One isn't better than the other for fading dark spots. Tranexamic acid is more targeted toward reducing hyperpigmentation, while Vitamin C is better suited for general skin health and reducing all visible signs of ageing. Most people will benefit from using both, because each one targets different aspects of skin care.
Both TXA and Vitamin C are effective and safe treatments for melasma. But, TXA was found to be more effective.
Salicylic acid
It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.
How long should you take oral tranexamic acid for melasma to see gains? Oral tranexamic acid treatment benefits maximize after taking it for eight to twelve weeks. During this time, it limits a cellular process involved in producing melanin, the pigment that makes your skin dark and causes freckles.
Yes, vitamin C is good for hyperpigmentation. It visibly fades dark spots caused by ageing, the sun, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Brightening and Even Skin Tone (4-8 weeks): With continued use, you may start noticing a more noticeable improvement in your skin's brightness and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
The good news is that topical tranexamic plays nice with vitamin C, so in most cases it's totally safe to use the two together. In fact, doubling up on brighteners may help fade your dark spots and hyperpigmentation even fast.
Tranexamic acid can fade dark spots and sun spots and make areas of hyperpigmentation appear lighter. Topical tranexamic acid can be used for treating melasma, chronic urticaria, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. It can also be used for post-acne erythema treatment (redness and acne scars).
NIACINAMIDE. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, effectively reduces the appearance of dark marks and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and promoting a more even skin tone. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe and brighten the skin, leading to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid has skin-lightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of dark patches associated with melasma. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color10.
FAQs about treating dark spots
A: Hydroquinone (available by prescription) is one of the most potent options, but retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid also deliver visible results with consistent use.
Kojic acid effectively fights any hyperpigmentation, including sun damage, melasma, common PIH, acne marks, marks left behind by injuries, even dark under-eye circles.
Vitamin C can help lighten dark spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, giving you skin that looks firmer and plumper. The combination can help even out the texture and tone of your skin.
The maximum effects of tranexamic acid can be seen after eight to twelve weeks of consistent treatment. Because it works by pausing melanin synthesis, studies found that the melasma can return after stopping the medication.
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.
Microneedling
Microneedling is often considered one of the best treatments for sun damage because it can effectively treat both of these issues at the same time. Also called “collagen induction therapy,” microneedling uses very small needles to create what are known as microchannels within the skin.
Tranexamic acid is more targeted toward reducing hyperpigmentation, while Vitamin C is better suited for general skin health and reducing all visible signs of ageing. Most people will benefit from using both, because each one targets different aspects of skin care.
have ever had an allergic reaction to tranexamic acid or any other medicine. have ever had a blood clot in a vein (deep vein thrombosis) or in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) have had a coagulopathy – a rare condition where lots of small blood clots form in your blood followed by abnormal bleeding. have epilepsy.
In recent times, tranexamic acid (TA) is claimed to have whitening & brightening effects especially for hyperpigmentation including melasma. This ingredient is best combined with other pigment correctors & chemical peels. It can be combined with pico lasers or Spectra lasers for faster lightening.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Vitamin B3 niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide) has been found to have several benefits for acne-prone skin: 1. Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is one of the main culprits behind acne, and vitamin B3 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.