In the realm of skincare, it feels like there's a constant stream of new trendy ingredients promising to bestow baby-like collagen or a complexion as smooth as if freshly Botoxed. Understandably, this inundation has made many skeptical of sudden spotlighted ingredients. However, occasionally, the acclaim is well-deserved. Enter tranexamic acid.
This ingredient is renowned for its potent brightening capabilities, often likened to those of vitamin C and kakadu plum. Specifically, it's lauded for its effectiveness in addressing stubborn discoloration, making it a go-to for individuals dealing with melasma, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or blotchy skin. With consistent use, it diminishes the intensity of such discoloration, leading to overall improved brightness.
What Exactly is Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic acid is not like typical acids like alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Derived from an amino acid, it reduces hyperpigmentation. Essentially, it aids in the reduction of dark spots. A synthetic version of the amino acid lysine, tranexamic acid is touted by skincare experts at SkinCeuticals for its remarkable capacity to enhance skin tone and tackle discoloration. Numerous renowned skincare brands, such as SkinCeuticals, Shiseido, and SkinMedica, have incorporated it into their transformative formulations.
Tranexamic Acid
Type of Ingredient: Acid
Main Benefits: Diminishes discoloration, brightens skin, reduces the appearance of acne scars.
Who Should Use It: Generally safe for all skin types. Individuals with highly sensitive skin or eczema should conduct a patch test on the inner wrist prior to use as a precaution.
How Often You Can Use It: Ideally, products containing tranexamic acid should be applied twice daily, although some experts advise starting with once daily application to gauge skin reaction.
Works Well With: Vitamin C, SPF, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
Don't Use With: Multiple different acids; opt for a combination of just one or two additional acid products to prevent dryness.
Tranexamic Acid's Skin Benefits
Tranexamic acid is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines stems from its historical use in managing excessive blood loss during major trauma and surgeries. However, its skin benefits were serendipitously discovered in 1979 when a patient, prescribed the medication for chronic urticaria, noticed a lightening of skin discoloration. This versatile ingredient synergizes effectively with other brightening agents like vitamin C and SPF, aiding in damage prevention and mitigating discoloration.
Potential Side Effects
While generally safe for most skin types, it's prudent to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating tranexamic acid into your skincare regimen. Reported side effects include irritation, dryness, and flakiness. We recommend introducing potentially irritating ingredients like acids gradually to prevent overwhelming the skin and causing redness or flakiness.
How to Incorporate Tranexamic Acid in your routine
Tranexamic acid's mild nature allows for easy combination with other skincare ingredients to optimize benefits. We suggest pairing it with retinol or chemical peels for enhanced efficacy in treating conditions like melasma. Combining it with vitamin C or kojic acid amplifies its brightening effects. Tranexamic acid is commonly found in serums, we reommend opting for formulations from reputable manufacturers that suit your skin's preferences. Always follow up with a moisturizer for optimal hydration.
Recommended Skincare Products
For targeted under-eye treatment, the Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Hydrating Mask is favored for its tranexamic acid content, along with peptides and licorice root derivative to address inflammation and plumpness. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum and SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense are top choices for serums, leveraging additional brighteners like niacinamide or kojic acid for tackling discoloration. Click here to buy.
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum. This serum combines tranexamic and kojic acids with niacinamide to effectively combat sun damage, acne scarring, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Click here to buy.
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Multi Repair Oil. Luxuriously formulated with tranexamic acid and a host of other potent ingredients, this serum targets dullness and uneven texture for a rejuvenated complexion. Click here to buy.
Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, containing tranexamic acid alongside an AHA blend, this peel improves skin clarity over time, making it ideal for addressing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Click here to buy.
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment with a 15 percent active brightening complex, this formula diminishes the appearance of dark spots and post-blemish marks. Click here to buy.
Good Molecules Tranexamic Acid Overnight Treatment. An affordable option combining tranexamic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for fading discoloration, moisturizing, and brightening dull skin. Simply apply before oils and moisturizers for maximum effect. Click here to buy.
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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II