It is a safe therapeutic option that is easy to administer and has few to mild side effects. Dr. Ejikeme recommends Tranexamic for those who struggle with hyperpigmentation, as recommended by her. While it is relatively new in the world of skin care, the acid itself has been used in the medical field for several years.    

It interferes with the chemical pathways that cause skin pigmentation in a number of places and is a useful remedy for problems such as melasma, solar lentigo and aging spots. It is an old medicine with new applications in the world of dermatology and skin care. In recent years it has repeatedly appeared in dermatological conferences on the topic of pigmentation, especially melasma, ” says Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant dermatologist and author of Skin55.  

What sets it apart from our other lotions and potions is that it helps combat pigmentation. Tranexamic acid inhibits the production of melanin, the skin pigment, and transfers the pigment to the topmost layer of the skin. It also stops the uptake of pigment-producing cells in the upper layers of the skin that cooperate with other pigment regulators.

At the same time, transexamic acid blocks the transfer of pigments from Melanocytes (pigment producing cells) to Keratinocytes (keratin synthesizing cells) located in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. This inhibition prevents melanocyte cells from forming melanin in the skin and being over-stimulated, which leads to dark spots. Melasma occurs when skin cells that produce too much melanin are inhibited, making it an ideal way to counteract dark spots on the skin.

The use of Tranexamic Acid can help treat a variety of dermatological problems, including lightening discoloration, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots on the skin and healed pimples, says Hadley King, MD, certified dermatologist at Acnefree Consulted Dermatologists. In addition to controlling the irregular production of melanin, the use of tranxamic acid helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, which improves skin health, says Manish Shah, a Colorado-based certified plastic surgeon. The acid can also help relieve freckles and sunspots, adds Dr Palm.    Show Source Texts

While oral tranexamic acid does not appear to be as effective in a study as other types of hyperpigmentation, it does have an effect on freckles and aging spots, and it can mask melasma. It can also be used as a local peeling when a laser does not work and is not suitable as a combination with any of the other melasma treatments. Published medical literature shows that taking the acid lightens skin discoloration, so using it directly or with a serum containing it is a great option to treat your ailments, says Dr Palm. 

Oral tranexamic acid does not seem to work to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatment. In some studies, oral topical tranxamic acid has been used for skin melasma patches that darken after treatment, presumably due to increased sun exposure.    

Previous research has shown that tranexamic acid, a synthetic derivative of lysine, slows down melanin synthesis by inhibiting the plasminogen (plasmin) signaling pathway. Data have shown that the inclusion of this acid in an ongoing treatment protocol leads to improvement in most patients. The use of oral or topical transamic acid can reduce melasma and related skin pigmentation and reverse melasma-related skin changes including reduced redness and a reduced number of vessels.

Although tranexamic acid is approved for the prescription treatment of severe menstrual bleeding, no off-label studies indicate that it is effective in low doses (250-500 mg) for the treatment of melasma or near-melasma. Tranexative acid is available in the United States on prescription as a 650 mg tablet that can be split between patients.

In addition to addressing knowledge gaps in our understanding of topical tranexamic acid as a treatment option for Melasma, further studies of minimal systemic doses will consider the drawbacks, costs and potential complications that limit the use of this treatment in the United States. 

It is important to remember that UV (visible light) can trigger melasma, therefore all types of treatments should include UV protection to be effective. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you are taking the right dose. If 2 tablets (1,000 mg) do not work to control bleeding, your doctor may tell you to take 2 tablets four times a day.

In addition to supporting a healthy and happy skin barrier, it aims to prevent the formation of future stains and discolorations. Plasminogen activators induce tyrosinase activity, which leads to increased melanin synthesis. Melasma is a skin condition in which blotchy patches of brown pigment appear on the face.  

Indeed, this amazing acid is starting to land on everyone’s radar, with some saying it competes with hydroquinone, a leading skin-lightening ingredient in the US that has been banned without a prescription in the UK because of fears that it could cause serious side effects. Vitamin C has gained its proper place in the morning skincare routine for its ability to treat dark spots and discoloration. For more Nerdness, check out Science of Beauty, a podcast produced by our editors.  

Vitamin C and hydroquinone have long been coveted to reduce hyperpigmentation. New skin care products, which are supposed to help reduce the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (melasma), seem to promote acids of the tranexamic variety.