Vitamin K was first discovered in 1935 and named after the Danish word "koagulations" for its ability to clot blood, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition to reducing blood clots, vitamin K may also play a role in the health and appearance of skin. Today, vitamin K is also used as an ingredient in a number of cosmetic creams and lotions.
Identification
Vitamin K plays vital roles in the production of proteins necessary for blood clotting and healthy tissues, according to Medline Plus. Vitamin K is found naturally in plants. Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, collard greens and broccoli are some dietary sources of the vitamin. Other food sources include vegetable oils, beans and dairy products. Medline Plus reports that vitamin K is produced by friendly bacteria that reside in the body's intestinal tract.
Uses
Topical vitamin K is commonly used before and after facial surgery. Vitamin K cream is typically used daily as a facial remedy for clearing bruises and improving the appearance of skin. The American Cancer Society reports that vitamin K creams are also used by individuals wishing to reduce facial discoloration caused by poor circulation, skin irritation and scarring.
Effects
A study titled "Effects of topical vitamin K and retinol on laser-induced purpura on nonlesional skin" published in the "Journal of Dermatologic Surgery" evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin K cream. Researchers applied topical vitamin K on the faces of patients suffering from purpura or colored patches that occur on skin due to surgery. The results indicated that vitamin K cream significantly reduced facial bruising associated with laser surgery. Another study titled "The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment" in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" also found that vitamin K was effective. The results found that vitamin K cream did not completely prevent bruising among patients, but it did reduce the severity of it following laser treatment.
Types
The American Cancer Society reports that phytonadione and menaquinone are two forms of vitamin K that are used for supplements and cosmetics. Vitamin K creams are commonly sold as clarifying creams in different concentrations. In the study reported in the "Journal of Dermatologic Surgery," 1, 3 and 5 percent vitamin K cream concentrations were used on test participants.
Considerations
Seek advice from your health care provider before treating yourself with topical vitamin K. Vitamin K clarifying creams are typically applied to the face daily for several weeks. Yourskincare.com recommends applying topical vitamin K twice daily to the damaged area of the skin. In the studies published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" and the "Journal of Dermatologic Surgery," test participants applied vitamin K cream two weeks before and two weeks after facial laser treatment. Vitamin K cream may also be applied under other cosmetics and it should not be applied directly into the eyes, mouth or any open wounds.
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