bind tyrosinase enzymes to catalyze melanin synthesis alpha arbutin can prevent signs of pigmentation from becoming darker.
Considering how potent alpha arbutin is, luckily for us it teams well with niacinamide which allows it to deliver results quickly with enhanced effects to the overall look of the skin.
What does niacinamide do for the skin?
I feel as though I have explained what niacinamide a few times is here before, so now I’ll quickly run through some of its key benefits for the skin.
Helps keep the skin barrier fully functioning with the correct levels of water and oil enabling it to protect itself from daily free radical damage.
Helps to minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles
Has the ability to regulate the natural sebum production in the skin
Can help reduce any signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone and melasma
Those are the main benefits of niacinamide, but if you are wanting to know more you can check out our blog post about how to use niacinamide on the face.
What goes first Alpha Arbutin or niacinamide? When applying skincare products containing alpha arbutin and niacinamide it is considered best to first use alpha arbutin as it is more potent and much like many strong skincare ingredients can deliver a side effect of skin irritation and dryness. This is when niacinamide can step in and restore balance with its humectant traits enabling it to draw moisture into the lower layers of the skin and locking it into place. When niacinamide keeping the complexion plumped and youthful you’ll find alpha arbutin is able to work at evening out your skin tone and bringing uniformity to the skin. Can I use Arbutin and niacinamide together? Yes absolutely, as I have already described alpha arbutin and niacinamide make a perfect skin perfecting duo. Both ingredients are water-based and often formulated to feel lightweight for the skin. Whilst niacinamide can help restore the hydration for the skin it can also work at promoting the production of collagen, by teaming this with the skin brightening benefits of alpha arbutin you will find the build-up of dead skin cells are exfoliated away leaving you with healthier, happier, and firmer looking skin. Can I use hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin? Considering that hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are both gentle on the skin I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to use both and team them with an alpha arbutin product. If it works for your skin, then continue to use them. For me personally, I always feel you get the best results by teaming two complimentary serums together. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use all in your daily skincare routine, it is simply a case of using them during different parts of your day. For example, teaming hyaluronic acid and alpha arbutin in you morning routine will keep the skin hydrated whilst dark spots are targeted, not forgetting your daily SPF of course. You can then hit the reset the button and apply niacinamide in the evening to regulate the oil and maintain the glowing radiance you have gained. What can you not mix with Alpha Arbutin? For such a potent ingredient as alpha arbutin it is considered generally safe for the skin when teamed with other ingredients. It is just a case of keeping on top of the number of active levels of skincare ingredients you are using in your routine. Using too many active ingredients can be too harsh for the skin and often begin to compete, rendering them all useless. Regarding what not to mix with alpha arbutin when teaming it with niacinamide is vitamin C as they both deliver similar results for the skin which results in them counteracting each other and diminishing their potency and performance on the skin. How long can I use Alpha Arbutin? Although I have already expressed how the potency of alpha arbutin can cause some to suffer from increased skin irritation, it is considered surprisingly gentle on the skin. When using arbutin twice daily after cleansing you can build the skin’s tolerance and team this powerhouse ingredient with others such as retinols and even chemical peels. It’s always best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you can use these ingredients in your daily routine. You may be surprised to hear that arbutin is found in many skincare products already on the market, from serums, moisturiser, and overnight face masks. Depending on the formula will determine how potent the percentage of arbutin is in the blend. Serums and moisturisers containing higher levels and if used incorrectly on a skin that has not performed a patch test for 24 hours may lead to some experiencing skin sensitivity. Can I use moisturiser after Alpha Arbutin? You can indeed! Applying a moisturiser (especially if it contains niacinamide) after alpha arbutin will not only keep the skin barrier healthy and allowing to protect itself, but it will also help arbutin reach the areas it needs and get to work reviving and evening out the complexion. Can I use Alpha Arbutin every day? Yes, you can use alpha arbutin everyday depending on your skin’s sensitivity and whether you have built its tolerance to the ingredient. After this you can apply alpha arbutin twice a day if needed, just ensure you stop using it after 3 months and allow your skin to have a break whilst preventing any further, long-lasting damage. Does Alpha Arbutin darken skin? Not at all, in fact it is known for brightening darker areas that are a result of sun damage and hyperpigmentation. The difference between alpha arbutin compared to other acids is the fact it is safe for all skin tones to use without the worry of the ingredient lightening the skin too much causing the overall tone to become uneven. So, there is a little more information about alpha arbutin, and this little-known skin secret can be used with niacinamide. Don’t forget if you have any question, you can come and find me on the Procoal Instagram so give us a follow. And if skin is your thing, check out our YouTube channel, The Green Sofa!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
