Is Alpha Arbutin Safer than Hydroquinone?

 The beauty industry has been looking for a new replacement for hydroquinone since it has been banned worldwide with the exception of the U.S. .  And as a result they have found a substance found in a common weed that may be effective for whitening skin.  The substance is natural but just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily imply “safe”.  It is Alpha Arbutin .  But how effective is it?

Alpha Arbutin and Hydroquinone Compared

The dangers of hydroquinone are indisputable .  Many darker skinned women have found that using the substance can whiten skin but if abused, it could whiten the skin permanently.Because it is absorbed through the skin in a cream, if taken over long periods of time, it could cause kidney failure and liver damage.  Finally, because it is labeled a poison, in a few cases of severe abuse, it has actually caused death .

Is Alpha Arbutin safer? 

 First, many women may think that just because A-Arbutin in a natural and organic material doesn’t imply that it is a safe alternative  . The reason for this is that when it is broken down in the body, it produces “hydroquinone  .   In other words, the synthesis and how it reacts to the body is the same.   In fact, the chemical responsible for inhibiting melanin is broken down the same way regardless of what the two chemicals are labeled.

Furthermore, studies into the effects of A-arbutin over time have not been studied long enough to determine whether the side-effects are reduced.  One thing is clear though- A-arbutin is not as effective as hydroquinone and given the fact that studies have not conclusively proved that one is better than the other, hydroquinone may be the better option….if you can get it.

There are some other bleaching ingredients that may be better for you though than either of the two . For instance, Japanese researchers recently discovered that a substance in a particular fungi could whiten the skin.  It is known as kojic acid .   While it is safer, the effects take longer to realize.  For many women, the wait may seem too long though  .

Hydroquinone Dangers are real .  And while Alpha Arbutin may appear to be a substance that could rival it, the jury is still out as to whether it is truly safer.

 

Flat Hair Irons: 4 Tips Before Buying

It’s arduous to know which flat hair irons are the best for your hair type. The following 4 important tips should help you weed out any flat irons that aren’t suited for your hair type.

Tip 1 – Plate Size :

The proper plate size will depend on the type of hair being straightened. For example , hair that is very fine will only require a flat iron with plates ranging between 1 to 1 and a half inches in width. Normal hair can use plates that are between 1 to 2 inches, depending on the length of hair, longer strands might require wider plates. Hair that is extremely thick , curly, or coarse can require up to 3 inch plates for the best results in straightening. Again, the length of hair will also determine the width of the plates. Babyliss hair straightener   have many different plate sizes to choose from.

Tip 2 – Plate Material :

Ceramic and tourmaline are the two most common types of materials used for the plates in flat irons. Both of these cut down frizz, seal in moisture, but ceramic is excellent for keeping hot spots from occurring . This characteristic keeps people from burning their hair when using a flat iron. Ionic technology is used with both of these . The best flat irons, such as  Babyliss pro flat iron , use both types of technology in their plates.

Tip 3 – Temperature Adjustment :

Purchasing a flat iron that has a way to regulate the temperature is important for fit looking hair. Fine hair needs to have temperatures under 360 degrees Fahrenheit, normal hair requires temperatures between 360 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and coarse, thick, or curly hair straighten best with heat between 380 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip 4 – Price :

As with most products, cheaper usually means poor quality . The lower priced flat irons usually don’t last very long. If this is a hair styling tool that only gets used once in a great while , then a cheaper version might be more cost effective . However , if the flat iron will be used daily or by many people, than it’s better to invest in a pricier model. Select from most basic designs sold in most stores, while some professional models need to be specially ordered. Stores that specialize in hair supplies will also carry many professional-grade flat irons to choose from, like the Babyliss Professional flat irons