Skin whitening research has proven that a simple extract of the Bearberry leaf is a natural skin whitening agent. It's called Alpha Arbutin. When you want a skin bleaching product that really works, look for the ingredient Alpha Arbutin.
Why does it really work? An effective whitener must inhibit melanin. This is the pigment that gives skin darker color. Alpha Arbutin works on melanin.
Rosehip Vitamin C
The Skin Whitening Research
Japanese medical researchers studied alpha arbutin. They discovered it interrupts melanin production. The doctors performed two tests on the skin whitening ability of Alpha Arbutin. In the first study, it reduced pigmentation in skin cells by 25 percent. In the follow-up test, they reported a 40 reduction in melanin.
That means skin cells were nearly half as dark.
o The doctors were concerned that inhibiting melanin might hurt the cells. But A.A. (Alpha Arbutin) got a "clean bill of health". Cells grew normally. They just had less melanin.
o In the words of the scientists in Japan, "These results indicate that alpha-arbutin is an effective and safe ingredient for skin-lightening."
Scientists know Alpha Arbutin as 4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-glucopyranoside.
We non-scientists are interested to learn it's an extract of the Bearberry plant. Bears love the berries of this North American bush. For hundreds of years herbalists used the leaves to make alternative medicines. Their research found an extract of the Bearberry naturally whitens skin.
Why? An effective skin lightener must inhibit melanin. This is the pigment that gives skin darker color. A.A. works on melanin. Six Japanese medical researchers found that it successfully interrupted melanin production. A.A. reduced pigmentation in skin cells by 25 percent in one test, and 40 percent in a follow up study.
The study also found that it is perfectly safe on cells. They grew normally, but with less melanin.
In the words of the scientists in Japan, "These results indicate that alpha-arbutin is an effective and safe ingredient for skin-lightening."
More Skin Whitening Research
There are natural acids and vitamins shown to impact melanin production.
1. Kojic acid-a natural substance used as a general health supplement in Japan
2. A.A., as discussed earlier in this article.
3. Ascorbic Acid, or Vitamin C.
4. Azelaic acid.
5. Derivatives of Vitamin A, also known as retinoids.
6. Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B-3.
The research into man-made skin whitening chemicals is also conclusive. They are dangerous.
The evidence against hydroquinone continues to mount. It caused nerve damage when used on African skin. It is linked to cancer. Hydroquinone has been banned overseas in any cosmetic product. Yet you can still find it in the US in over-the-counter lighteners.
We know steroids are dangerous. Yet they have been a key ingredient in some bleaching creams.
Mercury is still found in lighteners made and sold overseas. Mercury is very dangerous when you are exposed to it over long periods of time. This is why it's so questionable in skin creams. Your skin will absorb mercury as you use it to bleach skin.
Why run the risk, when natural ingredients have been shown to work on a natural process of melanin production?
If you are interested in reading the Japanese study, it is called "inhibitory Effects of Alpha Arbutin on Melanin."
Skin Whitening Research - Which Skin Whitening Products Really Work?
Now! Special price FREE with Super Saver Shipping at Amazon
