It is a popular skin care product to prevent stains. Purvisha Patel, MarylandIts primary purpose in medical practice stems from its blood-clotting properties, says the Memphis, Tennessee-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skin Care. “Tranexamic acid is a drug used to prevent or reduce excessive bleeding in a variety of medical conditions,” she says. “It works by stabilizing blood clots and preventing their breakdown.” According to Dr. Patel, tranexamic acid can help with symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, and hereditary angioedema (swelling under the skin associated with allergies). It is said to be commonly used in surgeries, procedures, and treatments for a variety of medical conditions.
What effect does tranexamic acid have on the skin?
In addition to its medical properties, tranexamic acid is used to combat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and discoloration caused by melasma, a skin disease that is a type of hormonal hyperpigmentation that is primarily diagnosed in women. One of the gold standard skin care ingredients.
“Tranexamic acid slows melanin synthesis by inhibiting the plasminogen/plasmin pathway.” Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This blocks interactions between melanocytes [the skin cells that produce melanin] and keratinocytes [cells that provide skin structure]Blocking the interaction between the two reduces age spots, signs of melasma, and post-acne hyperpigmentation, creating a clearer, more radiant tone.
Which skin types is tranexamic acid suitable for?
All the dermatologists we spoke to agree that tranexamic acid is safe for all skin types, including those with irritable skin and those who are pregnant. That said, Dr. King recommends patch testing for people with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin to ensure that no unwanted reactions occur.
Although anyone can benefit from the evening toning effects of tranexamic acid, Karan Lal, DO, FAADThe doctor, a dual-board certified cosmetic and pediatric dermatologist at Affiliate Dermatology in Scottsdale, Ariz., says it’s a great way to even out skin without causing the brightening halo effect of more powerful brighteners. , says it’s especially great for people with darker skin, who are more prone to hyperpigmentation. They also say that this ingredient is a non-hydroquinone skin lightening agent, so it is safe for long-term use.
What ingredients can be used with tranexamic acid?
As a bonus, tranexamic acid pairs well with most skin care ingredients in your daily routine. Dr. King says it should be used in conjunction with sunscreen, and that you should wear (and reapply) sunscreen anyway. “When combined with other skin whitening ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and phytic acid, results may improve,” she added. “Using it in conjunction with retinol or retinoids can also be effective.” That said, Dr. King says caution should be taken when using tranexamic acid with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, as they can be irritating. I’m pointing it out.
meet an expert
- Dr. Hadley Kinga board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Karan Lal, DO, FAADa dual board certified cosmetic and pediatric dermatologist at Affiliate Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Dr. Marisa Garshicka board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Purvisha Patel, Marylanda board-certified dermatologist based in Memphis, Tennessee, and founder of Visha Skincare.
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