Tranexamic Acid

tra·nuhg·za·muhk   a·suhd

Overview: Tranexamic Acid (TXA)is the latest obsession among skincare experts — and for good reason. It’s very effective at reducing the appearance of sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma, promotes an even skin tone, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that reduce redness or blotchiness associated with sensitive skin or Rosacea.

Benefits: The biggest benefit of TXA are the lightening and brightening effects it has on the skin and its ability to stop irregular melanin production. That means it’s an excellent ingredient for fading existing dark spots, acne scars and marks, and melasma—as well as preventing new discoloration from forming in the future. This is beneficial for age-related pigmentation from prolonged sun exposure and genetic melanin overproduction. But the benefits do not stop there…

TXA also has anti-inflammatory benefits and can help prevent the formation of blood vessels, which can help reduce redness and barrier compromise among rosacea patients, as well as acne flares and their associated redness, and post-inflammatory marks. While not a primary ingredient for Rosacea, I have found a significant reduction in overall redness with consistent use at home and in the treatment room with my clients.

TXA’s ability to inhibit inflammation and control melanin production may be beneficial in managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation resulting from acne as well.

Products: Serum 71 (Circadia) is an immune-boosting, nutrient-rich formulation with a powerful trio of tranexamic, mandelic, and azelaic acids. Also included is a second-generation Beta Glucan and Neodermyl®, the next-generation copper peptide that helps build back collagen and elastin. This amazing serum will visibly improve skin health, inhibit tyrosinase activity to brighten, boost the activity of other dark spot treatments, reduce the potential for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring of acne, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, soothe irritated skin, and reduce bacteria. This serum is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive, rosacea, compromised skin barriers, dry, sun damaged, and acne, and as a preventative serum for aging gracefully. I refer to this product in the treatment room as “The Universal Booster” for all Circadia skincare routines.

This is the gold standard for maintaining your treatment results, I cannot recommend Serum 71 enough – I use it every night!!

Routine: Adding into your routine can be fairly simple and can be paired well with other products for amazing results. I recommend applying nightly, 1 drop on each cheek and blending in each drop to cover forehead to chin on the respective sides. An additional drop can be used to cover the neck and decollete. This absorbs quickly before continuing with other products. The pairing recommendations below are not a complete routine but will give you an idea of how to pair this product to boost the results of other product ingredients for the best results over your 12-week timeframe. Morning routines should consist of protecting ingredients, such as a gentle cleanser, functional mist, Vitamin C Reversal Serum, and Light Day Sunscreen with SPF 37. At night, we put the work in (or on, in this case).

Time Frame: 12 weeks

Science: Tranexamic Acid, a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, was initially developed as an antifibrinolytic agent to control bleeding, meaning that it stabilizes and preserves blood clots to help stop bleeding from major trauma or injuries, after giving birth, with some surgeries, nosebleeds, or heavy periods. Its hemostatic properties led to widespread use in surgical and trauma settings.  However, researchers later explored its potential applications beyond hemostasis, leading to its emergence in skincare. How does Tranexamic Acid inhibit melanin production that leads to dark spots, and melasma? TXA functions by inhibiting the activation of plasmin, a key enzyme in the breakdown of blood clots. Plasmin also plays a role in activating melanocytes, cells responsible for melanin production. By blocking this pathway, TXA helps regulate melanin synthesis, leading to a reduction in pigmentation irregularities.

A study 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.

Pairing Serum 71 with the routines recommended above will yield the best results.

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