Rejuvenate

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid / Tretinoin / Niacinamide

Form: Topical cream or gel (confirm with pharmacy)

Route: Topical application to affected facial areas

Application Timing: Evening / bedtime use only

Category: Dermatology / Pigmentation / Anti-Aging / Prescription Skincare

This compounded medication requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Overview

Hyperpigmentation is among the most clinically challenging facial skin concerns to treat — not because effective mechanisms don't exist, but because pigmentation disorders are driven by multiple simultaneous processes that single-ingredient therapies address incompletely. Melanocytes overproduce pigment in response to UV exposure, hormonal signaling, post-inflammatory injury, and cumulative photodamage. Epidermal keratinocytes accumulate and retain that pigment. The skin surface becomes uneven, dull, and resistant to correction when only one point in the pigmentation cascade is targeted at a time.

Rejuvenate is a prescription-compounded topical formula combining tranexamic acid, tretinoin, and niacinamide — three actives that address hyperpigmentation through three distinct, non-overlapping biological mechanisms, while simultaneously delivering meaningful anti-aging, barrier-protective, and skin-renewing benefits that extend well beyond pigmentation correction alone.

Tranexamic acid is a lysine analogue that interrupts the UV-induced keratinocyte-to-melanocyte signaling that drives excess melanin production at its source — before pigment is synthesized. Tretinoin is the gold-standard retinoid that normalizes aberrant melanocyte activity via retinoic acid receptor signaling, accelerates the epidermal turnover that clears accumulated melanin-loaded surface cells, and simultaneously delivers the collagen-stimulating, wrinkle-reducing, and skin-renewing benefits for which decades of randomized controlled trial evidence exist. Niacinamide blocks the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes — a downstream step in pigmentation that neither of the other two actives addresses — while reinforcing the stratum corneum barrier, suppressing inflammatory cytokine signaling, and providing the tolerability buffering that allows tretinoin to be used consistently in the sensitized, photodamaged skin that most commonly presents with pigmentation concerns.

Three actives. Three points of intervention across the pigmentation pathway. One nightly formula — with anti-aging structural benefits built into every application.

Active Ingredients

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analogue originally developed as an antifibrinolytic agent — used systemically to reduce bleeding by inhibiting plasminogen activation — that has emerged over the past decade as one of the most clinically meaningful topical depigmenting actives available, with a mechanism of action distinct from every other pigmentation-targeting ingredient class.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin — all-trans retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A — is the topical ingredient with the most extensively documented clinical evidence for both pigmentation correction and skin aging reversal, and the only active in this formula that addresses both simultaneously through a single mechanism.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is the water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that contributes to Rejuvenate through three distinct roles: a third independent depigmenting mechanism, the tolerability and barrier infrastructure that makes consistent tretinoin use achievable, and an independent anti-inflammatory active that addresses the inflammatory component of pigmentation disorders.

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Medical intake

Answer a few online questions about your health history, lifestyle, and goals — no clinic visits required.

Provider evaluation

A licensed medical professional reviews your intake and determines the safest, most effective option for you.

Personalized plan

Custom treatment plan built around your unique health needs, goals, medical history, and biology.

Ongoing support

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FAQs

Clinical Applications

Rejuvenate is formulated for patients whose pigmentation concerns reflect UV-driven, hormonal, inflammatory, or multifactorial origins — and for whom the combination of upstream prevention, active correction, accelerated surface clearance, and downstream transfer inhibition provides more comprehensive coverage than single-mechanism alternatives:

Melasma: The most challenging common pigmentation disorder, driven by a combination of UV exposure, hormonal signaling (estrogen, progesterone), and vascular changes — all of which contribute to the deep, often treatment-resistant pigmentation characteristic of melasma. Tranexamic acid has the strongest clinical evidence base among non-hydroquinone actives for melasma specifically, with its prostaglandin-inhibiting mechanism addressing the UV and inflammatory drivers. Tretinoin addresses the melanocyte dysregulation and drives surface clearance of accumulated pigment. Niacinamide reduces the transfer and inflammatory amplification. Together they address melasma from more directions simultaneously than any single agent.

Sunspots and photodamage-related hyperpigmentation: Discrete UV-induced lentigines and diffuse photodamage dyschromia respond well to tretinoin's combination of melanocyte normalization and accelerated surface clearance, with tranexamic acid preventing UV-triggered re-induction and niacinamide reducing the uneven transfer distribution that maintains their appearance.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): The residual pigmentation following acne, rosacea, eczema, or other inflammatory injury — particularly common and persistent in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. The dual anti-inflammatory activity of tranexamic acid and niacinamide is particularly important here, addressing both the residual pigment and the ongoing inflammatory signals that can maintain or worsen PIH even after the inciting lesion has resolved.

Uneven skin tone and diffuse dullness: Diffuse uneven pigmentation without discrete lesions — the generalized loss of luminosity and skin tone evenness associated with cumulative photodamage and aging — responds to the combination of tretinoin-driven epidermal turnover and niacinamide-mediated melanosome transfer inhibition, which together produce a progressive brightening and evening of overall skin tone.

Age spots and blended photodamage: The combination of discrete spots and background uneven tone common in patients over 40 with significant UV history — addressed by the formula's ability to target both focal melanocyte dysregulation and diffuse surface pigment accumulation simultaneously.

Potential Benefits

With consistent nightly use as part of a supervised skincare protocol, Rejuvenate supports:

Meaningful reduction in hyperpigmentation including melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory pigmentation through three-point cascade interruption

Prevention of UV-induced re-pigmentation via tranexamic acid's upstream signaling blockade

Progressive brightening and evening of overall skin tone through accelerated surface cell turnover and melanosome transfer inhibition

Normalization of dysfunctional melanocyte activity via retinoic acid receptor signaling

Smoothing of fine lines and improved skin texture through tretinoin-driven collagen synthesis and epidermal renewal

Increased dermal collagen density and improved skin firmness — anti-aging structural benefits alongside pigmentation correction

Reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk through dual anti-inflammatory activity

Strengthened stratum corneum barrier with reduced transepidermal water loss and trigger sensitivity

Refined skin texture with improved luminosity and clarity as dull, pigmented surface cells are cleared

Well-tolerated consistent retinoid therapy through niacinamide's documented retinoid dermatitis reduction

Results vary by individual. Initial improvements in skin texture, surface clarity, and early pigmentation reduction are often noticeable within 4–6 weeks. Meaningful correction of established hyperpigmentation — particularly melasma and deeper post-inflammatory pigmentation — typically develops over 12–24 weeks of consistent use. Melasma in particular is a chronic condition; maintenance therapy and rigorous sun protection are essential to sustaining results.

How to Use

For evening / bedtime use only. Tretinoin is photolabile and degrades on UV exposure. It also significantly increases photosensitivity — morning application without sun protection meaningfully increases reactive pigmentation risk, the opposite of the formula's therapeutic goal.

Application Instructions:

Cleanse the face thoroughly with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and pat completely dry. Allow skin to dry for 10–15 minutes before applying — tretinoin penetrates more aggressively into damp skin, increasing irritation risk.

Dispense a pea-sized amount — sufficient for the full face. Use less for targeted application to specific pigmented areas only.

Apply in a thin, even layer to the face, or to the specific areas of concern as directed by your provider. Avoid the immediate eye area, corners of the nose, and lip margins where skin is thinnest.

Allow to absorb fully before applying any other products. A fragrance-free moisturizer may be applied on top if additional hydration is desired.

Wash hands thoroughly after application.

Starting Protocol — Retinoid Adjustment Period: The redness and mild peeling of the retinoid adjustment period — when it occurs — is expected and transient, not a sign of incompatibility or allergy. Niacinamide's barrier-protective and anti-irritant properties meaningfully reduce this adjustment burden, but individual sensitivity varies.

Patients new to retinoid therapy should begin with every-other-night application for the first one to two weeks, advancing to nightly as tolerated. Patients with established retinoid tolerance may begin nightly use immediately. Do not increase frequency faster than skin comfortably tolerates — irritation-driven inflammation can worsen post-inflammatory pigmentation, working against the formula's primary goal.

Morning Routine — Non-Negotiable: Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied every morning without exception, is the single most important factor in the success of any pigmentation treatment regimen. UV exposure re-induces the pigmentation cascade that Rejuvenate is simultaneously working to interrupt. Without consistent daily sun protection, results will be partial and pigmentation will recur. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are preferred in patients with melasma and reactive skin.

Precautions and Safety Information

Rejuvenate is a prescription-only compounded medication containing tretinoin, a teratogenic retinoid. Full patient counseling is required before initiating therapy.

Contraindications:

Pregnancy: Tretinoin is teratogenic. While systemic absorption from topical facial application is very low, it is not zero. Rejuvenate is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women of reproductive age must use reliable contraception throughout treatment and discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs or is planned.

Breastfeeding: Safety of topical tretinoin during lactation has not been established. Use is not recommended; consult your provider.

Known retinoid sensitivity: Patients with documented allergy or intolerance to tretinoin or other retinoids should not use this product.

Known hypersensitivity: Patients with documented allergy to tranexamic acid or niacinamide should not use this product.

Active inflammatory skin conditions: Do not apply to actively inflamed, sunburned, broken, or eczematous skin. Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin.

Potential Side Effects:

Most common — tretinoin adjustment period:

Redness, peeling, or dryness during the first two to four weeks — expected, transient, and meaningfully reduced by niacinamide's tolerability buffering relative to tretinoin used alone

Increased photosensitivity — managed by mandatory daily SPF

Temporary skin sensitivity to wind and environmental factors

Less common:

Contact dermatitis in patients with sensitivity to any formula component

Paradoxical initial worsening of redness or irritation in highly sensitized skin — if persistent beyond four weeks, consult your provider

Rarely, tranexamic acid may cause mild local irritation at application site in sensitive skin

Important note for patients with darker skin tones: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk is higher in Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. The dual anti-inflammatory activity of tranexamic acid and niacinamide in Rejuvenate specifically addresses this risk, but beginning with every-other-night application and advancing gradually is particularly important in patients with high PIH susceptibility.

Seek provider evaluation if: irritation is severe or persists beyond four weeks, spreading rash or blistering develops, unexpected pigmentation worsening occurs beyond the initial two to four weeks, or pregnancy is confirmed or planned.

Drug Interactions

Other topical retinoids: Concurrent use of additional retinoid-class products in the same facial area (adapalene, tazarotene, retinol, retinaldehyde) significantly increases irritation risk without proportional benefit. Do not combine without explicit provider direction.

Benzoyl peroxide: Inactivates tretinoin on direct contact. Do not apply simultaneously or to the same skin area.

Topical exfoliating acids: AHAs (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) and BHAs (salicylic acid) applied concurrently increase barrier disruption and irritation risk, particularly during the adjustment period. Discuss timing and sequencing with your provider.

Photosensitizing medications: Certain antibiotics, diuretics, and antifungals increase photosensitivity additively with tretinoin — already elevated during Rejuvenate therapy. Daily SPF is essential throughout treatment and particularly critical when photosensitizing medications are part of the regimen.

Systemic tranexamic acid: Patients prescribed oral tranexamic acid for systemic indications (heavy menstrual bleeding, hereditary angioedema) should inform their provider — combined systemic and topical exposure is low-risk at typical facial application volumes but should be noted in the overall treatment plan.

Hydroquinone: Some providers combine tranexamic acid and/or niacinamide with hydroquinone for refractory melasma. If your provider has prescribed hydroquinone separately, clarify the intended sequencing and application areas — do not self-combine without guidance.

Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy: Hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy are among the most significant drivers of melasma. Rejuvenate's pigmentation-correcting activity works alongside but does not eliminate the hormonal trigger; patients on estrogen-containing medications should be counseled that ongoing hormonal stimulation will require continued rigorous sun protection and may necessitate maintenance therapy.

Storage

Store at room temperature, 68°F – 77°F (20°C – 25°C), away from direct heat, humidity, and light

Keep container tightly closed

Tretinoin is light-sensitive — store in original packaging, away from direct sunlight

Do not freeze

Keep out of reach of children

Do not use beyond the labeled expiration date

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