01
What it is
The Red Mark SolutionRx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients under the direction of a licensed dermatology provider, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists. It is designed for treatment of post-acne marks (PIE), not for active acne.
Active ingredients
Tranexamic acid - an antifibrinolytic active used in dermatology to calm post-inflammatory signalsKojic acid - a melanin-inhibiting active for brightening uneven toneNiacinamide - a barrier-supporting vitamin B3 derivative that visibly reduces redness
Inactive ingredients
Licorice root extract - a botanical brightening agent for diminishing post-acne marks
02
What it treats
The Red Mark SolutionRx is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), the pink and red marks left after acne heals
- Post-acne discoloration and uneven tone
- Mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with healed acne lesions
- Lingering dullness and uneven complexion in patients whose acne has resolved
- Sensitivity-driven discoloration in recovering skin
Your dermatology provider has determined this formulation is appropriate for your specific skin based on the assessment you completed.
03
Who should not use it
Do not use The Red Mark SolutionRx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.
- You have a known allergy or sensitivity to tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root, or any other listed ingredient
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, so consult your dermatology provider before starting
- You have a history of severe blood clotting disorders or are on anticoagulation therapy, so discuss with your dermatology provider before starting (oral tranexamic acid has clotting precautions; topical risk is much lower but disclosure applies)
- You have used oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, within the past 6 months
- You have an active skin infection, severe eczema, or open wounds in the application area
- You have severe active acne, so treat active breakouts first before starting recovery treatment
- You are under 12 years of age
04
Warnings and precautions
Active acne
The Red Mark SolutionRx does not treat active acne. If you are still experiencing active breakouts, your dermatology provider will route you to an acne formula (The Acne SolutionRx or The Advanced Acne SolutionRx) first. Some patients eventually use both - an acne formula for prevention and The Red Mark SolutionRx for the marks left behind - but only when active acne is under control.
Pregnancy and nursing
Topical kojic acid and tranexamic acid have limited safety data during pregnancy. Do not start this treatment during pregnancy or while nursing without explicit guidance from your dermatology provider. If your pregnancy status changes during treatment, contact your DermClick care team immediately.
Sun sensitivity
UV exposure prolongs and worsens post-inflammatory marks, both red (PIE) and brown (PIH). Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, every day, including cloudy days. Without consistent SPF, the formula is working against active UV damage at the same time as fading marks, which slows results significantly.
Skin barrier sensitivity
This formula is designed for already-healing, sensitive skin. Mild tingling or temporary sensitivity during the first 2 weeks is common but should settle. If sensitivity persists or worsens, contact your DermClick care team.
Acne scars vs. acne marks
The Red Mark SolutionRx treats acne marks (flat discoloration in healed skin). It does not treat acne scars (structural changes such as ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling scars). If your concern is raised or pitted scarring, in-office procedures (microneedling, laser, subcision, fillers) are the appropriate treatment. Your dermatology provider can help you understand which you are dealing with.
Realistic expectations
Post-acne mark recovery is gradual. Newer marks fade faster than older ones, and marks present for over a year may take longer to respond. Meaningful change typically develops over 6 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use plus daily SPF.
Eye, lip, and nostril contact
Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Waxing and laser treatments
Pause use of The Red Mark SolutionRx for at least one week before and after waxing, laser treatments, or chemical peels on the application area. Consult your DermClick care team.
Licorice root sensitivity
Some patients are sensitive to topical botanical brightening agents. If you experience itching, redness, or hives at the application site, stop use and contact your DermClick care team.
Drug interactions
Tell your dermatology provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:
- Other topical brightening or pigmentation treatments, including hydroquinone, additional kojic acid, or additional tranexamic acid
- Topical retinoids, including tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, or retinol, which should be discussed with your dermatology provider before layering
- Other alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids at high concentrations
- Benzoyl peroxide products, which can deactivate some brightening actives if used in the same step
- Topical or oral corticosteroids in the application area
- Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, heparin, or similar medications, which should be disclosed to your dermatology provider
05
Possible side effects
Common side effects
These may happen especially in the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.
- Mild tingling or stinging on application
- Temporary mild dryness
- Mild redness or warmth at the application site
- Slight sensitivity to skincare products that did not bother you before
- Mild irritation in particularly sensitive areas
Less common side effects
- Persistent dryness or sensitivity beyond the adjustment period
- Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction at the application site
- Temporary worsening of marks, known as a paradoxical reaction, which usually resolves with continued consistent use
- Localized burning or itching
- Mild localized acne breakouts
These are typical of post-acne recovery prescription treatment and usually settle within the first 1 to 2 weeks as your skin adjusts. This formula is designed for already-healing skin and is gentler than active acne treatments. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency if symptoms become uncomfortable.
Rare but serious
Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of severe allergic reaction
- Severe blistering or skin sloughing at the application site
06
How to use it
Application
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin in the evening, after washing your face and patting it dry. Apply across areas with post-acne marks, typically cheeks, jaw, forehead, and chin. Can be used across the full face if your dermatology provider directs.
Frequency
Once nightly. Your DermClick care team may start you at every other night for the first week if your skin is particularly sensitive, then move to nightly.
Amount
A pea-sized amount is enough for the full face. More is not better and can cause unnecessary irritation without improving results.
Layering with other treatments
If you are using an acne treatment (The Acne Solution or The Advanced Acne Solution), your dermatology provider will design the layering, typically the acne formula is applied first, with The Red Mark Solution either layered on top or alternated by night. Your assessment will set the protocol.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Do not freeze.
Shelf life
Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.
Morning
Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then moisturizer, then broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (essential, every morning, every day)
Evening
Gentle cleanser, then any acne treatment (if prescribed), then The Red Mark SolutionRx, then a barrier-supporting fragrance-free moisturizer.
07
If you have a reaction
For mild irritation
Reduce application to every other night, apply a fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your application protocol.
For moderate to severe reactions
Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can so your dermatology provider can review and respond.
For medical emergencies
For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or signs of severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
08
About compounded medications
Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients, based on a prescription written by a licensed dermatology provider. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.
The active ingredients in The Red Mark SolutionRx- tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root - are well-established ingredients used in clinical dermatology for post-inflammatory marks, individually and in combination. Compounding allows your dermatology provider to combine them into a single nightly formulation tailored to your skin, rather than asking you to layer multiple separate brightening serums on top of already-healing skin. The supporting ingredients aren't optional extras - they are what makes the formula gentle enough for sensitive, recovering skin.
Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.