Vitamin K: The Unsung Hero of Skincare Vitamins

When we think of vitamins that are great for skincare, we tend to think of our ABCs. There's Vitamin A, or retinol for cell turnover and anti-aging. B Vitamins are for skin barrier function, tone-evening, and acne reduction. C is for boosting collagen and dealing with sun damage and pigmentation. Vitamin D aka L'acscorbic acid) s great for helping build stronger skin and helps to liver and kidney function to promote clearer skin while Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an essential component for skin lipids and moisture retention. For more on all of this, you can check the article from two weeks ago here. There is, however, another letter Vitamin that has been coming up a lot in health and wellness press that is also shown to protect and improve skin, Vitamin K.

Vitamin K is a fat soluable vitamin found naturally in dark green vegetables like kale and spinach, some whole grains, and other food sources. It's primary functions within the body are to act as an immune system booster and to regulate and improve calcium supply and blood clotting, aiding both our heart, our bones, and teeth.

Beyond this, Vitamin K is an excellent wound healer, and this is where the efficacy of Vitamin K really shines for skincare. Not only has it been proven in the healing of surgical scars and also to possibly help in the treatment of some skin cancers, dermatologists have seen this vitamins restorative powers work wonders at building up the skin barrier especially when it has been compromised by a cut, bruise, or even a dry patch, or even on the pits or scars left over after over-treating a blemish.

The undereye is also an area where Vitamin K can really shine as works very well at both de-puffing and brightening dark circles. Similarly in heloing discolorations, products with Vitamin K are also helpful for reducing the redness and look of irritation, especially for people with certain chronic skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Some research even implies that the vitamin can help to reduce and potential heal broken capillaries (or broken blood vessels) beneath the skin's surface.

Whether you choose to hunt for a product with Vitamin K or gear up your leafy green game to get some Vitamin K internally (or a little of both) it may be the next greatest assistant for the quality of your skin as well as your health on the whole. And it is just a reminder that being mindful of your vitamins does your body (and you face!) good.