Vitamin K and retinol are active ingredients found in skin care products, including eye creams. These ingredients address two problems, wrinkling and discoloration, associated with aging skin around the eyes.
Features of Vitamin K
According to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, vitamin K is a factor in blood clotting. Newborn babies are injected with vitamin K shortly after birth, ensuring their blood will clot properly.
Features of Retinol
According to The Mayo Clinic, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is related to Retin-A. Unlike Retin-A, retinol is available without a prescription. Retinol has been shown to improve wrinkles with regular use.
Theories/Speculation
The skin's thinning with age allows blood vessels beneath it to show through. The discoloration resembles that of bruising. This association has led to vitamin K's being included in anti aging skin care products, as vitamin K deficiencies are associated with bruising.
Warnings
While retinol is available without prescription, it should not be used by pregnant women, or women expecting to become pregnant. Vitamin K can cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to the substance.
Considerations
Eye creams with vitamin K and retinol are still considered cosmetics. Their affects are temporary, results vary from person to person and products vary from one company to another.
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