How to Use Niacinamide and Alpha-Arbutin
When layering skincare ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you reap the benefits of this cocktail. It’s generally considered a good idea to combine an active ingredient like alpha-arbutin with niacinamide, as the moisturizing effects ensure that any dryness or irritation issues are addressed.
If you’re still a little confused about how to use niacinamide and alpha arbutin, don’t panic because we’re here to clear things up, but before we get into the science, let’s take a quick look at both ingredients and their benefits for the skin.
What is Alpha Arbutin?
It occurs naturally and is extracted from the dried leaves of plants like blueberry, bearberry, and cranberry. It can achieve impressive skin whitening and complexion brightening results. This works by attacking the cells in the lower layers of the skin that are responsible for producing melanin, helping to lighten pigmentation and dark spots. Alpha-arbutin, by virtue of its structure and ability to bind to tyrosinase, thereby catalyzing melanin synthesis, can prevent pigmentation from darkening.
Fortunately, given the effectiveness of alpha-arbutin, it combines well with niacinamide, providing fast results and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
What does Niacinamide do for the skin?
I feel like I’ve explained what Niacinamide is a few times here already, so I’ll quickly go over some of its key skin benefits now.
The right amount of water and oil helps keep the skin barrier fully functioning, allowing it to protect itself from daily free radical damage.
Helps reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles
Can regulate the skin’s natural sebum production
May help reduce signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and melasma
These are the main benefits of Niacinamide, but if you want to learn more, you can read our blog post on using Niacinamide on your face.
Which came first, Alpha-Arbutin or Niacinamide?
When using skincare products containing both Alpha-Arbutin and Niacinamide, it’s recommended to use Alpha-Arbutin first, as it’s more effective and, like many powerful skincare ingredients, can cause skin irritation and dryness as a side effect. In this case, Niacinamide can intervene and restore the balance of its moisturizing properties by drawing moisture into the lower layers of the skin and holding it there. If Niacinamide can keep your complexion plump and youthful, you might find that Alpha-Arbutin can even out your skin tone and provide even skin.
Can Arbutin and Niacinamide be used together?
Yes, absolutely, as I have already described, Alpha-Arbutin and Niacinamide are a perfect combination for flawless skin. Both ingredients are water-based and are usually formulated to feel light on the skin. Niacinamide not only helps restore moisture to the skin, but it also boosts collagen production. Combined with the skin-brightening benefits of Alpha Arbutin, you will find that the accumulated dead skin cells are sloughed off, leaving your skin looking healthier, happier, and tighter.
Can I use Hyaluronic Acid with Niacinamide and Alpha-Arbutin?
Since both Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide are gentle on the skin, I can’t blame you if you use both and want to combine them with an Alpha Arbutin product. If it works for your skin, go ahead and use it. Personally, I believe that combining two complementary serums gives you the best results. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use all of these products in your daily skincare routine. All you have to do is use them at different times of the day. For example, combining hyaluronic acid and alpha-arbutin in your morning routine can moisturize your skin while also eliminating dark spots. Of course, don’t forget your daily SPF. Then, you can hit the reset button and apply niacinamide at night to regulate oil production and maintain the radiant glow you’ve achieved.
What Not to Mix with Alpha Arbutin?
As effective an ingredient as alpha-arbutin is, it’s generally considered safe for the skin when combined with other ingredients. Just be mindful of the number of active ingredients in your skincare routine to maintain. Too many active ingredients can be too powerful for the skin and often compete with each other, rendering them useless.
When combining alpha-arbutin with niacinamide, vitamin C should not be mixed with vitamin C, as they both produce similar results on the skin, causing them to cancel each other out and reduce their efficacy and performance on the skin.
How long can I use alpha arbutin for?
Although I’ve explained that the effects of alpha-arbutin may cause increased skin irritation in some people, it’s surprisingly gentle on the skin. Using arbutin twice daily after cleansing can help build skin tolerance, and combine this powerful ingredient with other ingredients like retinol or even chemical peels. It’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you can use these ingredients in your daily routine.
You may be surprised to learn that arbutin is found in many skincare products on the market, from serums to moisturizers to nighttime masks. Depending on the formulation will determine how effective the percentage of arbutin in the mix is. Serums and moisturizers with higher concentrations may cause skin sensitivity if used improperly on skin that has not been patch tested for 24 hours.
Can I use a moisturizer after using alpha-arbutin?
You actually can! Using a moisturizer after alpha-arbutin (especially if it contains niacinamide) will not only keep your skin barrier healthy and protected, but it will also help the arbutin reach the areas where it’s needed, rejuvenating and balancing your skin tone.
Can I use alpha-arbutin every day?
Yes, you can use alpha-arbutin daily, depending on your skin sensitivity and whether you have built up a tolerance to the ingredient. After that, you can apply alpha arbutin twice daily if needed. Just make sure to discontinue use after 3 months to give your skin a break while preventing further permanent damage.
Does Alpha Arbutin Darken the Skin?
Not at all, in fact, it is known to lighten dark areas caused by sun damage and hyperpigmentation. What makes alpha-arbutin different from other acids is that it can be safely used on all skin tones without the worry that the ingredient will over-brighten your skin and give you an uneven overall tone.
So there is a little more information to know about alpha arbutin, and this little-known skin secret can be used in conjunction with niacinamide. Don’t forget to find me on the Procoal Instagram if you have any questions, so follow us. And if you love skin, 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.
