At the age of 23, I found myself battling a personal struggle with facial spider veins, an unwelcome and distressing consequence of my struggles with cystic acne and rosacea. With each passing glance in the mirror, these conspicuous intruders on my face became a constant reminder of my skin conditions, gradually chipping away at my self-confidence. They were unsolicited guests, by-products of conditions I had neither asked for nor desired, and they felt like an indelible stamp on my face.
Fast forward almost 20 years and multiple failed laser treatments, I finally embarked on a new skincare regimen, applying Tranexamic Acid three times daily in combination with regular microneedling. The mirror, once a source of despair, became a tool for monitoring progress and rekindling hope.
The once prominent spider veins on my face slowly faded. The transformation was gradual, but with each passing day, I found pieces of my confidence returning. Today, I stand on the brink of complete freedom from the facial spider veins that once held me captive. My struggle with facial spider veins, triggered by cystic acne and rosacea, has been a battle fraught with emotional upheavals, but it’s one I am almost proud to declare, I have nearly completely conquered.
Rosacea and spider veins are two prevalent skin conditions that can cause both physical discomfort and emotional distress — mainly due to their prominently visible appearance. Rosacea is characterised by redness and visible blood vessels in the face, while spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface, often in a spider-web pattern and ranging from bright red to deep purple.
Tranexamic Acid (TA), traditionally used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding and to prevent excessive bleeding in people with disorders such as hemophilia, is now emerging as a promising treatment for rosacea and spider veins. The popularity of this medication is partly due to its ease of application – it can be topically applied in the form of a serum or cream, negating the need for more invasive treatment methods like laser therapy, injections or surgery.
Tranexamic Acid operates by slowing down or inhibiting the process of fibrinolysis – a process wherein blood clots are broken down in the body. This reduction in fibrinolysis can help to reduce the size and number of blood vessels in the affected areas, which in turn may lessen redness and the visibility of veins.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that rosacea affects approximately 14 million Americans, and spider veins impact as much as 50% of women and 30% of men. Given the prevalence of these conditions, the discovery and development of effective and user-friendly treatments are crucial.
Tranexamic Acid can be purchased in various forms for at-home treatment. For example, SkarFix 10% Tranexamic Acid in 30 ml pump bottles, which is the highest home-use concentration of Tranexamic Acid. This accessibility and convenience make it an attractive option for those who prefer to manage their conditions in the comfort of their homes. KEY INGREDIENTS: 10% Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin E.
However, like any other medical treatment, it’s critical to note that Tranexamic Acid may not be the right choice for everyone. For individuals with certain health conditions, such as those with a history of blood clots or stroke, Tranexamic Acid may pose risks and should be avoided. As a result, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new medication or treatment into your routine.
Topical Tranexamic Acid, when used appropriately, can help with managing the appearance and growth of spider veins, rosacea and hyperpimentation. The following step-by-step guide outlines how you might incorporate Tranexamic Acid into your daily skincare routine, alongside microneedling:
Cleanse the skin: Start by thoroughly cleansing the area of skin where you’ll be applying the Tranexamic Acid. This will remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup that might interfere with the absorption of the product.
Microneedle the area: Use a cosmetic microneedling device to create tiny, superficial punctures in the skin. Microneedling can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of topical products. You should be gentle and cautious when performing this step to prevent unnecessary injury or irritation to the skin. Always ensure your microneedling device is clean and sterilized before use to avoid infection.
Apply Tranexamic Acid: After microneedling, apply a small amount of Tranexamic Acid to the area. You can use your fingers or a cotton pad to spread the product evenly. Make sure to cover all the areas with visible spider veins.
Let it absorb: Allow the Tranexamic Acid to absorb into the skin fully before moving on to the next step of your routine. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
Hydrate and protect: Follow up with a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, and if you’re doing this routine in the morning, don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
Repeat this process morning, noon, and night. As with all skincare routines, consistency is key. Remember to keep an eye on your skin’s reaction to this regimen. If you notice any unusual irritation, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare provider.
Before starting any new treatment, especially one that involves microneedling, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider or a skin specialist. They can provide advice tailored to your skin type and condition, ensuring that the treatment will be safe and effective for you. Moreover, they can instruct you on the proper way to carry out micro needling at home, minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
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