Ingredients Watch: Tranexamic Acid
At Face the Future, we always like to be two steps ahead. Keeping an eye on research, not only in the UK but globally, because as practitioners, we like to be the first in the know when it comes to benefitting our patient results with the most up to date ingredients, treatments and techniques.
Something that has recently caught our eye is Tranexamic acid. In the medical field, tranexamic acid is used during surgery and in the case of accident and emergencies as a haemostatic agent, to control bleeding and assist in wound closure. However, in medical cosmetics tranexamic is becoming widely used for the treatment of pigmentation, rosacea and redness.
Research has shown that 3% Tranexamic acid can work as well as, if not better than, the widely used skin lightening ingredient Hydraquinone. There has been query around the safety of Hydraquinone in skincare and it is currently banned in many countries including Japan. While the use of Hydraquinone in percentages of 4 and under is licenced in the UK, it is only available on prescription.
Concerns around Hydraquinone have come into question, due to the side effects it can have on some patients. These include but are not limited to; redness, stinging, burning, irritation and acquired eczema or contact dermatitis. Cases of exogenous ochronosis (blue/black discolouration) have been reported especially in Hispanic or African American skin types.
What are the benefits of Tranexamic acid?
When hunting around for topical treatments to target skin concerns, particularly pigmentation, it is important to only opt for well studied and researched ingredients that are backed with significant clinical evidence. Tranexamic acid is recommended by both Doctors and Dermatologists as a safe and effective treatment.
Pigmentation occurs when the skin is subject to damage that activates the inflammatory response within the skin. This can include sun exposure, some medication, acne and even medical treatments. This causes a chain reaction in the skin, which triggers the production of melanin, the naturally occurring pigment that gives skin colour. Melanin acts to protect the skin but when it is produced in excess, it forms deposits in the skin that lead to brown patches known as pigmentation.
Tranexamic acid reduces the appearance of this discolouration to improve the appearance of brown marks. The results are a brighter, more refined and even skin tone.To discover Tranexamic acid, we have a few options available at Face the Future.
Products containing Tranexamic Acid
Mesoestetic are the experts in depigmentation treatments and products. For many years, products & in-clinic treatments from the Spanish Pharmaceutical company, including Cosmelan & Dermamelan, have been extremely popular at Face the Future. Now, their Tran3x products are the perfect accompaniment to depigmentation treatments.
Mesoestetic Melan Tran3x Intensive Depigmenting Concentrate
This light textured serum offers an intensive depigmenting action to fight the appearance of dark spots, pigmentation and regulate the formation of melanin. The serum acts on the epidermal cells, that when exposed to certain factors such as sun, hormonal changes, contraceptives, inflammation and more, secrete a substance that triggers the process of melanin production.The serum is made up of 3% Tranexamic Acid, 5% Enzymacid Complex including Mandelic, Salicylic, Lactic Acid and an Active Biotechnological Enzyme, 2% Tyr Control Complex and finally 5% Niacinamide.
Mesoestetic Melan Tran3x Daily Depigmenting Gel Cream
This daily use depigmenting gel cream is designed to be used after the Mesoestetic Melan Tran3x Intensive Depigmenting Concentrate. With regular use, this combination of products gradually improves the appearance of dark spots and inhibits the mechanisms responsible for pigmentation to prevent their reappearance.The lightweight and fast absorbing gel cream is made up of 3% Tranexamic Acid, 1.5% Hydroxyacid Complex including Salicylic and Lactic Acid, 2% Tyr Control Complex and finally 3% Niacinamide.
This range of home-use products is specifically tailored to enhancing the results of in-clinic ME LINE treatments. The product range includes products tailored to Caucasian & Ethnic skin. Products within the range include day and night serums, a home mask, a home-use product for intimate pigmentation as well as a B.B Cream helping you to achieve a fresh, natural and even complexion whilst reducing redness and imperfections with SPF 30 UV protection.
For more information on products and treatments containing Tranexamic Acid, speak to your specialist or call 0113 282 7744 today.
Written for you by: Emily, Face the Future
Image source: unsplash.com
