Tranexamic Acid For Melasma: A Brief Discussion

 

For those who do not know what melasma is? Melasma is a common skin problem in people of color. It occurs when cells are hyperactive and produce too much pigment in only certain areas of the skin. It usually occurs on the face as a symmetrical, discolored patch on both sides of the face.

UV damage (UV rays from the sun) is the prime cause of melasma, and it usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and bridge of the nose. Apart from the face, it can be seen on the forearms and neck as well. People suffering from melasma are usually very self-conscious about the way it looks.

Also Read : Is Sun Protection Essential?

What causes Melasma?

Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are the causes of melasma. Those who suffer from stress or have thyroid are prone to it as hormones can trigger this skin condition. Birth control pills and pregnancy can often cause melasma in women. While sometimes they fade away on their own, other times they may require appropriate treatment. While chemical peels and dermabrasions help in fading melasma, the safest and least invasive treatment for it is tranexamic acid.

What is Tranexamic Acid?

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine, and its continuous use can help in treating melasma on the face. Research has proven that tranexamic acid slows down melanin synthesis by decreasing tyrosinase activity. It helps in blocking the interaction between melanocytes and keratinocytes to reverse the dermal changes caused by melasma. Tranexamic acid’s long-term efficacy in treating melasma on the face has made it one of the most-sort-after beauty ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation. The acids' antiangiogenic and anti-melanogenic properties reduce post-inflammatory skin spots as well. Available for ingestion and as topical formulations tranexamic acid has become a dermatologically prescribed treatment for different types of hyperpigmentations.

A skin brightening powerhouse, tranexamic addresses skin discoloration better than Vitamin C and alpha arbutin. People suffering from hyperpigmentation, skin scarring, patches, and spots should include this ingredient in their daily skincare routine. Just 2 to 3 drops in the morning and night along with a reparative skin moisturizer, can help in evening out the skin tone. It is advisable to choose a good sunscreen while using tranexamic acid as extended sun exposure can make the skin susceptible to increased hyperpigmentation.

Also Read : Hyperpigmentation Be Gone :Ingredients That Help Fight Skin Discoloration

Benefits of Tranexamic Acid

An ingredient that is on WHO’s list of essential medicine, tranexamic acid, has been known for its ability to stop blood loss. It was used during trauma surgeries to stop patients from bleeding out. However, in 1979, it was discovered, that tranexamic acid has exceptional skincare benefits as well. It helps resolve chronic skin discoloration and pairs exceptionally with other skin brightening agents like azelaic acid and kojic acid. With the goodness of all these skin brightening ingredients, we have curated a potent potion for melasma and spots on the skin.

ThriveCo’s Radiance Serum with Tranexamic Acid

 

A potent melasma treatment; ThriveCo’s Radiance Serum, formulated with tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and kojic acid, is a breakthrough formula to combat melasma on the face. It is a gentle formula, which includes brightening agents that delve deep into the skin and even it out. It is effective in treating hyperpigmentation, melasma, age spots, acne marks, and other forms of skin darkening. It adds a luminous veil on the skin, and over time corrects dark patches. It can be used on other parts of the body like the underarms, knees, elbows, neck, nape, groin, and areas that are prone to hyperpigmentation.
It makes an excellent trio paired with ThriveCo’s AHA+BHA facial foaming cleanser and anti-ageing cream. Never forget to use sunscreen, while using ThriveCo’s Radiance serum, as the sun’s rays can obliterate all the work done by the tranexamic acid. It is a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, non-sticky formula that is formulated without parabens, sulfates, silicones, and phthalates. The dermatologically-approved formula is proven to show the depigmenting effect to even out the skin tone.

How to use Tranexamic Acid for Melasma?

Unlike most skin acids, tranexamic acid is very gentle. It can be combined with ingredients like retinol and AHAs for improved results. When combined with Vitamin C it enhances skin’s luminosity, imparting a clear, uniform, and radiant complexion. It works particularly well on people of colour. Deeper skin tones are rich in melanin and are more prone to hyperpigmentation and can benefit from this ingredient.

The best way to use tranexamic acid is in the form of a serum. It delves deep within the skin and works effectively to reduce melanin synthesis in areas of discoloration. Those who are suffering from melasma on the face can use Thriveco’s Radiance Serum with tranexamic acid twice a day and follow it up with a nourishing moisturizer. The results can be noticed in 12 to 16 weeks of use.

Side-effects of Tranexamic Acid

As mentioned before tranexamic acid is very gentle on the skin. However, some people are allergic to it, therefore, it will be best to perform a patch-test while using it. Those who have sensitive skin should ideally speak to a dermatologist before incorporating this particular ingredient into their regular skincare regime. Skin irritation, flakiness, and dryness may be observed by a few, but that will subside, once the skin gets used to this ingredient. It is best to use tranexamic acid as the only active ingredient while using it for the first time, as the skin may not be able to tolerate too many actives at the same time.

Conclusion

Melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of discoloration on the face are easily treatable. However, there is no magic wand that will clear it overnight. A systematic skincare routine, that includes skin tone unifying ingredients such as tranexamic acid, can certainly do the trick. However, it needs to be used religiously in the appropriate manner for the best results.

Tranexamic acid inhibits melanin transfer to the outer layer of the skin while preventing UV damage. It works as well as hydroquinone, but without the cytotoxicity, which is why it can be sold as an over-the-counter treatment for melasma. Those suffering from acne can use it as a treatment for post-acne scars.

Also Read : Tranexamic Acid :One Of The Best Ingredients For Hyperpigmentation

 

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