Can Vitamin K treat dark circles? Yes, Vitamin K. We all know the merits of Vitamins A, C, and even E for skin. Vitamin E is the underdog of the vitamin world. No one has heard about it.
Truth be told, I only recently found out about this underrated vitamin and I blog about this stuff! You see, the problem with this vitamin is the lack of studies. Without them, no one can be really sure just how powerful it is.
Here’s what we know so far about Vitamin K and whether it really is the miracle cure for dark circles brands make it out to be.
What Is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K sometimes hides under the name phytonadione. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin you liver makes naturally. You’ll also find it in chicken, cottage cheese and some fermented cheeses (vitamin K is a waste product of the bacteria used to ferment milk into cheese).
Vitamin K helps blood to clot. It plays a big part in the coagulation process. That’s where it takes its name from (the German word for coagulation is koagulation 😉 ).
“Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s essential for what is known as the blood clotting cascade, a natural process that helps stop bleeding. Vitamin K is required by various clotting factors (proteins) for proper function,” dermatologist, Anar Mikailov, MD, says. “In addition to helping with blood clots and bruises, vitamin K also plays a role to protect collagen.”
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Vitamin K Benefits Four Skin
Vitamin K is touted to have several benefits for your skin, from treating dark circles to fading away dark spots and reducing inflammation.
The catch? Research is just at the beginning. While the results of these early studies are promising, we don’t know exactly how well it works. We’re going to take a look at each benefit in more detail, but take everything with a grain of salt, not as the gospel.
Can Vitamin K Treat Dark Circles?
If Vitamin K is involved in the coagulation process, it follows it can treat dark circles caused by blood pooling under the skin. That’s what its fans says.
Science seems to agree. A 2004 study found that an undereye gel with 2% vitamin K, 0.1% retinol, and 0.1% vitamins C and E reduced both dark circles and wrinkles in 47% of the testers!
Another study found that pads containing 1% Vitamin K and 3% caffeine in an emu oil base caused a reduction in both wrinkles and dark circles.
The catch? In both these studies, Vitamin K wasn’t the only goodie in that gel. How do we know for sure it was responsible for this feat? Maybe some of the other stuff did the heavy work. Maybe a combo of vitamins did.
Until someone does a study on dark circles using vitamin K alone, there’s no way to tell how powerful it really is.
Given traditional dark circles remedies don’t really work, this may be worth a try. But don’t expect it to be a miracle, overnight cure.
Related: What’s The Best Treatment For Dark Circles?
Can Vitamin K Reduce Wrinkles?
In both the studies I mentioned above, the Vitamin K solution was found to reduce the look of wrinkles. Promising, right?
Same problem applies: Vitamin K was not used alone. For example, we know that Vitamin A and Vitamin C have anti-wrinkle properties. It’s entirely possible they’re 100% responsible for this wrinkle reduction.
The other gel pads didn’t include these Vitamins. But caffeine has some antioxidant properties and emu oil plumps up skin, so fine lines and wrinkles look smaller.
I’m NOT saying Vitamin K can’t reduce wrinkles. I’m saying we don’t have proof it does – yet.
Can Vitamin K Treat Purple Discolouration?
A 1999 study found that vitamin K may help treat the purple discolourations pulse-dyed laser treatment can leave behind. (FYI, this laser is usually used to get rid of spider veins, warts, and other vascular lesions).
In this study, the researchers asked different groups of patients to try several types of treatments to reduce the purplish hue.
A cream containing 1% vitamin K and 0.3% retinol turned out to be the most effective treatment of all, speeding up healing time to 5-8 days (it usually takes about 11-13 days to disappear).
Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Can Vitamin K Promote Wound Healing?
“Vitamin K may improve wound healing by increasing wound contraction and helping in the formation of collagen and blood vessels,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Chang.
In cause you too are not a doctor (why do they have to make things so complicated?) wound contraction is a healing response. Your body uses it to determine how much skin has been damaged and needs repair.
Vitamin K Side Effects
Vitamin K has no known side effects. Unless you’re allergic to it, you can use it safely.
The only concern? If you’re at risk of blood clots, you should consult your doctor before taking it – especially orally.
How To Use It
Vitamin K is usually found in eye creams, so pat it gently onto your eye area with your ring finger. If you’re using a serum or other product with it, simply follow the instructions. For best results, choose products that pair it with brightening and anti-aging actives, like retinol and caffeine.
How Often Can You Use It?
According to Dr Chang, you can use Vitamin K up to twice a day.
Who Should Use It?
Vitamin K is recommended mostly for women who suffer from dark circles caused by blood pooling.
What Are The Best Products With Vitamin K?
Here comes the tricky part. If you’re willing to give Vitamin K a go, you’ll have a hard time finding a product that contains more than a drop of it. These are your best bets:
- Bioelements Multi-Task Eye Creme ($47.00): A rich eye cream enriched with antioxidants and Vitamin K to moisturise skin, reduce the look of crow’s feet, and brighten dark circles. Available at Dermstore
- Sanitas Skincare Vita K ($27.00): VItamin K is the second ingredient on the list – a sure sign there’s a ton of it. You can use this serum all over the face to reduce dark circles and facial redness. Available at Dermstore
The Bottom Line
Research on Vitamin K is scant. But that little says it can help treat dark circles and purple discolourations, especially when used with its vitamin siblings.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
