Featured Image Source
Attaining dewy skin is my main facial goal — I’ve said it in almost every beauty article I’ve written. So I was thrilled to see a new ingredient taking center stage in the skincare world. Moreover, it looks like the most promising one in my holy grail search for that dewy glow!
Let me introduce you to my (hopefully) new BFF, tranexamic acid (TXA), the ingredient that is shown to lessen dark spots, even out skin tone, and give you a healthy glow.
“TXA is an ingredient that helps lighten dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, and lessen the appearance of acne scars,” dermatologist Jeannette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, told HuffPost.
In addition to its success mitigating problem areas, it gives skin that coveted glow I am always looking to achieve.
“One of the key benefits is its ability to brighten overall skin complexion while fading discoloration,” dermatologist `Uchenna Okereke said.
But Is TXA right for you?
“It’s an excellent ingredient for anyone with discoloration concerns,” dermatologist Rebecca Marcus said. “It’s usually very well tolerated, even in those with sensitive skin.”
What Is TXA And Why Is It Being Used Now?
TXA has been around for a long time, but its ability to help skin has only recently become known.
“It’s a compound that has been prescribed by mouth to help encourage clotting,” said dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “The oral medication was found to improve pigmentation in the skin, even in resistant cases. There are theories that it may have antioxidant effects or may help minimize heat and inflammation in the skin.”
We’re talking about the topical version of TXA and its addition to products, but always talk to a dermatologist before using a new product! It can help with melasma, also known as hyperpigmentation, a condition where dark patches appear on facial skin.
“A variety of studies have shown that it can be effective in patients suffering from hyperpigmentation, particularly melasma,” Dermatologist Seemal R. Desai said.
How It Works
Desai explains the science behind it: “In essence, it’s almost like an anti-inflammatory. It helps block the production of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid, inflammatory mediators that are involved in driving melanogenesis and tyrosinase enzyme activity.”
In layman’s terms, TXA blocks melanin production, which is often the cause of discolored or darker skin patches.
Dermatologists are impressed with the results: “It’s just as effective as other skin lighteners and brighteners, but it comes with lower risk of irritation,” Marcus said. “Another commonly used skin lightening ingredient, hydroquinone, comes with a risk of ochronosis, which is darkening of the skin, if used for too long. Tranexamic acid doesn’t carry that risk, and it’s a safer alternative that can be used for a longer period of time, perhaps indefinitely.”
The products listed below are recommended by the dermatologists HuffPost interviewed.
Have you heard of or used TXA? Share your experience with us in the comments!
We Love Sharing Our Beauty Finds With You! For More Articles Like This, Keep Scrolling:
