The leaves of the bearberry plant can be used to make bearberry extract.
Bearberry extract is made from the leaves of the bearberry plant. It is commonly used as an astringent in cosmetic preparations and skin care products. Astringents are cleansers that remove dirt and oil from the pores of the skin. It is also used as a bleaching agent to smooth freckles or skin discoloration that can be caused by sun damage or hormonal conditions.
Bearberry extract can be used to lighten the appearance of freckles.
The bearberry plant is also known as beargrape or mountain blueberry plant. Its Latin name is Arctostaphyllos Uva Ursi. Another term for bearberry extract is uva ursi extract. Bearberry extract is reputed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for cleansing the skin and improving its appearance. Some believe it increases the rate of cell turnover, thereby removing old skin cells that don’t reflect light as gently and make skin look dull.
Bearberry extract can be found in skin care products.
Bearberry leaf extract was traditionally used in Northern Europe and Russia to tan leather and even out skin color. Likewise, the extract is also used to help improve skin tone and color. Hydroquinone and arbutin are the two active components in bearberry extract, which are believed to be responsible for its ability to reduce skin pigmentation. Hydroquinone is known to inhibit the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment found in the skin that determines skin color. Arbutin also has melanin-inhibiting properties, but not to the same extent as hydroquinone. However, arbutin is thought to be less irritating to the skin and is more often used in cosmetics. Hydroquinone is recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as a bleaching agent.
Bearberry extract has been used as a remedy for urinary tract and bladder infections.
Other ingredients in skin creams intended to lighten skin must be legally referred to as skin lighteners or skin lighteners. While cosmetic companies may tout the benefits of bearberry or uva ursi extract, there is no definitive scientific evidence that amounts may be sufficient to lighten skin discoloration or change the appearance of the skin.
It is considered best to use a product made with bearberry extract only where lightening is desired. Applying a bearberry extract cream or lotion all over your face can cause unwanted results, such as removing too much pigment from your skin and increasing discoloration and uneven skin tone.
It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking bearberry extract or any other supplement.
Bearberry extract has also been used medicinally as a diuretic and a possible remedy for urinary tract and bladder infections. It is usually available in liquid, tablet, or tea bag form. A doctor should always be consulted before using any herbal supplement.