Check out some similar questions!

tai18 · May 16, 2008, 02:53 PM

Does it really depigment your skin? Or is it just another skin lightening agent?

Gr8stuff · May 16, 2008, 05:22 PM

According to my research it doesn't depigment like mono (becoming ghostly-white) but it can lighten your skin significantly and still look natural... although no one tried it yet on this forum. I'll be trying it soon, so I'll let you know.

You can find more info in this thread:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/skin-l...in-167061.html

lilgreg1 · Aug 21, 2009, 12:25 PM

Alpha Arbutin does not de-pigment your skin, destroy melanin, or any melanocytes (as monobenzone does). It works by temporarily inhibiting a process known as tyrosinase, which is necessary for melanocytes to produce melanin.

By using Alpha Arbutin, your skin produces less melanin, therefore over time, you turn lighter. Alpha Arbutin is harmless, and is completely reversible and is a good alternative to many other lighteners or depigmenters such as Hydroquinone and Monobenzone.

You must use Alpha Arbutin consistently to get lighter, and use it occasionally to maintain a shade. In order to reverse the effects, you can always stop usage of Alpha Arbutin.

Golden_Girl · Aug 22, 2009, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by lilgreg1

Alpha Arbutin does not de-pigment your skin, destroy melanin, or any melanocytes (as monobenzone does). It works by temporarily inhibiting a process known as tyrosinase, which is neccesary for melanocytes to produce melanin.

By using Alpha Arbutin, your skin produces less melanin, therefore over time, you turn lighter. Alpha Arbutin is harmless, and is completely reversible and is a good alternative to many other lighteners or depigmenters such as Hydroquinone and Monobenzone.

You must use Alpha Arbutin consistently to get lighter, and use it occasionally to maintain a shade. In order to reverse the effects, you can always stop usage of Alpha Arbutin.

LilGreg what percentage of Alpha Arbutin should I use for it to really lighten the face and body? What do you mix it with?

haiji · Aug 23, 2009, 11:23 AM

I'am using alhpa arbutin now every since last summer,it a good skin lightener,I went from brown to light brown,like a caramel.I'am east indian and black,I've photos to prove it

lilgreg1 · Aug 23, 2009, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Golden_Girl

LilGreg what percentage of Alpha Arbutin should I use for it to really lighten the face and body? What do you mix it with?

For best results, stick with a dilute percentage between 4% and 8%. Anything higher may not be absorbed as readily by the skin due to Arbutin's general texture, and anything below will simply take longer to take effect. (Less A-Arbutin inhibiting properties on the Melanocytes.)

As for mixing, use something that is free of, or not based from AHAs, (such as Glycolic or Asorbic acid). A light or simple moisturizing lotion would work great, as would "Canvas base cream", specifically for custom lotion and cream manufacturing.

Golden_Girl · Aug 23, 2009, 12:52 PM

Thanks Lilgreg :), I see you know much about alpha-arbutin. I thought Glycolic and Asorbic acid is AHA? How much percentage do I use of that also? Can you tell me more about the canvas base cream? What is your regimine now that you are using?

Haiji that's great that it worked for you. Did you make your own alpha-arbutin formula or purchase a product with alpha-arbutin already in it. I would love to see picts of your results.

lilgreg1 · Aug 23, 2009, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Golden_Girl

Thanks Lilgreg :), I see you much about alpha-arbutin. I thought Glycolic and Asorbic acid is AHA? How much percentage do I use of that also? Can you tell me more about the canvas base cream? What is your regimine now that you are using?

Glycolic and Asorbic acid(s) are indeed examples of some AHA's. (So the less amount of AHA's present in the lotion or cream, the better.) The Canvas base cream is simply a cream (some might say lotion) that is composed of very simple ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, avocado, and sesame oils/extracts. Hyaluronic Acid happens to be nonreactive, and works well with Arbutin. It works great as a moisturizer, while allowing the active ingredient such as Arbutin to work at it's furthest extent. Creams such as these dilute actives as well to the point that they can readily be absorbed by the skin.

As for a future regimine, I've used Alpha Arbutin 5% with visible skin lightening, despite having Sun contact over this summer. I'll continue usage over the fall, and begin experimenting on Monobenzone with very low concentrations. Hopefully the two together will prevent major discoloration, or unstable repigmentation, should I be prone to it.

Golden_Girl · Aug 23, 2009, 06:10 PM

How many shades did the Alpha-Arbutin lighten you? It's somewhat hard for me to eally lighten when it's 90-100 degrees outside and I have to go outside... even though I use strong sunblock and try not to go outside as much. Good luck on your mono regimine. Do you think it will lighten you evenly?

How come AHA's being present in the lotion or cream, the better? What percentage do you suggest for glycolic acid, is 10% fine? Thanks for answering all my questions, as I have a lot too ask.

haiji · Aug 24, 2009, 08:58 AM

No I buy my cream,it's name gluta-c,it's works wonders!

lilgreg1 · Aug 24, 2009, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Golden_Girl

How many shades did the Alpha-Arbutin lighten you? It's somewhat hard for me to eally lighten when it's 90-100 degrees outside and I have to go outside...even though I use strong sunblock and try not to go outside as much. Good luck on your mono regimine. Do you think it will lighten you evenly?

How come AHA's being present in the lotion or cream, the better? What percentage do you suggest for glycolic acid, is 10% fine? Thanks for answering all my questions, as I have alot too ask.

Alpha Arbutin (over the course of approximately 28 days) lightened myself an entire shade, two if you consider dark brown to brown then bronze. You can literally see the melanin decreasing overnight. No skin peeling, burning, itching, or anything else of that sort. As for the Monobenzone, yes, I think I'll be able to dilute and use it evenly enough as to keeping a solid skin tone, nor becoming too light. (God bless)

As for AHA's, they are more staunch acid-wise. They react with the Alpha Arbutin, while creating a layer over the skin, and make it's absorption into the skin much harder than usual. It's possible to use AHA's for skin exfoliating, but it's best to remove any remnants before applying A-Arbutin. Once again, I have no idea what percent is "best" when it comes to AHAs; the basic concept is that the less the better, or in other words, 0%. (Due to many lotions and moisturizers you find in department stores containing some form of AHA such as glycol).

Golden_Girl · Aug 24, 2009, 06:21 PM

From dark brown to brown then bronze, I would definitely consider that as 2 shades! That's good, 2 shades in about a month. Retin-A would be good to use to help lighten as it will help your skin to absorb better. Will you be using this along with your mono?

lilgreg1 · Aug 25, 2009, 12:29 PM

From what I've researched, Retin-A (Tretinion) is great for acne as well, and does make you a bit paler/lighter. That said, it's a good skin peeler too, which would be the reason for helping your skin absorb better.

I might stick with just Mono and Alpha Arbutin for the first week or so, and use some sort of AHA body exfoliate for faster absorption later on.

If necessary however, I'll give Retin-A a chance I suppose; skin lightening and acne fighter together? Sounds pretty cool.

so sexy · Aug 25, 2009, 02:14 PM

Which is more effective Retin A or Tretinion? Because they are sold separate as well as I guess the two being combined..

lilgreg1 · Aug 25, 2009, 02:38 PM

"Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and so also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA."

Retin-A generally stands for "retinoic acid", and is a brand; they are both the same thing.

so sexy · Aug 25, 2009, 03:23 PM

Thanks

Originally Posted by lilgreg1

"Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and so also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA."

Retin-A generally stands for "retinoic acid", and is a brand; they are both the same thing.

Golden_Girl · Aug 25, 2009, 03:37 PM

Also Tretinoine is generic which means it costs much less. And if you find a good place to purchase it from, then that is even better.

so sexy · Aug 25, 2009, 04:22 PM

I've seen it as a gel, sounds promising!

Golden_Girl · Aug 25, 2009, 04:32 PM

Yeah it is. And so healthy for the skin as it also helps build collagen which includes help preventing thinned skin and stretch marks.

davonte44 · Aug 25, 2009, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by lilgreg1

Alpha Arbutin (over the course of approximately 28 days) lightened myself an entire shade, two if you consider dark brown to brown then bronze. You can literally see the melanin decreasing overnight. No skin peeling, burning, itching, or anything else of that sort. As for the Monobenzone, yes, I think I'll be able to dilute and use it evenly enough as to keeping a solid skin tone, nor becoming too light. (God bless)

As for AHA's, they are more staunch acid-wise. They react with the Alpha Arbutin, while creating a layer over the skin, and make it's absorption into the skin much harder than usual. It's possible to use AHA's for skin exfoliating, but it's best to remove any remnants before applying A-Arbutin. Once again, I have no idea what percent is "best" when it comes to AHAs; the basic concept is that the less the better, or in other words, 0%. (Due to many lotions and moisturizers you find in department stores containing some form of AHA such as glycol).

Where can we get Alpha Arbutin and Retin as well