The One Ingredient That Can Help Your Pigmentation and Your Heavy Periods

When you think of ingredients that heal both skin and women’s health concerns, the list is tiny. But there’s one that stands out for its unexpected versatility- Tranexamic acid. Originally prescribed to control heavy menstrual bleeding, this ingredient is now gaining recognition in skincare, particularly for addressing pigmentation issues such as melasma and stubborn dark spots. Let’s break down what tranexamic acid really is and how it's leaving a mark in skincare.

What is Tranexamic Acid?

Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is a synthetic form of an amino acid called lysine. Its main medical action is preventing the breakdown of blood clots by blocking a protein called plasmin. In simple words, it helps your body hold onto clots for longer, so you bleed less.

Origin: What Was It Used For Before

Before entering the skincare world, tranexamic acid was widely prescribed by doctors to manage:

• Heavy Periods (menorrhagia): Reducing menstrual blood loss up to 50%.

• Post-surgery or trauma bleeding: Especially during operations like heart surgery or after accidents

• Inherited bleeding disorders: Disorders such as haemophilia, where blood doesn’t clot easily

Discovering Its Skincare Potential

For decades, tranexamic acid was primarily used in medicine until doctors noticed an unexpected benefit in their patients. Patients taking oral tranexamic acid began reporting that their dark patches, melasma, and pigmentation marks started fading. This triggered dermatology research, and soon, topical TXA was being formulated in creams and serums. Today, it’s known as a gentler, yet effective solution for pigmentation that can rival stronger, yet harsher, ingredients like hydroquinone.

Tranexamic Acid in Skincare

If you’ve got pigmentation, here’s what tranexamic acid does for your skin:

• Slows down pigment transfer: It stops melanin from reaching the surface of the skin, which means fewer dark spots show up

• Calms inflammation: Many pigmentation issues are worsened by irritation and redness; TXA helps soothe that

• Works well with other actives: You can pair it with Niacinamide, Vitamin C, or Kojic Acid for better results

Types of Pigmentation You Should Know

Not all pigmentation is the same. Understanding the different types can help you treat them better:

• Melasma
  Often triggered by hormones (pregnancy, PCOS, or birth control pills), melasma shows up as brown or gray-brown patches, especially on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  This is the darkening of skin after acne, rashes, or even insect bites heal. Because Indian skin has more melanin, PIH tends to look darker and lasts longer

• Sun-Induced Pigmentation
  UV rays causing tanning, freckles, and uneven skin tone. Over time, repeated sun exposure leads to stubborn dark patches

• Age Spots (Lentigines)
  Caused by cumulative sun damage and aging, these are flat, brown spots usually found on the face and hands

Indian Skin & Tranexamic Acid

Indian skin is more prone to pigmentation from sun exposure, acne scars, or even hormonal changes. Harsh brightening treatments often backfire by causing irritation, which leads to even more pigmentation. There are some other surprising triggers that our skin is more prone to:

• Heat Exposure
  Even without direct sunlight, heat from stoves, steam, or hot climates can worsen pigmentation, especially melasma

• Air Pollution
  Pollutants like smoke and dust can stress the skin, leading to oxidative damage and more melanin production

• Skin Irritation from Products
  Harsh scrubs, strong peels, or even unsuitable DIY remedies (like lemon juice or toothpaste) can inflame the skin and leave behind dark patches

• Hormonal Fluctuations
  Common in PCOS, thyroid conditions, or during pregnancy, hormonal imbalance can make pigmentation harder to treat

• Medications
  Certain drugs, like oral contraceptives or anti-seizure medicines, can trigger pigmentation as a side effect

Here’s why tranexamic acid works beautifully for us:

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin

• Targets the stubborn melasma and tanning that Indians often deal with

• Safe for long-term use when applied topically

• Complements other skin-brightening routines like Vitamin C or exfoliating masks

How to Use Tranexamic Acid

For Skin (Topical Use)

• Include it in your night or day routine

• During the day, you can follow it up with sunscreen

• During the night, follow it up with a moisturiser

• Start slow 2-3 times a week, then increase once your skin adjusts to the serum

If you’re new to TXA, ClayCo’s Tranexamic Hyperpigmentation Serum is a beginner-friendly option designed for Indian skin. It blends 10% tranexamic acid with 10% niacinamide and other brightening actives, making it effective yet gentle for daily use.

Conclusion

Few ingredients have a story as unique as tranexamic acid; it has moved from hospital shelves to beauty cabinets, becoming one of the most exciting ingredients in dermatology today. 

For anyone struggling with pigmentation, whether it’s melasma, acne scars, or sun-induced dark spots, TXA offers a science-backed, gentle, and effective solution. With its unique mechanism of targeting melanin production while calming inflammation, tranexamic acid is proving to be a long-term ally for clear, even-toned,  radiant skin.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tranexamic_acid?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tranexamic-acid-oral-route/description/drg-20073517?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/common-questions-about-tranexamic-acid/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_menstrual_bleeding?utm_source=chatgpt.com

FAQ

1. Is tranexamic acid better than vitamin C for pigmentation?
Not necessarily better, just different. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens and protects against free radicals, while tranexamic acid works on the melanin pathway to reduce dark spots. They actually pair well together.

2. Can I use tranexamic acid every day?
Yes, most tranexamic acid serums are safe for daily use. If you’re a beginner, start with 2–3 times a week and build up.

3. Does tranexamic acid lighten the whole face?
It doesn’t bleach your skin; it simply evens out skin tone by reducing excess pigmentation, giving a more balanced, radiant look.

4. Can tranexamic acid be used with retinol?
Yes, but introduce them slowly. Use TXA in the morning or alternate nights with retinol to avoid irritation. Always follow with sunscreen.

5. How long does it take to see results with tranexamic acid?
Most people start noticing visible improvement in pigmentation after 8–12 weeks of consistent use, especially when combined with SPF.