Besides the active ingredients commonly used in the treatment of melasma such as Hydroquinone, Retinoid, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Hexylresorcinol … Tranexamic acid has recently been of interest from the beauty community.
Photo: Fleur Kaan/Unsplash.
What is Tranexamic acid and how does it work?
Tranexamic Acid – or the international scientific name is trans-4-(Aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. This is an amino acid called Lysine. In the past, apothecaries often used this ingredient with oral hemostatic effects. Since 1979, topical products containing Tranexamic acid (TXA) have been used to relieve itching, but after observation, patients using this active ingredient showed improvements in pigmentation (1998). And so the new research began.
Photo: selleckchem
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman (a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, USA), Tranexamic acid works to slow down the synthesis of melanin. Specifically, this active substance acts on the enzyme plasmin present in the skin. When encountering irritating factors (for example, ultraviolet rays, endocrine disorders, using inappropriate skin care products …), the amount of plasmin in the skin increases dramatically, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. bottom layer and gradually go up to the surface of the skin. Then, Tranexamic acid works by interrupting the abnormal increase of plasmin and thus pigmentation problems will gradually be resolved.
Pros and cons of Tranexamic acid?
Although the same acid, Tranexamic acid does not have the properties of removing dead skin like acids in the AHA and BHA groups. The main use of Tranexamic acid in topical application is often acting on pigment cells and helping to improve brown spots (such as melasma, freckles …) on the skin. According to clinical studies published in 2019 in the National library of medicine, Tranexamic acid at the threshold of 5% will have the same melasma treatment effect as a cream containing Hydroquinone. at 3%. However, in over-the-counter products, Tranexamic acid is usually only at 2% concentrations.
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In a 2006 study published in Sciencedirect and a 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine, TXA was found to reduce the signs of redness associated with rosacea by restoring the natural barrier. course.
Because it is a new ingredient used in skin care products, there are currently not many reported side effects of Tranexamic acid applied to the skin. However, some of the common problems with TXA use are irritation, burning, redness, and sometimes signs of peeling. In addition, dermatologists often recommend using sunscreen during the day when using Tranexamic acid so that the treatment is effective quickly but also prevents photosensitivity of the skin.
Suggest some products containing Tranexamic acid
Products containing Tranexamic acid that are being loved and received high praise in the Vietnamese beauty world recently are:
Ingredients that can be combined with Tranexamic acid
Of the active ingredients, Tranexamic acid can be said to be easy to use. You can use it day or night or both. However, consult a specialist or dermatologist for the most appropriate use regimen.
As with other treatments, test Tranexamic acid behind the ears before applying it all over the face. Please use 3 days / time, reduce to 2 days / time and when the skin has responded well, it can be used daily.+
Photo: Angela Echeverry/ Unsplash.
You can use Tranexamic acid with Kojic acid or Phytic acid to speed up the process – however the skin may be more sensitive and prone to problems like dryness and flaking. You can combine Tranexamic acid with vitamin C or Niacinamide to make your dark spots easier to notice and your skin to be more even-toned sooner. Of course, it is still possible to combine Tranexamic acid with Retinoid derivatives – be it in the same product, or two products used morning/night, or alternate days.
In short, if your skin is having problems with melasma, you can add Tranexamic acid to your daily skin care routine. Or skin that is not suitable for using ingredients in the Retinoid group or vitamin C or Niacinamide can try Tranexamic acid.
