Whitening & Cosmetic Oral Medications for Pigmented Spots | Effects and Side Effects of Cynar-C and Tranexamic Acid Explained

“What effects can oral medications for skin beauty and whitening offer?”
“I want to know about the effects and side effects of Cinal and tranexamic acid.”

If you have questions like these, read on.

Oral medications for skin whitening and beauty may help improve pigmentation issues such as pigmented spots, freckles, and melasma, as well as skin concerns like acne. Several types of medications are available, and choosing the one suited to your specific condition is important.

This page explains oral medications that may be effective for skin beauty and whitening.

At our clinic, we listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, then suggest a treatment approach tailored to each patient. Please use the button below to book a consultation.

What Are Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications? Improving Pigmented Spots from UV Exposure and Acne Scars

Oral whitening and beauty medications are medications that may help improve skin condition and reduce the appearance of pigmented spots and freckles.

Pigmented spots and freckles are often caused by melanin production triggered by UV exposure or inflammation from acne scarring.

Several types of oral whitening and beauty medications are available, including those that help suppress melanin production and those that support the skin’s natural resilience to help improve pigmentation such as pigmented spots and melasma.

They may also help address concerns such as wrinkles and skin laxity, supporting the goal of healthier-looking skin.

4 Types of Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications | Effects and Side Effects of Dermatology-Prescribed Oral Medications

The following four oral medications may be beneficial for skin whitening and beauty.

Below, we explain each medication in detail.

Oral Medication ① Cinal | Suppressing Melanin Production with Vitamin C

Cinal is a vitamin supplement that may help improve skin concerns including pigmented spot prevention.

It is a tablet combining Vitamin C and Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and it works to help suppress the production of melanin, which is a key factor in the development of pigmented spots.

It also promotes collagen synthesis to help improve skin quality. Taking Cinal may support the goal of healthier, clearer-looking skin.

Reported side effects of Cinal include gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. If side effects are severe, discontinue use and consult your physician.

Some people wonder whether Cinal causes weight gain or increased grey hair, but no such side effects have been reported to date.

For more details about Cinal, please refer to the article below.

What Is Cinal? Effects and Side Effects of Cinal Tablets, and the Difference from Cinal Granules

Oral Medication ② Tranexamic Acid | An Oral Medication Used for Melasma Treatment

Tranexamic acid (Transamin) is a synthetic amino acid derivative and an oral medication that helps inhibit the action of “plasmin,” a substance involved in triggering inflammation.

Taking tranexamic acid may offer skin-whitening benefits through improvement of pigmented spots and melasma. It is widely used in the treatment of melasma in particular.

The following side effects have been associated with tranexamic acid:

• Skin itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn

If side effects are severe, discontinue use and consult your physician.

For more details about tranexamic acid, please refer to the article below.

Is Tranexamic Acid Effective for Sore Throats? Skin-Whitening Effects, Side Effects, and Dosage of Transamin 250mg Explained

Oral Medication ③ Jubera | May Help Improve Pigmented Spots, Freckles, and Melasma

Jubera is an oral medication with Vitamin E as its main ingredient.

Jubera has a metabolism-boosting action and may help improve pigmented spots, freckles, and melasma.

It also promotes skin cell turnover, which may help the body shed excess melanin, and its antioxidant properties may support skin that is less prone to developing pigmented spots.

Possible side effects of Jubera include the following:

• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Rash

For more details about Jubera, please refer to the article below.

What Effects Can Be Expected from Jubera? Differences Between Jubera Ointment, Jubera N, and Jubera Tablets Explained

Oral Medication ④ Hythiol | Improving Pigmented Spots, Clogged Pores, and Acne

Hythiol is an oral medication with L-cysteine as its main ingredient.

Its active ingredient, L-cysteine, acts on skin metabolism to help suppress melanin production and improve the appearance of pigmented spots. Its action in normalizing skin cell turnover may also contribute to skin-beautifying effects such as improvement of clogged pores and acne.

Reported side effects of Hythiol include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, and nausea. As no serious adverse reactions have been reported, it is generally considered a medication that can be taken without excessive concern.

For those who would like to learn more about Hythiol, please refer to the article below.

Effects and Side Effects of Hythiol: Ingredients and How to Take It Explained

How to Take Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications

Oral whitening and beauty medications are generally taken as 1 to 2 tablets per dose, 2 to 3 times a day.

The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s age and condition. Please follow the instructions provided by the prescribing clinic.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the scheduled amount. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Is It Safe to Keep Taking Tranexamic Acid? Precautions When Taking Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications

We have introduced several oral whitening and beauty medications above. Among them, tranexamic acid cannot be taken by individuals who fall into any of the following categories:

• Those with thrombotic conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, thrombophlebitis)
• Those currently taking oral contraceptives (the pill)
• Those who are pregnant or may be pregnant
• Those with renal failure

Because tranexamic acid has a blood-coagulating effect, it cannot be used by those with thrombotic conditions such as myocardial infarction.

Not only tranexamic acid, but all oral whitening and beauty medications including Cinal and Jubera should be taken only after consulting a physician.

How to Get Cinal or Transamin Prescribed? Can They Be Purchased Over the Counter or Online?

Oral medications containing Cinal or Transamin (tranexamic acid) can be purchased over the counter or online.

However, the concentration of active ingredients differs between over-the-counter products and prescription-grade pharmaceutical products dispensed at medical institutions.

For example, over-the-counter tranexamic acid products are limited to 750 mg, whereas prescription-grade pharmaceutical products may contain up to 2,000 mg.

For those seeking greater whitening and beauty benefits, prescription-grade pharmaceutical products with higher concentrations are recommended.

To obtain prescription-grade pharmaceutical products, a medical consultation and prescription from a physician are required.

How Much Do Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications and Medication Sets Cost? Our Pricing

Our clinic offers oral whitening and beauty medications as well as medication sets.

Please refer to the price lists below, organized by skin concern, for detailed pricing information.

Skin Beautification & Radiance Price List
Acne Price List
Pigmented Spots & Melasma Price List

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about oral whitening and beauty medications.

Q. Are oral whitening & beauty medications covered by insurance?

Oral whitening and beauty medications are generally not covered by health insurance.

Health insurance in Japan applies to treatments aimed at treating disease. As improving pigmented spots and freckles is considered cosmetic in purpose, insurance coverage does not apply.

Therefore, when receiving a prescription for the purpose of improving pigmented spots, freckles, or melasma, the treatment is classified as non-covered (out-of-pocket) and the full cost is paid by the patient.

Q. If I stop taking tranexamic acid, will my pigmented spots and melasma return?

If you stop taking tranexamic acid, there is a possibility that pigmented spots and melasma may return. This is because plasmin activity resumes, which reactivates melanin production.

Tranexamic acid works by blocking the effect of plasmin on melanocytes, thereby helping to inhibit the formation of pigmented spots and melasma.

Discontinuing tranexamic acid may allow melanin production to resume, potentially leading to the reappearance of pigmented spots and melasma.

Consult IC Clinic About Oral Whitening & Beauty Medications

A wide variety of oral whitening and beauty medications are available, and many of them may help address skin concerns. As there are precautions to be aware of when taking these medications, it is important to choose the one most suited to your individual needs.

The oral whitening and beauty medications prescribed at our clinic include the following three:

• Cinal (Vitamin C)
• Tranexamic Acid
• Jubera Tablets

We also offer medication sets that may provide enhanced whitening and beauty benefits.

At our clinic, we suggest oral medications and treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s individual concerns. If you are troubled by pigmented spots, freckles, melasma, or other skin concerns, please feel free to consult IC Clinic.

At our clinic, we listen carefully to your concerns and symptoms, then suggest a treatment approach tailored to each patient. Please use the button below to book a consultation.