Hyperpigmentation and age spots are two common skincare concerns that show up as areas on the face that appear darker than the rest. Age spots are an offshoot of hyperpigmentation, but both are harmless skin occurrences that have no bearing on your overall health. However, while they’re not dangerous, age spots and hyperpigmentation are often viewed as imperfections, sparking the search for products or ingredients to eliminate their appearance from the skin.
We spoke with celebrity dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, creator & co-founder of The A Method® to get a full rundown on the best of the best for actually evening out the skin and effectively fading hyperpigmentation and age spots, and there’s one ingredient that can help with both.
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Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is a skincare ingredient which has recently grown rapidly in popularity with the purpose of reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin. Appearing in skincare products which claim to reduce age spots and even out your complexion, studies have shown that tranexamic acid is actually effective at the task it sets out to do. “Studies have revealed that TA slows down the production of melanin and can even block the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes,” explains Alster. “This is compelling news for those plagued by blotchy skin – and provides an impressive solution to rid them of pigmentation concerns for good.”
Melanin is responsible for the pigmentation of your skin, and age spots can come when pigment is concentrated in specific areas of your face. However, not only does tranexamic acid work to slow melanin production, but it also helps to build up the surface of the skin for further protection. “While TA is changing the communication between skin cells, it is also restoring the skin's barrier. TA provides an optimal environment for healthy skin to fight off free radical damage and other stressors – culprits that often may cause additional pigmentation,” says Alster.
Side effects are often a concern when integrating new ingredients into your skincare routine, but Alster notes that TA offers little concern for negative reactions. “It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used during pregnancy. Used twice daily, it is not only for the face, but also it can be used on large body areas (arms/legs) underneath a moisturizer,” she says. “It evens out skin tone with little to no irritation or peeling and plays well with other active ingredients such as Vitamin C and retinol.”
As with all serums, integrating this acid into your routine before applying your moisturizer is the best way to lock it in without drying out your skin. While it’s important to note that no skincare ingredient will make significant changes to your complexion overnight, within just a few weeks you should notice hyperpigmentation and dark spots beginning to fade, evening out the skin tone and brightening your appearance.
Alster has even formulated her own product with TA, The A Method Skin Perfecting Serum “to amplify the effects of other active ingredients in my patients’ existing skincare regimens,” she says. Combined with a protective skincare routine to prevent other damage from developing, this acid can be a worthwhile addition to your daily habits for a more even skintone.
