Niacinamide is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it useful for those with acne prone or sensitive skin. Tranexamic acid is more effective for deeper and more stubborn hyperpigmentation such as melasma. Good news though is that Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid can work well together.
Salicylic acid is one of the best acids for hyperpigmentation. It contains anti-inflammatory effects that help with post-acne pigmentation. It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. Conclusions: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
WHEN TO EXPECT VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS. In skincare, patience is a virtue. And with niacinamide, the wait is definitely worthwhile. Scientific studies suggest it takes around eight weeks when using niacinamide to see visible improvements in hyperpigmentation, although some users may see benefits more quickly than that.
Both ingredients can fade hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production. Vitamin C (depending on the percentage) can be more harsh for sensitive skin types. Or, you might want to use niacinamide if you have acne-prone skin, and leverage Vitamin C for fading post-acne marks and dark spots.
Niacinamide is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it useful for those with acne prone or sensitive skin. Tranexamic acid is more effective for deeper and more stubborn hyperpigmentation such as melasma. Good news though is that Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid can work well together.
It can take 8-12 weeks of regular use of tranexamic acid skin care products before you see a noticeable difference in skin tone and brightness.
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.
Niacinamide is generally considered more effective for hyperpigmentation as it inhibits melanin production. Glycolic acid works by increasing cell turnover to reveal newer skin. Using both can provide a powerful approach.
One of the newest topical pigment-lightening ingredients in the OTC realm is tranexamic acid.
Are you confused about whether tranexamic acid or azelaic acid is better for dark spots and discoloration? Ultimately, choosing the best of these two acids comes down to personal preference and skin tolerance, because both are relatively gentle options that offer exceptional support for minimizing hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide improves the health, appearance, and feel of your skin. It also helps treat many skin concerns, such as acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, and eczema. How long does it take for niacinamide to work? Niacinamide could take up to 4 to 12 weeks to work on your skin.
The misconception that you shouldn't use niacinamide and vitamin C together originates from outdated studies conducted in the 1960s. These early studies suggested that combining these ingredients could render them ineffective or cause skin irritation due to the instability of vitamin C in certain formulations.
For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Ask a Dermatologist About High-Tech Options
“I treat hyperpigmentation regularly using a combined approach of topical treatments and procedures,” Dr. Vashi says. “Procedures include chemical peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, microneedling, and certain types of lasers.”
Tranexamic acid is an active found in serums, tones, and moisturizes, so the selected product form should guide its placement in your skincare routine. However, it is most common to find tranexamic acid in serum form, which can be used immediately before niacinamide.
Glycolic acid treats acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, dryness, melasma and age-related fine lines.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and dark spots. It combines a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin, a well-known skin-brightening ingredient, with hyaluronic acid. Purified alpha-arbutin works to visibly even skin tone and improve skin radiance.