The Magic of Tranexamic Acid, a Prescription Powerhouse Fighting Melasma and Dark Spots

Let’s skip the poetic preamble and get straight to the point: tranexamic acid in pill form, available only by prescription, works wonders for melasma and dark spots. Unlike harsher topicals such as hydroquinone and tretinoin—which have somehow become the established norm—tranexamic acid taken orally doesn’t leave your skin sun-sensitive, and it doesn’t compromise your skin barrier either. 

For years, my dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu has been urging me to consider tranexamic acid in pill form to help with dark spots and melasma. I was hesitant (not because I don’t trust her; on the contrary, I often hang on to her every word. She’s a respected Harvard grad with impeccable Dior ensembles, and she communicates clearly.). I was reluctant to listen to her because I wasn’t interested in taking an oral prescription that didn’t seem necessary. It’s important to note here that I’m 50, and at age 39, after having my third child, I went straight into menopause. I’ve been on hormone replacement therapy ever since, so I am extremely cautious about adding anything extra to my regimen. However, after this very hot summer, which gifted me melasma galore, I reflected on the harsh topicals I’ve tested in the past—hydroquinone, tretinoin, and vitamin C (which just doesn’t always vibe with me, sorry)—as well as various other actives containing mercury and peroxide that were absorbed into my bloodstream. While these may not be inherently dangerous, I questioned whether my skin—the largest organ in the body—really needed to absorb such ingredients for the sake of achieving an even complexion.

So why not test this out? I went for it. I got the prescription, and for the past three weeks, I’ve been taking half a pill in the morning and half at night. During this time, I faced several potential melasma triggers, including a massive heatwave in L.A. and a recent trip to humid Mexico. Remarkably, I noticed my skin was looking really great and melasma was not triggered—not even once. I felt confident enough to forgo makeup, and my skin appears even and fantastic. Did all of my spots disappear? No, but they were greatly minimized.

Dr. Wu generally prescribes this pill for 3 to 6 months, followed by a break. After that, pigmentation may slowly return, necessitating another round. I want to point out that you need to consult with your doctor, as this treatment isn’t for everyone. You must be the right candidate. As Dr. Wu explains, “Taking these pills for melasma is an 'off-label' use. This means it’s FDA-approved for a different condition—heavy menstrual periods—but physicians may prescribe it for other uses when deemed medically appropriate.” She also notes that there may be an increased risk of blood clots for some patients, so a consultation with your internist is essential. While a few patients might experience nausea or diarrhea, I can’t imagine that’s worse than the side effects of Ozempic, the "Splenda" of my beloved L.A. community.

My goal is to be honest about what works for me, and this pill has been incredibly effective for managing a skin condition exacerbated by hormones. If you're grappling with similar issues, it may be worth discussing with your dermatologist.

Cocokind’s Serum Is the Best for Softening Dark Spots

I get frustrated by beauty brands pushing the same active ingredients over and over—especially when many of them fall short. For instance, hyaluronic acid often feels like a temporary fix, more a quick fling than a lasting solution (and let’s not even start on the confusion of short-chain versus long-chain formulations). Also, depending on your location and climate, especially in arid areas, HA can even leave your skin feeling drier. Then there’s the usual we hear every day ad neauseum: vitamin C, bakuchiol, and retinol…actives I am more than tired of hearing because I still haven’t seen incredibly transformative results from them. I am also of the mind that you don’t need a high percentage of actives for a skincare product to work.  A 20% vit C active is not necessarily better than a 10% vitamin C.

When it comes to skin brightening, there’s a standout product I always recommend: Cocokind’s Chlorophyll Discoloration Serum. This serum features alpha arbutin, a natural alternative to hydroquinone. Derived from mulberry or bearberry plants, alpha arbutin works by gradually inhibiting tyrosinase production, which reduces melanin formation and helps diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Beyond brightening, it also soothes redness and has antimicrobial properties to help control acne. It’s a key part of my routine, though it does require some patience for visible results, as it takes time. Plus, at $22, it's refreshing to find an effective product that doesn’t break the bank.

The Super-charged Serum That Makes All the Difference

What do the savvy and attractive inhabitants of Miami, L.A., and New York all share? The ability to dial up master aesthetician Iván Pol at any time—that is, if they can get a spot on the list for his famed Beauty Sandwich facial, which has found fans in the likes of Emma Stone and Salma Hayek. Pol has been the global go-to for years, prepping major socialites and celebrities alike with his special radio frequency method. His approach has the power to truly transform your skin. Without the usual peeling, pricking or popping you might experience in another facialist’s chair, Pol’s hands work their magic. His method calls for only the best ingredients to wake the skin up and have it glow continuously throughout the day. Last year, he debuted a serum called SS02 Snatching Sauce, and it’s really incredible. The Kalahari melon included in this formulation is the hero here. It reduces puffiness, smooths, and hydrates. It also has a beautiful brightening effect. I use this product often: alone, without a moisturizer, whatever. I often think facialists know more than derms because they work on the skin daily—they know, they see results, they touch the face. I trust Pol, and after much field testing, I trust his products, too.

My Favorite Cleanser of All Time

The glow is real and I am very excited to feature this as the first product profile.

In a world where we're consistently conditioned to believe that higher prices equate to superior quality, this is a phenomenal cleanser that defies all expectations. Yes, Humanrace Rice Powder cleanser is simple, but I assure you, the results are phenomenal. For thousands of years, rice powder has been revered as a skin purifier in Asian skincare traditions. This formulation boasts one of the highest quality rice powders available on the market, and surprisingly, it's offered at a reasonable price point compared to other rice-based powders. Unlike its counterparts, it delivers stunning results for the skin immediately and long-term with each use.  This formulation excels at multitasking; it brightens the skin, evens out tone, and gently exfoliates without causing microtears, thanks to its Kaolin Clay composition that beautifully draws out impurities. Moreover, the inclusion of geranium, sugar, maple, and bilberry extracts aids in gentle skin resurfacing, while snow mushroom extract ensures the skin barrier remains moisturized and intact.

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A Compelling Case For The $640 Face Cream

Sisley’s L’Intégral Anti-Age

It is outrageous how many skincare products promise to deliver the sun, the stars, and the moon to your complexion—when in reality, they are merely resting on their laurels: name brand, celebrity ambassadors, etc., with no high-quality actives or knowledge of which ingredients actually work in skincare.

As the saying goes, it can be expensive to be cheap and cheap to be expensive—so please know that when I recommend a pricey face cream, I’ve tested it (and other products like it) for weeks and I sincerely mean it’s worth every penny. 

 Sisleya’s Anti-Aging face cream is one of those products that bears a hefty tag, but more than  makes up for its cost in efficacy. This cream delivers the firmest, most glowy and even-toned skin you’ve likely seen in years—just one use will give you the glow of someone who just had the best sex of their life for hours. It’s that good. 

 I’ve been using Sisley products since my late teens, and when it comes to genius plant botanical formulations, they are on the cutting edge—with revolutionary formulations that give instant results (and even more in the long run). The Anti-Aging Integral cream harnesses the scientific power of botanicals, with the active plant power of Lady’s Mantle—a potent skin antioxidant—as well as Persian acadia, which is superb for skin regeneration. I can only assure you that unless you are a hyena with some severe acne problem, you will see beautiful results. 

You’ll find yourself cherishing every drop inside this potent jar, and taking it along on all your vacations. Added note: Please remember that for optimal results - your skincare needs to be rotated every few months.

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The Ultimate Face Primer

As Endorsed by the Elegance of Chic French Women Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

In 2024, we’ve yet to emulate the effortlessly chic presence that French women exude. You can call it the French Paradox, where these gorgeous French connoisseurs of style, indulge in butter, endless bottles of Chateau Margaux and afternoon delights, but I also know for a fact that so many of them rely on a beauty product I am very enamored with. Let me just say that the highly prized Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizing Face Primer is worth its weight in gold. It is that the most perfect makeup primer and it is flawless in hydration while keeping your makeup lasting well into the night.

 The makeup and skincare pros seem to agree with my sentiments as I’ve also been keen to notice is a permanent beauty staple the kits of major makeup artists worldwide - even when they're contractually bound to other brands, they still turn to this miraculous primer for flawless finish. I urge you to experience this wonderful face cream, apply it before makeup for a stunning, creamy or even as my French friends like to additionally use it also as their cleansing milk, shaving cream and after suncare lotion too.

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The Clean Beauty Body Oil That Gives Velvet Skin Instantly

OSEA Malibu’s Undaria Algae Body Oil 

In my approach to skin care, I've found that maintaining the vitality of skin below the neck is surprisingly simple with a consistent routine. It begins of course with the basics, a healthy diet rich in Vitamin E, careful sun exposure, and exercising regularly to preserve muscle tone and firmness that in turn support great firm skin.

Next, your skin needs the right amount of exfoliation. I recommend a balanced approach, steering clear of excessive daily brushing that can strip away essential oils. I found myself overwhelmed during the pandemic with the trend of daily brushing, which proved counterproductive to skin health in my opinion as it robs your skin of essential oils if done excessively. Periodically indulging in a luxurious Korean body scrub is excellent and also rejuvenates the skin, and then of course last and not least, incorporating a clean and efficacious body oil adds for moisture and nourishment is for me far superior than using a body butter or cream. I favor body oils for their superior absorption and holistic benefits compared to body lotions. I see the results on my skin and really know what gives the optimal results. Among the plethora I've experimented with, OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil stands out as my absolute favorite pick. After showering, while my skin is still slightly damp, I generously apply this delicately formulated, clean beauty oil. Its lightweight consistency effortlessly seeps into the skin, leaving behind a trail of revitalization. Enriched with White Lupin flower, this marvel of a product ensures the skin remains supple and resilient. Noteworthy is the brand’s commitment to sustainability; packaged in eco-conscious glass, this oil encapsulates the essence of nature's goodness. Embrace a moment of tranquility post-shower, reveling in the pleasure of this beloved product that has brought me immense joy, and I trust will do the same for you.

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The Best Beauty Balm For Your Skin

The Blue Cocoon by May Lindstrom

An exceptional moisturizing balm that I rely on during hot summers and harsh winters, when my skin faces extreme weather conditions. I slather it on my face every winter night after a day on the slopes or in my hotel room after a beach or boat day when my skin has has endured the inescapable scorching summer heat. This balm is my constant go-to remedy. Formulated with the highest grade of responsibly sourced Blue Tansy, one of nature's most potent antioxidant flower botanicals, it soothes, calms, and repairs my skin. The balm's decadent texture effortlessly melts into the skin, delivering nourishment without any heaviness. It bears repeating that despite protective measures we take such as hats, sunscreen, ski goggles, or face masks, harsh weather conditions, including even ocean reflections, can still leave the skin parched and in need of replenishment.

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The Dream Cream

Revision’s Nectifirm Fights Crepiness, Does Not Disappoint 

The neck is one of the first places on the body to show signs of aging. Why? Because our skin is thinner in this area, there is less muscle support, collagen, and fat—and frankly, more than in decades past, we are constantly glancing up and down at our phones. Sun damage is yet another problem: you don’t wear a hat for your neck, do you? And it doesn’t make sense to put on a turtleneck in spring and summer, right?

To help your neck look its firmest and softest, often acupuncture in the areas where you hold tension in your jaw can provide visible results. Sleeping on your back can also help, as well as using silk pillowcases, which can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, along with a host of other benefits. 

Don’t forget about a key step when it comes to keeping your neck smooth: using a topical like a hydrating neck cream. I have found Revision’s Nectifirm neck cream is fantastic when it comes to firming and preventing sagging. It contains lingonberry extract (known for its potently antioxidant properties) which helps maintain elasticity. 

Side note: Once a week or before a special event, I also like to scrub my skin with a light physical exfoliant before I apply the neck cream. I find it absorbs better. (I have to point out that I typically avoid over-exfoliating, as it can weaken the skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage.) Again, it bears repeating—rotate this every few months with another neck cream product. I switch it out with SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R-Neck Repair Cream, which is also fabulous. 

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Revision’s Nectifirm Neck Cream
SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R-Neck Repair Cream

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Why the $150 Prodigy Scientist-Developed Sunscreen is Worth Every Penny

“I’ve been using PAVISE Sunscreen, developed by genius scientist and entrepreneur Sophie Bai and I could not be happier.”

In the realm of skincare, there's an indispensable element you must always prioritize - sunscreen. Think about it: while you weigh the option of shelling out an extra $1k on an unscheduled Botox appointment for a fab party you just found out about or $500 on a tending rejuvenating facial, it's crucial you recognize that all in all, your daily sunscreen is your first line of defense against the factors that lead you to seek such expensive treatments in the first place. Right? I thought so. So, one should not balk at a $150 high-performance sunscreen that carries a mighty task: protecting your precious skin against wrinkles, dark spots and general sigs of ageing. I’ve been using PAVISE Sunscreen, developed by genius scientist and entrepreneur Sophie Bai and I could not be happier. In fact, other than testing new sunscreens for my vocation, I don’t see myself using anything else for the long run. This innovative mineral sunscreen uses their proprietary diamond core technology, providing comprehensive protection against UVA, UVB, and visible light. The formula is chemical-free, relying on mineral filters and enriched with potent bio-actives like Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid, and my personal favorite, the brightening plant botanical licorice root extract which beautifully evens out skin tone.

I also love the consistency and how it feels on my skin, non-greasy which is a hard task for sunscreens that deliver potent protection. Lastly, it's crucial to highlight the importance of complementing sunscreen with physical protection measures such as wearing a hat and sunglasses for added defense against harmful UV rays.

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