I have discovered this active during my last trip to Japan. The claim behind this magical active is to treat hyperpigmentation and the dreadful melasma. Hyperpigmentation is a nasty thing to get. Once you have developed those unflattering brown spots you need to unleash an armada of actives to make them disappeared. My best advice, as always, is to be very diligent with your sunscreen. Don’t skip it.
What is tranexamic acid
It is a synthetic analog of Lysine. Lysine is one of the 20 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of the protein. In medicine, it is used to treat heavy bleeding.
Does it really work?
Tranexamic acid is a « new » ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation. There is not a lot of scientific literature on it, but it is a promising ingredient. In the end, I have listed some of my bibliographies. Decrease of the skin pigmentation has been observed when tranexamic acid was used oral (tablets), injected in the skin and apply on the skin.
A recent study from 2019 done on 100 volunteers has shown that 5% of tranexamic acid is as efficient as 3% hydroquinone (http://www.jcasonline.com/text.asp?2019/12/1/63/254422).
My recommendations
I have tested the Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium cream that is excellent. The second ingredient is tranexamic acid. The texture is reminiscent of a essence but yet it is very moisturizing. I have tested on hyperpigmentation and after one month I notice a reduction of the pigment (not on myself). The second product is the Anessa UV whitening gel SPF50+PA++++. This sunscreen is transparent in a cream-gel vehicle. It is quite moisturizing and it features tranexamic acid. I consider this sunscreen for everyday use. If you are exposed to a lot of suns I would opt for the Ultrasun fluid. I have a review on it (here).
Conclusions
When you have hyperpigmentation you need an armada of actives. Tranexamic acid is very well tolerated and goes well with the powerhouse retinol and vitamin C. It is worth a try. Don’t expect crazy results immediately. Wait for at least two months. I will write a future post to show how to treat hyperpigmentation.
If you want more details, here is my video.
😁 Recommendations
🌊Moisturizer
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium cream ⎪http://www.kirei-station.com/product/2759
☀️ Sunscreen
Anessa UV whitening gel⎪https://amzn.to/2GXFwUX
Ultrasun fluid ⎪https://amzn.to/2Tg8iF6
🤓 Bibliography
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2012.04464.x
DOI: 10.3109/14764172.2012.685478
PMID: 25422661
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.001
http://www.jcasonline.com/text.asp?2019/12/1/63/254422
Thank you for your time
Cyrille
