Tranexamic acid skincare is best known for its lightening action on pigmentation marks of various types: melasma, age spots and post-acne marks. Here's a look at all tranexamic acid skin benefits.
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The Benefits of Tranexamic Acid for Skin.
Summary
- Tranexamic Acid, the New Active Ingredient for Hyperpigmented Skin
- All Benefits of Tranexamic Acid for Skin
- Discover Our Serum With Tranexamic Acid and Tetrapeptide-2
- Sources
Published March 11, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
8 min read
Topics:
Tranexamic Acid, the New Active Ingredient for Hyperpigmented Skin.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Amino acids are the molecules that constitute the body's proteins. Orally, tranexamic acid is used in medicine to treat excessive blood loss caused by major trauma, surgery, postpartum bleeding and heavy menstruation, thanks to its coagulant properties. In fact, it is on the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of essential medicines.
Tranexamic acid and its lightening properties in skincare were recently discovered by a healthcare professional. While his patient was taking this molecule to treat chronic urticaria, he observed a lightening and discoloration of his skin. Promising studies were then carried out on its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation topically.
All Benefits of Tranexamic Acid for Skin.
Tranexamic acid skincare (INCI name: “Tranexamic Acid”) provides several benefits:
Reducing the appearance of pigmentation spots.
Hyperpigmentation is a disturbance in the pigmentation process: melanin, the pigment responsible for the skin's natural coloring, is overproduced in certain areas. The spots that appear vary in size and impact the uniformity of the complexion. They fall into three categories: melasma caused by hormonal imbalances, age spots due to excessive and repeated sun exposure, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from overproduction of melanin after inflammation (wounds, burns, blemishes, acne outbreaks).
The mechanism of action of tranexamic acid for skin care purposes is based on inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators involved in triggering melanogenesis. Study results are promising for its action on dark spots. A 2019 study shows that it offers the same results on fading pregnancy masks as hydroquinone, minus the side effects. As a reminder, hydroquinone has been banned in all cosmetic products by European regulations since 2001. With regard to post-acne marks, a 2022 study demonstrated that tranexamic acid was useful for reducing the appearance of these lesions, with little risk of side effects. Moreover, this brightening action is also beneficial in the fight against dark under eye circles due to hyperpigmentation.
Reinforcing the skin barrier.
A 2015 study found that topical treatment with tranexamic acid (3%) for 2 weeks improved the visible signs of rosacea. Researchers linked this reduction in symptoms to an improvement in the skin barrier.
Discover Our Serum With Tranexamic Acid and Tetrapeptide-2.
Our Hyperpigmentation and lack of firmness serum contains 5% tranexamic acid. This treatment provides several tranexamic acid skin benefits: it reduces and prevents the appearance of pigmentation spots, particularly melasma, and promotes skin firming. The complexion is even, the skin smoother and firmer. It also contains acetyl tetrapeptide-2, a peptide composed of four amino acids that stimulates the synthesis of key molecules involved in skin support and firmness: elastin, collagen and fibrillin.
Note: Tranexamic acid skincare is generally safe for all skin types and well tolerated. However, there's no need to add it to your routine if your skin is free from hyperpigmentation.
Sources
NAEINI F. F. & al. Topical tranexamic acid as a promising treatment for melasma. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2014).
ZHONG S. & al. Topical tranexamic acid improves the permeability barrier in rosacea. Dermatologica Sinica (2015).
JANNEY M. S. & al. A randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy of topical 5% tranexamic acid solution versus 3% hydroquinone cream in melasma. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (2019).
WANG J. V. & al. Tranexamic acid for melasma: Evaluating the various formulations. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2019).
ETESAMI I & al. Post-acne erythema treatment: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022).
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