Vitamin K
A fat-soluble vitamin that supports blood clotting and blood vessel integrity. In skincare, vitamin K is primarily used for dark circles under the eyes (caused by visible blood vessels), bruising, spider veins, and post-procedure redness. It strengthens capillary walls and supports the reabsorption of blood that has leaked from damaged vessels. Often combined with retinol and vitamin C in eye creams.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 1-5% in eye creams and targeted treatments. Apply to under-eye area and areas with visible blood vessels. Results take 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Phytonadione (vitamin K1) is the most common topical form.
Application
Topical (eye cream, serum). Apply gently to under-eye area and areas of concern.
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Mechanism of Action
Vitamin K (phytonadione/K1) is cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which carboxylates glutamic acid residues in clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and proteins S, C — essential for calcium binding and coagulation cascade activation. Topically promotes reabsorption of subcutaneous extravasated blood by activating local clotting cascades that convert leaked hemoglobin to biliverdin and bilirubin for clearance. Strengthens capillary walls, reduces vascular permeability. For vascular dark circles: improves vessel wall integrity, reduces hemosiderin deposition. Supports elastic fiber production through matrix Gla protein carboxylation. Has anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical use: bruising, post-procedure ecchymosis, periorbital vascular hyperpigmentation. Results require 4-8 weeks consistent application.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Also used medically in higher concentrations for bruising.
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none — very well-tolerated.
Serious
None documented topically.
Rare
Allergic contact dermatitis.
Compare Vitamin K With
Research Papers
10Published: May 31, 1987
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: April 14, 2020
AI Summary
The PC/CHO ratio showed the greatest effect on both responses (P < 0.0001). The optimized formulation showed controlled drug release of 79.2% through a silicon membrane, and achieved flux of 327.36 ± 22.1 μg/cm2 through human skin after 24 h.
Published: June 5, 2022
AI Summary
The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of immediate skin-to-skin care (SSC) versus swaddling in pain response to intramuscular injection of vitamin K at 30 min of birth in neonates.
Published: May 23, 2019
AI Summary
The effective delivery of menahydroquinone-4 (MKH), an active form of menaquinone-4 (MK-4, vitamin K2(20)), to the skin is beneficial in the treatment of various skin pathologies. MKH prodrugs enhanced intracellular MKO, indicating effective delivery of MKH and subsequent carboxylation activity.
Published: October 5, 2023
AI Summary
Disruption of the skin barrier and immunity has been associated with several skin diseases, namely atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and acne. The present review is focused on significant vitamins (vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E) consumed as nutritional supplements to discuss the outcomes and scope of studies related to skin immunity, health, and ...
Published: May 9, 2024
AI Summary
Vit K hydrogel's drug release profile showed a steady increase over time. Vit K-hydrogel enhanced percutaneous transport of Vit K, according to in vitro percutaneous absorption findings, suggesting that this innovative formulation may provide new therapeutic options for periorbital hyperpigmentation.
Published: October 31, 2020
AI Summary
A single intramuscular injection of vitamin K effectively prevents both classic and late VKDB. Although intramuscular vitamin K is safe and effective, VKDB has reemerged because of decreased utilization.
Published: August 31, 1986
AI Summary
Vitamin K-dependent carboxylase is demonstrated in skin microsomes from humans, rats, rabbits, and mice. It is demonstrated that warfarin treatment in mice results in an accumulation of noncarboxylated precursor proteins in both dermal and epidermal microsomes.
Published: August 5, 2005
AI Summary
The novel aspect of this proposal is based on: (i) increasing scientific evidence that nutrition may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of many disorders once thought to result from defective genes alone; (ii) the recognition that many of the symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are also characteristic of nutritional deficiencies; ...
Published: June 20, 2016
AI Summary
Anticoagulants are the cornerstone of treatment of venous thromboembolism associated with various medical conditions and surgical procedures. Further, the use of anticoagulants for any indication is associated with various adverse effects with dermatologic manifestations including specific reactions such as warfarin-induced skin necrosis, hepari...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vitamin K used for?
A fat-soluble vitamin that supports blood clotting and blood vessel integrity. In skincare, vitamin K is primarily used for dark circles under the eyes (caused by visible blood vessels), bruising, spider veins, and post-procedure redness. It strengthens capillary walls and supports the reabsorption of blood that has leaked from damaged vessels. Often combined with retinol and vitamin C in eye creams.
What are the side effects of Vitamin K?
Common: Essentially none — very well-tolerated. Serious: None documented topically. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis.
How is Vitamin K administered?
Vitamin K is administered via topical (eye cream, serum). apply gently to under-eye area and areas of concern..
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