April 11, 2024Ingredient Spotlight

All You Need To Know About Vitamin K For Skincare

Vitamin K, though less commonly discussed in skincare compared to other vitamins like A and C, plays a crucial role in skincare. Incorporating Vitamin K into your skincare routine may be more beneficial than you think.

What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in helping the body make proteins needed for blood clotting and maintaining healthy bone metabolism. Less commonly used as dietary supplement, Vitamin K is naturally present in food including leafy vegetables and fruits.

There are 3 forms of Vitamin K:

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) is the predominant form of vitamin K found in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli. In skincare, vitamin K1 is utilized for its potential to reduce bruising, diminish the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, and promote wound healing. It's commonly used in topical formulations like creams, serums, and eye creams.
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) is typically found in fermented foods like cheese. Although less common in skincare formulations compared to K1, some products may include vitamin K2 alongside other ingredients for potential skincare benefits.
Vitamin K3 (Menadione) is a synthetic form of vitamin K with potential skincare benefits such as promoting wound healing and reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Benefits of Vitamin K For Skin

Vitamin K offers anti-aging benefits in skincare including promoting wound healing, reducing the appearance of bruises, diminishing dark circles under the eyes, and supporting overall skin health.

Promotes skin healing. Vitamin K is renowned for its ability to promote wound healing and reduce bruising. When applied onto skin, it can help speed up the recovery process for bruises, cuts, and other skin injuries. This is because it helps in the blood clotting process, which is essential for wound closure.
Reducing dark circles. Vitamin K's ability to promote blood clotting also helps to strengthen capillary walls, thus reducing dark circles. Incorporating Vitamin K into your skincare routine may help diminish the appearance of under-eye circles over time.
Anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin. This makes it beneficial for conditions like rosacea.
Minimizing scars. By promoting healthy circulation and tissue repair, it can help minimize the appearance of scars over time.
Fight signs of aging. Vitamin K can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How To Incorporate Vitamin K Into Your Skincare Routine

Vitamin K is typically found in creams, serums, or ointments designed for topical application. These products are intended to be applied directly to the skin 1-2 times a day, where Vitamin K can work effectively.

Vitamin K is often combined with other ingredients known for their skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties to enhance its efficacy. For example, when used with Centella Asiatica, they can complement each other's benefits such as promoting skin healing, anti-inflammatory effects, reducing dark circles, soothing and also collagen synthesis. Vitamin K is also a great combination with retinol and vitamin C for enhanced skincare benefits to address both dark circles and fine lines.

The Best Vitamin K Skincare Products

USOLAB Bio Intensive K Cream (50ML)

USOLAB Bio Premium K Ampoule (30ML)

Overall, Vitamin K stands out as a powerful yet underappreciated ingredient for healthy, youthful skin. Its incorporation into your skin care regimen can lead to visible improvements. They are extremely beneficial for those who underwent facial treatments such as laser treatment or microneedling to promote wound healing, soothe and calm irritated skin, and strengthen the skin barrier.