One clinical study found 0.4% (2 patients) of the studied melasma patients whose hyperpigmentation worsened while taking oral tranexamic acid. Further investigation by researchers showed that sun exposure contributed to worsening of melasma in those patients.
No. Tranexamic acid is a pigment disruptor. It helps prevent the chemical pathway that leads to hyperpigmentation and melasma in the skin, which translates to brighter, more even toned skin over time. Unlike hydroquinone there is no concern with paradoxical pigmentation.
Tranexamic acid treats hyperpigmentation through a multifocal approach. At its core, it works by disrupting the pathways that lead to excess melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour. When skin is exposed to triggers like sunlight or hormonal changes, it responds by ramping up melanin production.
Results: Oral TXA has clearly demonstrated the efficacy for melasma in Asian skin, even in low doses (e.g., 500 mg daily) over short periods (8-12 weeks). It is also a safe therapeutic option, which is easy to administer with few and mild side effects.
"The sun is the major exacerbating factor, whatever the underlying cause." Melasma can be caused or worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This means that even sunscreens that protect against skin cancer aren't enough to ward off melasma, says Dr. Kourosh.
The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.
A burning sensation was significantly associated with the groups, while no significant association was found for erythema. This study concludes that combining oral tranexamic acid with a modified Kligman's formula is more effective in treating melasma than combining oral tranexamic acid with azelaic acid 15%.
The combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a moderate topical steroid has had the best effect on melasma. Other agents that are being studied to improve melasma include: Absorbic acid (vitamin C).
The most common potential side effects are listed below. Though reported instances are rare, tranexamic acid can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, hives, or a rash.
Topical proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, may also inhibit melanogenesis, and present a promising treatment for melasma. Omeprazole topically applied onto the skin of UV-irradiated human subjects elicited significant reduction of pigment levels after 3 weeks compared to untreated controls46.
It's important to address melasma from different angles and understand that it may get worse before it gets better. I started to gain control by using physical sunscreens that contained zinc and titanium dioxide as well as keep my face out of the sun with cute hats (insert a link to ject hat).
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Tranexamic acid and Vitamin C are both effective ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation. They work in different ways, and are both beneficial. One isn't better than the other for fading dark spots.
Hydroquinone. HQ is the most frequently prescribed depigmenting agent worldwide and it has remained the gold standard for the treatment of melasma, particularly of the epidermal type.
One of the studies, which lacked a placebo group, found that MASI scores improved by 69 percent following oral TA. 16 However, 72 percent of patients experienced a relapse of melasma within two months of stopping the oral TA. This occurred despite the use of combination skin lightening topical products.
Melasma is a prevalent and challenging skin condition that affects the face and causes distress in many patients and physicians. Tranexamic acid (TA) has been found to be effective for treating melasma and can be administered through multiple routes.
You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.
A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.