Tranexamic Acid: A Pigment-Fighting Powerhouse for Your Skincare Routine
Drs. Utako and Shosuke Okamoto, who developed tranexamic acid in their desire to reduce death from haemorrhage.When it comes to skincare, there's always a new and exciting ingredient vying for your attention. For those suffering from hyperpigmentation, melasma, or simply intrigued to learn more about advanced skincare, Tranexamic Acid (also known as TXA) is a game-changer. In this article, we'll delve into the promising world of TXA, its benefits, and how to safely incorporate it into your skincare regime.
What is TXA?
Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Originally, TXA was developed as an oral medication to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, and as an anti-fibrinolytic agent to prevent excessive blood loss during surgery. In recent years, however, research has uncovered TXA's ability to diffuse excess melanin production and limit the proliferation of pigment-producing cells. This has led to its growing popularity as a potent skincare ingredient, particularly for treating pigmentation disorders such as melasma.
History of TXA
Drs. Utako and Shosuke Okamoto developed the potent drug tranexamic acid in 1962, while Japan was recovering from the devastation of World War II. Driven by their desire to reduce death from haemorrhage, especially postpartum haemorrhage, which was a major killer of women at that time, the couple worked with blood drawn from their own veins to do their research. Their results were reported in the Keio Journal of Medicine, revealing a new chemical entity called Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) that inhibited fibrin breakdown by plasmin. Little did they know that this drug would become much more potent and save many lives from bleeding decades later. The further discovery of TXA's skin-lightening potential dates back to the 1970s when researchers noticed improvements in skin discoloration among patients who took TXA for other reasons. Since then, numerous clinical studies have been conducted to assess its effectiveness in treating skin pigmentation disorders, with promising success rates.
Melasma Rebrief
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of irregular, symmetrical patches of brown or grayish pigmentation, primarily on the face. The exact cause of melasma remains unclear, but it has been linked to hormonal imbalances, sun exposure, and a genetic predisposition.
Benefits of TXA
The primary benefit of TXA is its ability to lighten hyperpigmentation and melasma effectively. TXA reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting plasmin, an enzyme responsible for activating pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). This process leads to decreased melanin production and visibly evens out skin tone.
Oral TXA
TXA is administered both orally and topically. Oral TXA has shown significant improvements in melasma sufferers, with a 2016 review study finding an 80-90% success rate. However, oral TXA should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
Oral vs. Topical
While oral TXA provides impressive results, it is not without potential side effects. These can include gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and rarely, blood clotting. Topical TXA allows for a more targeted approach and has fewer side effects than its oral counterpart. Several clinical studies have supported the efficacy of topical TXA, and it is increasingly incorporated into skincare products.
Product Recommendations
To help incorporate TXA into your skincare routine, consider adding products from the following list:
Chemical Exfoliants
La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 Serum
A lightweight daily serum that combines 10% glycolic acid with vitamin B5 to exfoliate and refine skin texture. It also contains Tranexamic Acid, an effective skin-lightening agent that reduces the appearance of pigmentation disorders such as melasma. This serum helps to improve skin tone and texture while providing antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors.
Chemist Confessions Gold Standard Exfoliation Treatment
A two-in-one exfoliating treatment that gently buffs away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. The chemical exfoliant is a blend of Tranexamic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, and Lactic Acid, which reduce pigmentation and have anti-aging properties. This treatment helps to improve skin tone while promoting collagen production for youthful looking skin.
Serums
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
An intensive dark spot corrector that helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It contains Tranexamic Acid, which exfoliates and inhibits melanin production to target discolouration and even out skin tone. The serum also features Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This powerful combination helps restore a brighter complexion with prolonged use.
SkinCeuticals Discolouration Defence Serum
Combines Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide, plus HEPES and Silybin, to brighten dark spots while protecting against environmental aggressors. The serum helps reduce the appearance of discolouration and age spots, and can also be used as a preventative measure to protect healthy skin from premature aging.
SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Serum
A brightening treatment formulated with Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, and a blend of botanical extracts. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, discolouration, and uneven skin tone while improving texture and restoring luminosity. This lightweight formula is safe for sensitive skin and is ideal for all skin types looking to achieve an even complexion.
Topicals Faded Serum
This serum harnesses advanced technology to deliver Tranexamic Acid and other brightening agents deep into the skin. This powerful serum helps to reduce dark spots, discolouration, and uneven pigmentation while protecting against environmental stressors. It also boosts collagen production for a firmer, more youthful complexion with continued use.
Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand
An innovative spot treatment that helps to fade dark spots quickly. Formulated with Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide, it helps to reduce discolouration while providing antioxidant protection for a brighter, more even complexion. The lightweight formula is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used alone or as part of your existing skincare routine.
The Inkey List 2% Tranexamic Acid Serum
A targeted dark spot treatment that delivers visible results. It contains an advanced blend of Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, and potent antioxidants to help reduce discolouration while protecting against free radical damage. This lightweight formula works quickly to restore a more even and luminous complexion.
Paula’s Choice Discolouration Repair Serum
A powerful dark spot corrector that helps reduce the appearance of discolouration, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. It contains Tranexamic Acid to inhibit melanin production and help even out skin tone while Niacinamide and Glycerin help to reduce redness. The formula also features antioxidants and anti-aging peptides to protect the skin against environmental damage for a smoother, brighter complexion.
Retinol
Innbeauty Project Retinol Remix Treatment
A powerful blend of retinol and tranexamic acid that helps to reduce discolouration while promoting skin renewal. This treatment combines retinol with a unique delivery system for sustained release throughout the day, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin for maximum efficacy. The tranexamic acid helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation while promoting an even skin tone. In addition, omega fatty acids, ceramides, and vitamin E provide antioxidant protection to keep skin looking healthy and youthful. With regular use, this treatment can help restore a brighter complexion with improved texture and tone.
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