HISTORY
Tranexamic acid was first synthesized in the 1960s by Japanese researchers Shosuke and Utako Okamoto. Initially, it was developed as an antifibrinolytic agent, meaning it helps prevent excessive bleeding by inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin, a protein essential for blood clotting. This made tranexamic acid a valuable tool in treating conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, trauma, and surgical procedures where blood loss is a significant concern.
Over time, medical professionals began to notice an interesting side effect: patients receiving tranexamic acid for bleeding disorders also experienced a reduction in skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. This observation sparked curiosity and led to further research into the potential dermatological applications of tranexamic acid.
SCIENCE
Tranexamic acid works through a unique mechanism that distinguishes it from other skincare ingredients targeting hyperpigmentation. At a molecular level, tranexamic acid inhibits the plasminogen/plasmin system. Plasmin, derived from plasminogen, plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process and stimulates melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin production. By inhibiting plasmin, tranexamic acid reduces the activity of melanocytes, thereby decreasing the production of melanin and preventing the formation of hyperpigmented spots.
Moreover, tranexamic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to its effectiveness in treating conditions like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and age spots. It is often used in conjunction with other brightening agents like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract to enhance its efficacy.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in improving skin discoloration. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that topical application of tranexamic acid significantly reduced the severity of melasma after 12 weeks of treatment. Another study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that a combination of tranexamic acid and other brightening agents resulted in a notable improvement in hyperpigmentation and overall skin tone.
REFERENCES
- Cho, Y. H., Park, J. E., Lim, D. S., & Lee, J. S. (2017). Tranexamic acid inhibits melanogenesis by activating the autophagy system in cultured melanoma cells. Journal of Dermatological Science
- Okholm, S. H., Krog, J., & Hvas, A. M. (2022). Tranexamic Acid and Its Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect: A Systematic Review. Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 48(05), 568-595.
- Prudovsky, I., Kacer, D., Zucco, V. V., Palmeri, M., Falank, C., Kramer, R., Carter, D., & Rappold, J. (2022). Tranexamic acid: Beyond antifibrinolysis. Transfusion, 62(S1), S301-S312.
