Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid - these well-known ingredients have been proven and continue to deliver long-lasting skin results, earning them a permanent place in our skin care routines.
So when a trendy new ingredient appears on more and more ingredient labels, promising similar (if not better) results to our most trusted favorites, our ears perk up. For those focused on dark spots, discoloration and dullness, it's Tranexamic Acid, the key ingredient in our Spot Blemish Gel.
This research-backed, dermatologist-approved ingredient is the next big thing in treating hyperpigmentation—and for good reason. Read on as we explain how tranexamic acid works, what it can do for your skin, and how to use it. What is tranexamic acid?
Tranexamic acid is derived from lysine - an essential amino acid that our bodies do not produce naturally. Remember: Amino acids are the building blocks of essential proteins that keep your skin's moisture barrier strong and better protect your skin from invaders like harmful UV rays and acne-causing bacteria.
Tranexamic acid was originally developed as an oral treatment for blood clots and heavy menstrual bleeding. Recently, however, it has become a topical skin staple used to combat hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
How does it work?
The easiest way to understand how tranexamic acid works is to understand how dark spots form in the first place. Skin damage (such as popping a pimple), hormones, and excessive sun exposure can trigger the formation of melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that tans the skin and darkens some eye colors.
This is part of the skin's healing process, as melanin helps protect the skin from further damage. However, too much melanin can leave pigment deposits on the skin—also called pigmented spots. Hyperpigmentation. How are black spots produced?
Tranexamic acid blocks this process and inhibits the pathways through which excess melanin passes and causes discoloration. This makes this ingredient highly effective at reducing dark spots, balancing skin tone, and treating melasma, a common skin condition in which hormones cause skin discoloration.
Although it has the word "acid" in the name, this ingredient doesn't have the same exfoliating properties as glycolic and lactic acid. However, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which is a huge benefit for PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and redness. Use tranexamic acid for:
Dark spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation. chloasma. Flat, new acne scars and acne marks. Uneven and dull skin tone redness and inflammation . How and when to use tranexamic acid
Since tranexamic acid does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight like acids and retinols, it can be used morning and night. In fact, it is recommended to use it twice daily as regular use provides the best results.
Since UV rays stimulate melanin production, you should still wear a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every day, otherwise you're unlikely to see improvement. As with all dark spot treatments, it may take up to two months to see noticeable changes. So stay tuned!
Tranexamic acid combines well with almost all ingredients and is safe for pregnancy. Many dermatologists even recommend it to treat pregnancy-related melasma (also known as a "pregnancy mask").
For enhanced benefits, look for formulas that contain both tranexamic acid and other antioxidant-rich brightening ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and vitamin C, or incorporate them into your skin care routine.
Note: Our Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum contains all three ingredients and can be easily mixed with tranexamic acid to be applied.
This is part of the skin's healing process, as melanin helps protect the skin from further damage. However, too much melanin can leave pigment deposits on the skin—also called pigmented spots. Hyperpigmentation. How are black spots produced?
Tranexamic acid blocks this process and inhibits the pathways through which excess melanin passes and causes discoloration. This makes this ingredient highly effective at reducing dark spots, balancing skin tone, and treating melasma, a common skin condition in which hormones cause skin discoloration.
Although it has the word "acid" in the name, this ingredient doesn't have the same exfoliating properties as glycolic and lactic acid. However, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which is a huge benefit for PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and redness. Use tranexamic acid for:
Dark spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation. chloasma. Flat, new acne scars and acne marks. Uneven and dull skin tone redness and inflammation . How and when to use tranexamic acid
Since tranexamic acid does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight like acids and retinols, it can be used morning and night. In fact, it is recommended to use it twice daily as regular use provides the best results.
Since UV rays stimulate melanin production, you should still wear a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every day, otherwise you're unlikely to see improvement. As with all dark spot treatments, it may take up to two months to see noticeable changes. So stay tuned!
Tranexamic acid combines well with almost all ingredients and is safe for pregnancy. Many dermatologists even recommend it to treat pregnancy-related melasma (also known as a "pregnancy mask").
For enhanced benefits, look for formulas that contain both tranexamic acid and other antioxidant-rich brightening ingredients like niacinamide, licorice root extract, and vitamin C, or incorporate them into your skin care routine.
Note: Our Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum contains all three ingredients and can be easily mixed with tranexamic acid to be applied.
Physical and chemical exfoliants (such as Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Toner) can also be used with tranexamic acid because they help remove dead, dull skin cells that cause persistent hyperpigmentation.
Is tranexamic acid better than hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a whitening ingredient found in many whitening treatments and bleaching creams. Unlike some of our favorite ingredients for dulling skin, hydroquinone is extremely harsh and harsh on the skin. It contains sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions and have been linked to cancer and organ toxicity.
As if that wasn't problematic enough, hydroquinone isn't safe or effective for all skin types. It can be especially harmful to people with darker skin tones, causing skin burns and other irritation. On darker skin tones, it can actually worsen existing hyperpigmentation, largely defeating its purpose.
For all these reasons, hydroquinone is banned in the European Union, Australia, Japan, and parts of Africa. While it's not banned in the United States, it is banned in Versed.
That's why we use safe and effective alternatives to hydroquinone, like bearberry extract, fruit enzymes (found in our Doctor's Visit Instant Rejuvenating Mask), vitamin C, and, of course, tranexamic acid.
إرسال تعليق