By Amerley Ollennu
With 41,000 monthly online searches in the UK, it looks as though skincare enthusiasts are majorly curious about youth-boosting active tranexamic acid.And so they should be, as this relatively new, must have ingredient on the beauty block offers impressive brightening results with no irritation guaranteed. And it’s its gentle nature that’s giving retinol a run for its money.
What is tranexamic acid?
A derivative of amino acid lysine, tranexamic acid was originally used during surgeries to reduce heavy bleeding. Then in 1979, doctors began to notice that those treated with the acid saw visible improvements in skin discolouration. While there can be side effects when taken orally, topical treatment has absolutely none – so fast forward 40 years and we’re starting to see this miracle ingredient get the attention it deserves.What does it do?
Unlike retinol, this new acid decreases rather than increases the skin’s sensitivity to its number one ager – the sun. It also blocks the transfer of pigment to the surface of the skin, waving bye bye to hormonal and genetic melasma as well as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can develop secondary to acne and its treatment, and pigment caused by over exposure to the sun. All while simultaneously reducing inflammation, a key factor in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, that leads to an increase in fine lines, and wrinkles.Less inflammation also means less acne and rosacea, making tranexamic acid a game changer for so many skin types. And if that wasn’t enough, this multi-tasking acid helps restore the skin’s barrier, resulting in less moisture loss and plumper, more hydrated skin.
