On this page
Why it works differently to other acids
Tranexamic acid is a derivative of the amino acid lysine. In the skin it limits the activation of plasmin, and plasmin is one of the factors that, after exposure to ultraviolet radiation and during inflammation, stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin.
The practical consequence is this: the preparation works on the formation of new pigment, not on removing pigment that has already been deposited. That is why it does not give the fast brightening visible after one treatment, the way exfoliating peels do, but it can be more effective where exfoliation alone is not enough, because the skin is still producing pigment.
Exfoliating acids
They remove the epidermis along with the deposited pigment. The effect can be visible sooner, but if the skin is still producing melanin, the pigmentation returns.
Tranexamic acid
It works earlier in this chain, limiting the stimulation of melanocytes. The effect builds gradually, over a course, and also extends to preventing new changes.
For this reason, in some plans the two groups complement each other rather than rule each other out. How to combine acids and what intervals to keep is described on the acid peels page.
Topical preparation versus tablets
This distinction matters, because both forms share the same name.
In a cosmetology practice we mean a preparation applied topically, to the skin.
Oral tranexamic acid is a medicinal product, and its use, including for pigmentation, is a decision for a doctor, after an assessment of contraindications. We do not replace this assessment and we do not recommend taking it in connection with a cosmetology treatment.
Who it suits and who it does not
Often chosen
Pigmentation that returns after exfoliating peels.
Melasma, also known as chloasma, including of hormonal origin.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation, for example after acne lesions.
Skin prone to pigmentation, where stronger exfoliation can be risky.
Probably not here
A pigmented lesion of undetermined nature, before a medical assessment.
Expecting fast brightening after one treatment.
Not being ready for daily photoprotection, without which the changes return.
Active inflammation or a damaged skin barrier at the treatment site.
For superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone without a tendency to recur, a gentler and faster choice can be mandelic acid. For changes with an inflammatory background, for example after acne, azelaic acid is also considered. What can lie behind pigmentation itself is described on the skin pigmentation page.
Procedure and course
The treatment is performed by a cosmetologist, after an assessment of the skin and skin phototype. The concentration of the preparation and the number of sessions are selected individually, so we do not state them before qualification.
The effect builds gradually, over the course of the series. The first few weeks can look like no change, because there is no visible exfoliation here after which the skin immediately looks brighter. This is a feature of the method, not a sign that it is not working.
Photoprotection here is not an addition to the therapy but part of it. Without a daily high factor sunscreen, ultraviolet radiation will stimulate pigment production faster than the treatment can limit it.
What this treatment will not do
It will not remove melasma permanently. Melasma returns, especially with a persistent hormonal factor and with sun exposure.
It will not establish the cause of the pigmentation. If hormones, contraception, replacement therapy or a systemic disease are behind it, the cause is managed with a doctor.
It will not replace diagnostics for a pigmented lesion. Changes of undetermined nature first require a medical assessment.
It will not give a skin whitening effect. The aim is to even out skin tone and limit the formation of new changes, not to lighten the whole face.
In some people the improvement is limited, and with melasma the treatment usually has a long-term character: it is carried out in stages, with maintenance, rather than as a single session.
After the treatment
The reaction after the treatment is usually milder than after exfoliating peels. The skin may be temporarily red and slightly irritated, and visible peeling is not typical for this acid.
Daily high UV filter, including on cloudy days and in winter.
No deliberate sun exposure and no sunbed during the series of treatments.
Gentle skincare, without exfoliating products between treatments, unless the cosmetologist recommends otherwise.
If redness or irritation increases, contact the practice before your next treatment.
Contraindications
You will find the full list for all acids, together with photosensitising medicines and the break after oral vitamin A derivative therapy, on the acid peels page. Separately report to your cosmetologist any clotting disorders and any medicines affecting clotting.
The treatment on video
The video shows the preparation being applied with a brush, in layers, and the skin's reaction being observed. The footage has no sound; the commentary is on Instagram.
The recording shows the process, not the result. The concentration and number of sessions are chosen by the cosmetologist after assessing the skin, so we plan the effect individually.
Editorial responsibility
Responsible for the content
NL Clinic, Katowice
How the content is created
Last updated
13 August 2026
This material is for information purposes only and does not replace a consultation or qualification assessment.
The questions we are asked most often
How does tranexamic acid differ from other acids for pigmentation?
The other acids work mainly by exfoliation, meaning they remove the epidermis along with the deposited pigment. Tranexamic acid acts earlier: it limits the pathway through which melanocytes are stimulated to produce melanin. For this reason it is sometimes chosen where pigmentation returns after exfoliating peels.
Is this the same as tranexamic acid tablets?
No. Oral tranexamic acid is a medicinal product and its use is a decision for a doctor. In the cosmetology practice we are talking about a preparation applied topically to the skin. These are two different situations and they do not replace one another.
Will the peel remove melasma permanently?
No. Melasma tends to recur, especially where a hormonal factor persists and with sun exposure. The treatment reduces the visibility of pigmentation and limits the formation of new patches, but it does not remove the cause. Without consistent photoprotection the changes return.
When is the effect visible?
The effect appears gradually, over the course of treatments, not after a single session. Tranexamic acid does not give rapid lightening through exfoliation of the epidermis, so the first few weeks may look like no change at all. We do not give the number of sessions before an assessment of the skin.
Can the treatment be done in summer?
With pigmentation, the time of year matters more than with other indications. A fresh tan and planned intensive sun exposure are grounds for postponing the treatment. Photoprotection applies throughout the whole course of therapy, regardless of the season.
Can every mark on the skin be lightened?
No. A pigmented lesion of undetermined character requires a medical assessment first. We do not carry out lightening treatments on a lesion that has not been assessed, because an aesthetic procedure could delay the correct diagnosis.
The content is for information. It does not replace a consultation, an examination or an individual assessment.