When it comes to exfoliating and fading away scars, AHAs and BHAs are worth the hype. I have tried chemical peels, derma rollers, and mild AHA and BHA solutions to fade away blemishes and acne scars. But apart from them, there is another solution available that we can go for. It's suitable for sensitive skin; it works on blemishes and improves the complexion. It has the potential to fight skin concerns such as melasma, dark spots, breakouts, rosacea, etc.
The name of this ingredient is tranexamic acid, and right now it's not all over social media. Good, less misleading information.
I am going to share my reviews today. But first let’s get to know this ingredient well.

WHAT IS TRANEXAMIC ACID?

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that is used by doctors to prevent excess bleeding from a wound or during surgery. This active ingredient helps the clot stay on the wound to prevent excessive bleeding.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid called lysine. Lysine are the building blocks of protein that are involved in producing tissue repair, collagen production, immune cells and hormone production.
It is also taken for heavy periods, since I have never used it for this purpose. I would recommend that you consult your gynecologist before taking supplements for your menstrual cycle problems.
In research done on skin, it was surprising to find that tranexamic acid works as a skin whitening agent. This means tranexamic acid can target melanin production speed, which is the main reason for sun tanning and skin darkening. Tranexamic acid for melasma is completely safe and effective. In fact it is highly recommended for this type of skin problem.

LET’S EXPLORE TRANEXAMIC ACID BENEFITS FOR SKIN

While people rely on AHA and BHA solutions to treat melasma, acne scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation, I would say that these solutions are still all new to some people, especially, who barely have interest in knowing what type of facial acid to use for a particular skin problem.
We rely on ads and believe in what they claim to do. Tranexamic acid will be a new thing to learn about for anyone. In this article, we are discussing everything you need to know about tranexamic acid for skin.
Tranexamic acid for skin works by reducing melanocytes and fading away the dark spots and patches on the skin without drying out the skin. So it’s a great option for those who have sensitive or dry skin.
You can expect results after regular use for 12 weeks.
While there are other substances available such as hydroquinone, retinol, vitamin C, phytic acid, niacinamide, kojic, acid, tretion, salicylic acid, lactic acid etc., then why tranexamic acid for skin should be the one to opt for over all other active ingredients.
Let’s find out why?
Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting melanocytes, a cell in our skin and eyes that produces melanin. By reducing melanocytes, it suppresses melanin production. Also, it is a derivative substance from a protein type called lysine, which boosts collagen and new skin cells without causing any irritation to our skin. You can expect to see a guaranteed light complexion and improved skin texture with regular use for 8–12 weeks. One more fact that makes it stand out is where some harsh substances like kojic acid and hydroquinone can lead to thinning of skin tissue overtime. This has no such side effects. This feature of tranexamic acid makes it safe for the skin.
I also wanted to share one more piece of information: acne triggers an excess amount of melanin in response to inflammation. And hence, acne always leaves pesky scars, but the use of tranexamic acid on acne scars helps target those cluttered melanin on the corneal layer of the epidermis to clear them out.

To know more continue to read all these benefits I have mentioned down below:

BENEFITS OF TRANEXAMIC ACID FOR SKIN:

1) It can reverse the cells damaged by sun exposure.

Even if you have sunscreen on, there is no guarantee that it will block all UV rays. This one active ingredient alone can repair your skin barrier and treat sun spots, tanning, and hyperpigmentation caused by pollution and UV rays. If you use it every day, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your look and skin tone. A tranexamic acid topical cream can eliminate all imperfections, such as dark spots and blemishes, to give you an even and bright skin tone.

2) It can treat melasma.

We already discussed how tranexamic acid targets the melanocytes to control melanin production. It is effective on those disturbing dark patches that’s hard to get rid of. You can also use it for your freckles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.

3) It may treat rosacea.

Rosacea damages the skin barrier over time; it makes the skin look red and gives pus-filled bumps. For skin that’s already sensitive, another type of substance may be a bad choice. In that case, one can try a tranexamic acid topical cream to repair the skin barrier. Tranexamic acid cream is also anti-inflammatory, so it can also reduce inflammation and help clear up the appearance.

4) Tranexamic acid can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

It helps produce new cells and boost collagen production in the area applied as its derivative of amino acid type lysine. It can improve elasticity and get rid of fine lines without requiring you to rely on retinols.

5) Tranexamic acid can even out the tone.

It is gentle on the skin, and if your skin is intolerant of chemical peel solutions like retinol, this can be the best alternative for you to achieve an even skin tone by getting rid of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, patches, etc. It will also maintain good, healthy skin and repair skin barriers for protection.

6) Tranexamic acid does not get oxidized easily.

Unlike other skin brightening agents such as kojic or hydroquinone, tranexamic acid can resist oxidation and also doesn't make your skin sensitive to sun.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

To regain your glow and brightness, you must try this active ingredient. Believe me, it has no side effects such as thinning of the skin, redness, or irritation as long as you are using it in the right amount.
Excessive use of anything has some side effects linked to it. Before we jump into the procedure to use it, let's set the right expectations.

1) Be patient with tranexamic acid; benefits should appear for at least 8 to 12 weeks, not in 1 or 2 weeks.
2) Choose what works for you; you can use it in the form of moisturizing cream, serum, or toner.
3) Tranexamic acid can be applied at any time of the day. daytime or nighttime, whichever works for you. I would recommend the nighttime for better results.
4) Before applying it, prepare your skin. You have to cleanse your face with a good cleanser; the use of an oil double cleanser is also great as long as it clears the pores well.
5) For the first week, use it on alternate days to see if your skin is tolerant to the substance.
6) There are many brands manufacturing serums, creams, lotions using tranexamic acid for skin so choose a reliable brand only.
 

HOW TO USE TRANEXAMIC ACID CREAM

We have understood what tranexamic acid is and what it can do for your skin. Let’s learn how to use tranexamic acid for skin.
1)  After cleanse, apply tranexamic acid on your face and neck and let it sit on your face for 5 minutes after that;
2) top it with some good moisturizer, I only use castor oil but you can choose whatever suits you best either natural oil like jojoba, olive, coconut oil, etc or water based moisturizer.
3) Leave it overnight. Follow the routine everyday.
4) If you choose to use it in the daytime, don’t skip sunscreen, apply sunscreen after every 2 hours and also try to stay in the shade. Although, nighttime is the best suitable time for any skincare routine.

BEST INGREDIENTS TO COMBINE WITH TRANEXAMIC ACID

Once your skin gets used to this ingredient, it’s time to up the game and use it with another active ingredient to maximize benefits for your skin.

1) Niacinamide
For acne prone skin, this will be the best combination. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide both together can help regulate the dispersion of melanin in order to lighten up the scars.

2) Salicylic Acid
Trying to face away acne scars and fight acne at the same time. Then try a combination of tranexamic acid and salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is highly recommended for acne prone skin, it is a soluble beta-hydroxy acid that can treat acne by killing the bacteria, also it helps control excess oil secretion. Tranexamic acid is anti-inflammatory, which will do both reduce inflammation and reduce scar by acne.

3) Vitamin C
Vitamin c is well-known for its brightening effect, reducing fine lines to give you younger looking skin. If you’re trying to achieve better results when it comes to light and even skin tone, treat hyperpigmentation or melasma, dark patches, etc. The combination of tranexamic acid with vitamin c is a better choice.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF TRANEXAMIC ACID

I have never had any side effects. It's safer than the other types of acids. But to be on the safer side, do a patch test before using it on your skin. The best way to find out how much your skin can tolerate is by incorporating it into your skincare two or three times a week.
Tranexamic acid is safer than any other ingredients available. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may notice dryness, redness, etc. It is suitable for all types of skin. The results are visible after use for weeks and there is no discomfort or irritation.
It is a mild acid not a moisturizing cream so excess use may lead to flakiness, redness and dryness.
Avoid getting it into your eyes while applying. Don’t skip on moisturizing your skin and always apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.