Dealing with dark spots, discoloration, redness or melasma? Tranexamic acid serum is going to be your MVP. According to Dr. Turner, this ingredient can reduce the skin’s melanin production by stabilizing blood vessels and, when taken orally, treat melasma.
“Tranexamic acid, just like other things that are acidic, can be a bit irritating,” he notes, which is why he recommends layering moisturizer over the serum. Dr. Turner also advises that you ease into using the serum into your routine the same way you would retinol. (Speaking of retinol, make sure to use the two ingredients separately while your skin is acclimating.—Dr. Turner recommends tranexamic acid in the morning and retinol at night.)