Abstract

A comparative study of the Efficiency of 3% Glycine Max Extract Cream Versus 2% Alpha Arbutin Cream In Facial Skin Whitening in Thai People

Author(s): Thiri Myo Khaing

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. It combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (knowledge). It utilizes a holistic approach in the treatment of all diseases. It considers the whole body and mind for any problem where different tissues or system in the body interact with each other and are not separate entities. With the increase in incidence of chronic disease and the cost of healthcare, there is a need for integration of Ayurveda and mainstream medicine. The high pressure and stressful demands of work and lifestyle with poor and adulterated food consumption, the incidence of diseases with lifelong support from steroid, painkillers or surgeries have increased. There is a need for an integrative approach to tackle the growing problems in health. I will present how Ayurvedic principles and herbs can help with management and for treatment of chronic diseases. Several analogs or derivatives of arbutin have been developed and studied for their melanin synthesis inhibitory action. Formulations have been developed to improve the stability, transdermal delivery, and release of arbutin, and device usage to promote skin absorption has been developed. Substances that inhibit melanin synthesis synergistically with arbutin have been explored. The skin lightening efficacy of arbutin alone or in combination with other active ingredients has been clinically evaluated. Combined therapy with arbutin and laser could give enhanced depigmenting efficacy. The use of arbutin causes dermatitis rarely, and caution is recommended for the use of arbutin-containing products, especially from the viewpoint that hydroquinone may be generated during product use. Studies on the antioxidant properties of arbutin are emerging, and these antioxidant properties are proposed to contribute to the skin depigmenting action of arbutin. It is hoped that this review will help to understand the pros and cons of arbutin as a cosmetic ingredient, and will lead to future research directions for developing advanced skin lightening and protecting cosmetic products.Which arbutin or α-arbutin is more advantageous as a skin lightening agent? Do arbutin and α-arbutin have properties of inhibiting melanin synthesis without releasing hydroquinone? Is the toxicity of arbutin due to the release of hydroquinone?