Tranexamic Acid for Post-Acne Marks: The Trending Brightener

A pimple normally may last on the skin for a few days but the mark it leaves behind as the consequence of acne and inflammation can actually remain visible on the skin for months. These marks are developed as when inflammation stimulates excess pigment production deep within the skin. 

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has literally emerged as one of the most popular skincare ingredients to address the discoloration. Originally, TXA was developed as the medicine to control the bleeding as an anti-fibrinolytic. Now, it has been used by dermatology experts due to its anti-inflammatory and pigment-regulating properties.

TXA offers skin-brightening benefits to acne-related pigmentation. Understanding the mechanism of working of TXA can help you decide if it suits your skin needs of managing the post-acne marks.

What Are Post-Acne Marks ?

These are generally of two main types

PIH occurs when inflammatory signals from an acne lesion stimulate melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. That pigment may collect in the epidermis, the skin's upper layer, or drop into the dermis below it. Epidermal PIH is usually brown and responds more readily to treatment. Deeper pigment may appear blue-gray and can be slower to fade.

Although anyone can develop PIH, it is often more prominent and persistent in people with Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI. A systematic review of TXA delivery methods noted that darker skin types have a higher risk of severe or chronic pigmentation. It also reported that epidermal PIH may improve within approximately a year, whereas dermal pigment can persist much longer.

These  can shorten the visible recovery period

• Effective acne control
• Sunscreen
• Gentle skincare
• Pigment-targeting treatments
  

What Is Tranexamic Acid ?

Tranexamic acid is basically a derivative of the amino acid, lysine. For medical purposes, it is an antifibrinolytic drug. It works by blocking lysine binding sites on the plasminogen molecule. This consequently prevents its activation into plasmin. This means the breakdown of blood clots is less likely to occur in certain situations.

Its use in pigmentation began after clinicians observed that it could improve melasma. It interferes with biological signaling involved in 

• Inflammation
• Blood vessels
• Melanin production

Topical TXA can provide a pigment-focused approach without the exfoliation associated with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. Its tolerability still depends on the concentration and complete product formula. 

How Tranexamic Acid May Fade Post-Acne Marks

 Current evidence suggests that several pathways may be involved in the working of tranexamic acid acne marks.  These pathways are 

1. Interruption in the plasmin pathway--Inflammation as well as UV exposure can increase the plasminogen activity in the skin. Plasmin then normally contributes to the release of substances such as arachidonic acid as well as prostaglandins (inflammatory mediators) which can encourage melanocyte activity as well as pigment production. By inhibiting the interaction between plasminogen & plasmin, it may reduce these melanogenic signals.

In simpler terms, it helps block the cascade that signals melanocytes to become overactive.

2. Reduction in tyrosinase-related melanogenesis.--Tyrosinase is involved in the production of melanin. However, studies suggest that TXA can indirectly or directly inhibit tyrosinase activity and intercellular signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes. The result may be less unnecessary pigment formation rather than forceful removal of existing pigment.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Action--Acne marks begin with inflammation. Even after a blemish flattens, inflammatory mediators may continue to influence pigment cells and surrounding tissue. TXA's anti-inflammatory activity may therefore be especially relevant to newer marks or pigmentation that repeatedly develops after breakouts.

4. Effect On Vascular Signaling--Research in melasma suggests that TXA can reduce plasmin-mediated vascular factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelin-1. Its possible anti-angiogenic activity may help explain why TXA is also being investigated for post-acne erythema and other conditions involving redness. 

5. Combination Formulas --Combination formulas commonly pair TXA with 

• Niacinamide offers additional barrier support
• Alpha-arbutin offers skin-brightening effect
• Kojic acid offers improvement in overall skin tone
• Vitamin C derivatives helps with anti-oxidant action
• Licorice extract presents skin-soothing action

How To Use Tranexamic Acid In Skincare Routine

Most nonprescription topical TXA products fall around the 2% to 5% concentration. 

A simple morning routine should include 

1.Cleanser

You can use any of the following gentle cleansers for use on your skin on a daily basis including

1. 1. Alite Anti-Acne Charcoal Face Wash 

This face wash is really great to clean deep pores and daily oil control on your skin. It contains key ingredients like encapsulated activated charcoal, Sebum Control Enzyme, ceramides, meadowsweet extract and aloe vera. This charcoal face wash helps to remove dirt, pollution particles and excess sebum from your pores. Encapsulated charcoal technology works by releasing deeper within the pores where it helps regulate oil production through its action on sebaceous glands. The ceramides used by this potent facial cleanser are designed to protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier so that you don’t dry out while washing your face. Soap free, it’s great to use during your morning and evenings with oily, acne prone and combination types of skin.

2. Alite Oil-Control Face Wash 

It’s great to apply this product on oily and acne-prone skin types. The main activities within the formula includes 1% Salicylic acid that basically decongests the pores and Glutathione Complex which helps in supporting even toned skin with additional antioxidant benefits.

It’s a low-cost choice to people with high levels of sebum production who are concerned about having too much shine on their skin. The face wash is very soothing for your skin, helps to remove excess sebum, reduces acne activity and fades out old acne marks over time.

3. Alite Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Foaming Face Wash 

This foamy formula is literally the best for managing the

• Comedones
• Dull skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin
• Acne prone skin

This is basically designed with a dual acid formula which pairs the 𝛽-hydroxy acid with 𝛼-hydroxy acid along with Aquaxyl and Aloe vera. The formula goes deep to dissolve sebum from pores; removes dead skin cell debris; promotes smoother, brighter skin by increasing cell turnover rate. It’s an excellent choice if you want to do some light but deep cleansing of your skin with a lot of foam.

4. Alite Neem And Aloe Vera Face Wash 

This face wash is best suited for sensitive teenage or mild acne prone skin those who prefer herbal activities. The main actives in this face wash are neem liquid extract, aloe vera dry extract, niacinamide, lemon extract and Vitamin E. Very mild to teenagers, first time acne care users and anyone who can react easily to strong and concentrated exfoliants. It is considered very gentle for teenagers, first time acne care users and anyone who can react easily to strong and concentrated exfoliants. This is gentle as well as a hydrating formula.

2.Acne Gel

Alite Anti-Acne gel fights active breakouts, spot treatment and prevents new pimples. This power-packed gel has 5% Niacinamide PC, 6% Silanediol salicylate and 1% Contacticel. The thin and quick absorbing gel should be used post cleansing of your face. Niacinamide helps to soothe inflammation as well as strengthen your skin’s protective layer. Silanediol salicylate is a next-generation salicylate ingredient that clears out congested pores without flaking or making the skin dry along with the power of boosting the barrier repair. Contacticel is used for regulating oil production on the skin with its dermopurifying action. It is non-comedogenic. Layering easily on top of moisturizer it’s designed to treat facial and body acne.

3.Tranexamic Cream

This non-comedogenic cream is best for post-acne marks, tranexamic dark spots, pigmentation and unevent skin tone. The main activities in Alite Spots Reduction Cream are 5% liposomal Tranexamic acid, 2% Alpha arbutin and 4% Niacinamide PC. It’s an excellent choice to use this product regularly for all kinds of Indian skin types. This cream addresses acne care with three main brightening ingredients that work via various mechanisms that involve

1. 1. Tranexamic acid blocks the pigment-producing signal.

   2. Alpha arbutin inhibits the enzyme that causes dark spots.

   3. Niacinamide prevents pigment transfer to new cells.

4.Sunscreen

Sunscreen is usually overlooked for acne treatment, but this should not be forgotten. Several acne medications increase sensitivity of your skin while sun exposure worsens acne scars through stimulating melanin production. Every day you need to apply sunscreen on your face prior to leaving for work/school/school/etc. Find out which one is

1. 1. Lightweight

   2. Non-comedogenic

   3. SPF 30 + or higher

   4. Broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.

Points To Remember

• Patch-test the product first whether you use brightening serum acne, anti-acne gel, moisturizers, cleansers, etc.
• This will help prevent any unwanted allergic reaction.
• Introduce the new skincare regime gradually to sensitive skin.
• Then begin once daily or several times weekly.
• Increase use only if the skin remains comfortable. 
• Stop and seek advice if there is persistent 

• • Burning

  • Swelling

  • Blistering

  • Hives

  • Itching

  • Redness

  • Pain

Common Mistakes To Avoid
Topical TXA is generally well tolerated, but dryness, itching, redness or irritation can occur.
Common mistakes are mentioned in the table below:

What We Discussed

• Pimples may take much longer to heal as they are caused by inflammation which leads to more melanin production.
• Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of those ingredients that are used to treat acne-related skin discoloration.
• Originally, TXA is a medicinal agent that is generally used for controlling hemorrhage.
• Nowadays, TXA is used by dermatologists due to its anti-inflammatory and pigment-regulating properties.
• Post-acne marks mainly include Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as well as Post inflammatory erythema
• PIH occurs due to acne inflammation that causes melanocytes to produce melanin on the epidermis and dermis.
• Darker skin types  (Fitzpatrick III to VI) are generally more prone to persistent pigmentation.
• Effective skincare with 

• • Good acne management with cleanser, acne gel, tranexamic cream and sunscreen/moisturizer is advisable.

  • Mild skincare products such as 

    • Alite Anti-Acne Charcoal Face Wash 

    • Alite Oil-Control Face Wash 

    • Alite Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid Foaming Face Wash

    • Alite Neem And Aloe Vera Face Wash 

    • Alite Anti-Acne

    • Alite Spots Reduction Cream

• TXA might do this through 

  • reducing plasmin-mediated melanocyte signaling

  • limiting tyrosinase-related melanogenesis

  • reducing inflammation

  • affecting vascular redness pathways

• TXA is an analogue of lysine which inhibits plasmin activation for medical purposes.

• For pigmentation, TXA may interfere with inflammation, blood vessel signaling and melanin production with topical products often used at 2% to 5%.