What are the benefits?
Studies suggest tranexamic acid may offer several skin benefits.
Stronger skin barrier
The skin barrier, or outermost layer of your skin, serves as a shield that helps keep moisture in and toxins and irritants out.
For people living with rosacea, 2020 research suggests this barrier is often damaged to the point where it doesn’t work properly. According to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source, strengthening the skin barrier can significantly reduce rosacea symptoms.
In a small 2015 study, people who applied a 3 percent tranexamic acid treatment to their skin for 2 weeks showed fewer visible signs of rosacea than those who didn’t use this treatment. Researchers linked this reduction in symptoms to improved skin barrier function.
Reduced dark spots and discoloration
“Tranexamic acid for the skin can act as a brightening agent to reduce dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation,” says Anna Guanche, MD, a board certified dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute. “This is because tranexamic acid interferes with melanin production.”
One 2019 studyTrusted Source explored the benefits of two different treatments for melasma, a common skin condition that can cause brown or gray patches of discoloration on the face. Participants used one of two topical treatments: tranexamic acid or hydroquinone, a lightening agent that bleaches the skin.
After 12 weeks, the severity of melasma decreased by 27 percent in the group using tranexamic acid — about the same as it did for those using hydroquinone. But the participants who used tranexamic acid reported higher satisfaction with their treatment, due to fewer side effects like skin irritation.
Reduced discoloration after acne breakouts and sun damage
Sometimes, acne breakouts can cause post-inflammatory erythema. These are stubborn red, pink, or purple patches of discoloration.
A 2022 reviewTrusted Source notes that tranexamic acid appears helpful for lessening the appearance of these lesions, with little risk of serious side effects.
A small 2021 studyTrusted Source also suggests that tranexamic acid could help improve skin tone and reduce sun-related redness and dark spots.
Participants applied cetyl tranexamate mesylate, a derivative of tranexamic acid, twice per day for 8 weeks. After just 2 weeks, most participants already reported improvements in skin tone, redness, and dark spots. They noticed continued improvement throughout the study.
Can anyone use it?
Tranexamic acid is generally safe for all skin types, according to Guanche.
To date, no evidence suggests this ingredient can be harmful during pregnancy. That said, very little research exploring its impact during pregnancy exists, says Aimee Paik, MD, senior vice president of dermatology at the telehealth company Hims & Hers.
If you’re pregnant, it’s always best to talk with your care team about trying any new medications, including topical skin care products you can purchase over the counter.
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, it never hurts to proceed with caution. Tranexamic acid may cause some irritation, particularly when you first start using it, explains Hadley King, MD, a board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
That’s why King recommends doing a patch test on a small, discreet area of skin before applying a new product to your entire face.
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TRANEXAMIC ACID Cream Explained Honestly | Uses | Side effects | Application
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