A guide to adding tranexamic acid into your pre-wedding skincare routine

After hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and bakuchiol, tranexamic acid is another skin saviour on the beauty block that is making waves, and it might just be the thing to add in your bridal skincare routine! Its skin-repair superpowers include reducing sunspots, hyperpigmentation, acne stars, melasma, and more. What’s more? It is safe for all skin types and tones and isn’t too strong for your skin, unlike other brightening ingredients that might lead to dryness or irritation.

Intrigued? Read on to know more about the trending ingredient. 

What is tranexamic acid?

Don’t let the name fool you, unlike other AHAs or BHAs, it is not a hydroxy acid or an exfoliant, but is actually a synthetic derivative of amino acid lysine, the building blocks of protein. Traditionally, tranexamic acid has been used medically to treat excessive blood loss due to bleeding, blunt trauma, surgery, and more, thanks to its blood-clotting properties. In fact, this is how its benefits for the skin were discovered—a patient on prescribed oral tranexamic acid noticed brightening of skin and lightening of dark spots. 

How does tranexamic acid help my skin?

Tranexamic acid aids in reducing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanocytic activity caused by UV. In non-scientific words, it helps to even out your skin tone and pigmentation and helps to keep new dark spots at bay. And unlike other AHAs and BHAs, where treating darkened skin is one of the many benefits, tranexamic acid is more targeted, and specifically helps with brightening. 

So, if you’re someone who has been struggling with hyperpigmentation, then adding the acid to your skincare routine is worth a try, especially in the weeks or months leading up to your big day. 

How can I incorporate tranexamic acid into my bridal skincare routine?

One of the advantages of not being an active ingredient means tranexamic acid can be easily, and safely, paired with other brightening skincare superstars like vitamin C, retinol, and more. Of course, err on the side of caution, as layering too many actives together will compromise your skin barrier. But it’s important to note that tranexamic acid is quite mild, making it suitable for sensitive skin. 

To incorporate it into your skincare routine, combine it with retinol or a chemical peel. You can also pair it with kojic acid to maximise its brightening power. It is gentle enough to be used twice a day, but you can start with once a day in your night routine if your skin is extra sensitive. Use it after a toner and before your other actives and follow up with a moisturiser. Don’t skip or skimp on the sunscreen when you add it to your routine! Tranexamic acid in serum form is most effective—look out for a formulation that has at least 2% TA to see results, which will take at least eight to 12 weeks with regular use. If you suffer from melasma, it is best to go see a dermatologist.

Here are some tranexamic acid formulations we love:

Foxtale Rapid Spot Reduction Drops, ₹595

Neemli Naturals 10% Tranexamic Acid Spot Correcting Concentrate, ₹799

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Serum, ₹3,099

Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum, ₹4,990

The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Overnight Treatment, ₹2,415