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Vitamin C and hydroquinone have long been highly coveted fordiminishing hyperpigmentation.
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In fact, tranexamic acid is less irritating than most dark spot-diminishing ingredients.
Claire Chang, M.D.
“Due to this, there are limitations in how long you could use hydroquinone.”
Tranexamic acid, on the other hand, has no limits.
Plus, it can act as an anti-inflammatory, says cosmetic chemistLaura Lam-Phauresays.
It can help with evening out your skin tone, too.
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“Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine,” she says.
“Amino acids, [by the way], are the building blocks of proteins.”
Michelle Lee and Jenny Bailey try a product that proves how powerful acids can be.
The exact mechanisms tranexamic acid employs to reduce pigmentation is actually unclear, Dr. Chang notes.
Typically, UV light can jumpstart melanin production, which causesmelasma and dark spots.
Luckily, tranexamic acid plays well with other ingredients in the process.
For optimal results, she suggests working it into your morning and night skin-care routines.
Slot it in after toner but before moisturizer.
(Be sure to layer on sunscreen last in the a.m., of course.)
Then, just stick with it.
“It may take up to eight to 12 weeks to see improvement,” Dr. Chang adds.
Around 0.5 to 2.5%t is the ideal potency range, she says.
TheGood Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serumalso packs a 2% concentration of tranexamic acid.
Allure’s associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen swears by theLa Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum.
