Vitamin K INGREDIENT GUIDE is an overview of treating dark circles with Phytonadione.
Why K Works for Dark Undereye Circles
Vitamin K, is popular in under-eye creams because it can lighten infraorbital darkness, AKA under eye circles.
Vitamin K is also called Phytonadione on ingredient listings.
Phytonadione is most beneficial for dark circles with a blue or brown undertone.
This kind of dark under eye circle has a vascular component. They are known as “vascular dark circles” because leaking capillaries.
The trapped blood pools in the skin tissues and appears blue or purple once trapped. Over time, as it absorbs and settles, it appears a mid to dark reddish brown, like a bruise.
5 Things You Should Know about Vitamin K
- Vitamin K reverses the calcium deposits in elastin fibers. These deposits harden and cause wrinkles.
- Phytonadione helps with blood coagulation and circulation.
- Some dark circles are caused by weak vessels that allow blood near the surface of your skin. These circles have a blue, purple or brown undertone.
- Topical application of Phytonadione cream prior to an in-office procedure strengthens blood vessels. Stronger blood vessels means less bruising after surgical or laser treatments.
- As we age, we tend to get more broken capillaries. Vitamin K strengthens these capillaries so they are more resistant to breakage.
What to look for in a Vitamin K Topical
Vitamin K is most effective as part of a team instead of a standalone K cream or gel.
A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed topical Vitamin K works best when paired with retinol, Vitamins C, E, and the Bs. (1)
What to Know About Vitamin K and Retinol
If you use prescription retinol, apply the retinol first and then the topical K product.
What Percentage of Vitamin K is Most Effective?
In order to get Vitamin K benefits, choose a product with enough Phytonadione in the formula to be effective.
The study mentioned above used a 2% Phytonadione concentration when used with retinol, Vitamin C, and similar actives to treat dark circles.
The study showed good effect on strengthening blood vessels to stop future leaking and darkening. But it did not address existing discoloration.
Another study used a 5% concentration paired with other actives and focused on allevating brusing [2].
Recommended Phytonadione Products
Watercress contains Vitamin K along with C, E and copper. One Watercress products we like is Watercress Eye Gel.
Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel
This Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel contains Watercress and certified organic herbs, flowers, and oils from American family farms. An ideal combo to restore, revitalize and refresh.
We love using products with watercress on the delicate eye area skin
Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth POWER K EYE RESCUE combines Phytonadione with several treating ingredients to fix the underlying problem and address existing discoloration.
More UnderEye Dark Circle Options
It is often difficult to conceal dark circles and may be best to keep the skin hydrated and dewy to refract the light.
Another option is brighten around the orbital eye area instead.
Some helpful brightening options we love:
- How to Best use Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
- YSL Touche Eclat High Cover Concealer
- Why Chantecaille Eye Shade is the Best Brightener (we love shades Peony and Ginger to lighten and brighten the eye area)
REFERENCES
1. Mitsuishi, T. , Shimoda, T. , Mitsui, Y. , Kuriyama, Y. and Kawana, S. (2004), The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3: 73-75. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00070.x
2. BAUMANN L. & al. The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002).