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.

The Facial That Erases Fatigue and Time, Courtesy of Joomee Song

Sometimes, a facial massage from a skilled aesthetician delivers benefits that topicals simply can’t match. As someone who often experiments with beauty treatments galore—sometimes resulting in looks that feel more suited for an audition in a sci-fi movie—I always, without fail, marvel at the way Joomee Song transforms my face. Her facials leave me looking well-rested and rejuvenated every time. 

I can honestly say that Joomee, who is based in a fairly nondescript building in Brentwood, is a true virtuoso, renowned in the beauty world for her exceptional facial massage technique. When she works her facial magic, it’s similar to a sculptor handling clay. Her precise method is individually tailored to one’s unique facial bone structure, balancing facial muscles and fascia tension, and delivering results. It’s got a lot to do with blood flow, circulation, and a sense of intuition when it comes to the grooves of the facial skin—and the results are impressive. 

A mere five minutes on Joomee’s table is healing. Almost instantly, I’ll start tuning out the rest of the world in her peaceful space. As the massage begins, I can feel my facial muscles and jaw tension easing significantly. Joomee’s clientele includes some of the most famous faces in the world, but I appreciate how she treats everyone with equal care and concern. What sets her apart is her intuitive understanding of what each face needs, especially when it comes to detoxification and stress relief. After each session, she’ll assign some homework: a short daily self-massage—just one to three minutes—to keep your skin glowing and your blood flowing. Every time I experience her treatment, I’m amazed at how my face looks—like I’ve had a full week of restful sleep (which I can never seem to manage. I suppose this is the next best thing to hibernation).

Introducing: Facial of the Moment

You know the value of an excellent facial when it doesn’t just deliver glowing skin for 24 hours—it provides radiance for days and days after your appointment. In this new section, Facial of the Moment, I’ll spotlight top aestheticians whose facials stand out not only for their immediate effects, but also for their lasting benefits. This is a fresh, honest, and tapped-in take you won’t find anywhere else. I want to offer a behind-the-scenes look at industry leaders and their unique skin philosophies, specialties, and techniques, so my goal is to be transparent and personable, providing you with real reviews so you can make informed choices about where to invest in your skincare. Whether a facial costs $200 or $1400, I’m here to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Expect witty and insightful commentary, all while keeping your best interests at heart.

The Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand: Your New BFF for Breakouts and Blemish Control

We’ve all faced this harrowing scenario: an important event is looming, and suddenly, a pimple decides to make an unwelcome appearance day-of. Even if breakouts aren't your usual issue, finding a quick solution can be challenging when it comes to breakouts, especially if you're away from your trusted aesthetician. Enter the Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand, an essential at-home face tool that I know will become your go-to for blemish control.

This tool works by targeting those pesky pimples with electric currents that eliminate bacteria within the blemish. To incorporate the device into your skincare routine, start with cleansing, exfoliating, and masking—or, if you’re short on time, just make sure skin is properly cleansed. Then, place a piece of gauze over the blemish and adjust the wand to your preferred strength. Gently move the glass head of the tool over the area for about a minute. If you’re using the HFW for general skin maintenance to prevent bacteria buildup and not a single blemish, you can roll it over your entire face (with the gauze still in place) for about a minute. Depending on your skin’s response, you will normally see improvement in a day or a few days. How often should you use it? Well, if I have a blemish that pops up a few days before an event, I use the tool morning and night until the day of the party arrives. Even if the pimple isn’t completely gone, the HFW is excellent at minimizing it—or speeding up its departure. The Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand comes in three different zapper sizes to go over the complexion (one is designed to fit the overall contour of your face, while one is smaller, and specifically pinpoints the exact blemish. There’s even another circular-shaped attachment for larger surface areas). All in all, it’s a high-quality, straightforward tool that gives excellent results.

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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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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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*The products featured here may contain affiliate links.