Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. However, tranexamic acid can also be used in facial care products to treat a variety of skin conditions. How does tranexamic acid benefit the face? Check it out in the following article.

What is tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a popular medication for controlling bleeding. This substance is derived from the amino acid lysine, which is a fibrinolytic agent that aids in blood clotting. Tranexamic acid is commonly administered as oral tablets, but it can also be administered as injections. TXA injections are typically used in cases of severe bleeding during surgery or trauma.

Experts discovered that when used to treat chronic urticaria, TXA has the potential to lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin. TXA is then commonly used as an ingredient in facial skin care products.

Also read: Get To Know The Azalaic Acid In Skincare And Its Benefits For Acne

Benefits of tranexamic acid for skin health

Tranexamic acid has several skin health benefits, including:

Improves skin barrier

The skin barrier protects the skin from various external disturbances, such as sun exposure, pollution, and dirt. It also helps to maintain and regulate skin moisture.

A study found that the skin barrier in rosacea patients is frequently damaged and dysfunctional. Improving the skin barrier can greatly reduce rosacea symptoms.

Another study found that applying 3% tranexamic acid to the skin for two weeks improved rosacea conditions compared to those who did not use TXA. Experts believe this is due to improved skin barrier function following regular use of tranexamic acid.

Reduces pigmentation and dark spots

Tranexamic acid can act as a brightening agent, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. TXA works by inhibiting excessive melanin production, allowing dark spots to be hidden.

A study compared the use of tranexamic acid and topical hydroquinone in people with melasma. In 12 weeks, melasma results improved by 27% in both. However, tranexamic acid users were more satisfied with their treatment results because there were fewer side effects, such as skin irritation.

Protects skin from sun damage

Sun exposure can cause dark spots on the face, including sun spots and age spots. A study found that regular use of TXA and its derivatives, such as cetyl tranexamate mesylate, can help fade sun-induced dark spots.

Also read: Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid For Facial Skin

Side effects of tranexamic acid on the skin

Tranexamic acid is commonly used in skincare products such as moisturizers, face soaps, night creams, toners, essences, and sunscreen. The amount of tranexamic acid in each product varies, typically ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%. The higher the tranexamic acid concentration, the greater the risk of irritation.

According to Healthline, there has been no evidence that tranexamic acid is harmful to pregnant women. To be safe, pregnant women should consult their doctor about using safe skincare during pregnancy.

Tranexamic acid is generally safe to use, but it can cause dry skin, irritation, and cracked skin. To treat these side effects, apply a moisturizer; however, if dry skin persists, discontinue use of tranexamic acid-containing skincare or switch to a lower-dose product.

If the use of tranexamic acid-containing skincare does not improve the treatment of melasma, you should discontinue use and consult your doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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