The Ingredient You Need to Target Visible Discoloration

It wasn’t too long ago that many people would hear the word ‘acid’ in skin care products and cringe, imagining their skin turning right red and peeling off in layers. But today, that fear has settled, and more and more people are embracing acids in skin care. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, among others, have more than made names for themselves, causing a shift in the attitude towards acids in skin care. As more and more skin care acids are garnering attention, we’d like to shift the spotlight onto one you may not have heard of yet: tranexamic acid. Luckily, you won’t have to wait for word of mouth to reach you with the details. We’re filling you in on everything you need to know about tranexamic acid including how it benefits the skin—aka why you should use it—and how to incorporate the trending ingredient into your skin care routine.

Why Tranexamic Acid Deserves the Spotlight

If you’ve ever dealt with dark spots and discoloration, you know that getting marks to fade can take quite a bit of effort. And that’s exactly why tranexamic acid is rising in popularity. According to board-certified dermatologist, SkinCeuticals ambassador, and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Karan Sra, tranexamic acid is commonly applied topically as a way to help address skin discoloration like melasma. If you’re in need of a refresher on what exactly melasma is, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) characterizes melasma as a common skin condition that results in brown to gray-brown patches, typically on the face. Additionally, the National Institute of Biotechnology Information reveals that melasma isn’t the only form of discoloration that tranexamic acid can benefit. Tranexamic acid can also help diminish the appearance of ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks and stubborn brown patches.

How to Introduce Tranexamic Acid to Your Skin Care Routine

Tranexamic acid is starting to receive more and more recognition for what it can offer your skin, but it isn’t to the point where you’ll walk into a beauty store and see every skin care product labeled with it. Thankfully, however, you won’t have to search high and low for a way to introduce tranexamic acid to your routine. SkinCeuticals has a newly-launched serum formulated with tranexamic acid.

Discoloration Defense, the aforementioned product, is a multi-phase serum that targets visible discoloration for brighter-looking skin. The formula, which contains niacinamide, kojic acid, and a sulfonic acid (in addition to tranexamic acid), helps visibly reduce the size and intensity of discoloration while improving skin clarity, leaving behind a more even-toned complexion.

To use, make room in your routine between your cleanser and moisturizer. Twice a day, after thoroughly cleansing, apply 3-5 drops of Discoloration Defense to your face. After giving it a minute to sink in, go ahead and moisturize. If you’re applying the serum in the morning, be sure to follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, $98 MSRP