The cosmetic industry has developed countless of eye creams and serums with promises that they can reduce your dark under-eye circles. Many companies claim that eye cream with vitamin K works the best. Before you go out and buy that eye cream, learn how dark under-eye circles form because that can give you more information, allowing you to decide whether vitamin K can help reduce dark under-eye circles. Contrary to popular belief, dark under-eye circles don't always signify lack of sleep. The shadows formed from puffy eyelids can give you the illusion of dark under-eye circles. Other factors include genetics, allergies, eczema, unhealthy lifestyle, nasal congestion, pigmentation irregularities, physical contact with the eyes, such as rubbing and scratching, sun exposure and thinning of the skin, which comes with aging. According to the Dr. Masuda and colleagues from Shiseido Research Center, dark circles under your eyes form because of poor blood flow. The researchers found that in the area of dark circles, blood flowed at a slower rate compared to the area in the cheeks.
They also found more melanin production in subjects with dark under-eye circles. Vitamin K -- found in green leafy vegetables, meats, fish, legumes and fruits -- have two known functions that may play a role in dark under-eye circles. Vitamin K aids in the function of blood clotting proteins and without it, you can bleed to death from a minor cut. Vitamin K also supports the function of Gas6, a specialized protein that regulates cell growth and cell proliferation. In the November 2004 issue of "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology," Dr. Tsuyoshi Mitsuishi, the lead investigator, reported moderate improvement of dark under-eye circles in participants who used topical application that contained 2 percent vitamin K. The eye gel also contained 0.1 percent vitamin C, 0.1 percent vitamin E and 0.1 percent retinol -- a form of vitamin A. Participants, who benefited the most from the eye gel, had dark under-eye circles due to hemostasis, or interruption of blood flow. The eye gel decreased hemostasis, which correlated with the reduction of dark under-eye circles.
The research does show promising result of vitamin K, but remember that the eye gel contained other vitamins as well. If the eye gel contained only vitamin K, the efficacy of the treatment could change. Side Effects of Cream That Treats Dark Under-Eye Circles What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes in Children? How to Fade Away Dark Circles Under the Eyes Fastest Way to Get Rid of Dark Circles Can You Exercise Away Dark Circles Under the Eyes? Severe Dark Under Eye Circles Sweet Almond Oil for Dark Circles The Best Creams to Treat Dark Eye Circles in Black Women Circle K Cappuccino Nutrition Information The Best Drugstore Eye Creams How to Get Rid of Hereditary Dark Eye Circles Do Dark Circles Under the Eyes Mean an Iron Deficiency? Homemade Eye Cream for Dark Circles Vitamins & Minerals That Eliminate Under-Eye Circles Eye Pads for Dark Circles The Best Ways to Minimize Dark Circles Under the Eyes Homemade Facials for Dark Circles Around the Eyes
Technically known as phytonadione, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Applying vitamin K to the surface of the skin won't improve the look of unevenness or dark circles. This type of vitamin K is also referred to as vitamin K1. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (April 2004, page 73) examined the effect of applying a gel containing 2% vitamin K plus 0.1% retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Fifty-seven adults with dark circles participated in this 8-week study and the results, while not a slam-dunk, weren't exactly discouraging either: 47% of the testers noted "fair to moderate" improvement in their dark circles. The majority of testers noticed no change, but the ingredient was well-tolerated. As encouraging as this seems, whether or not the results were from the vitamin K or the other vitamins is unknown. A minimum 1% concentration of vitamin K1 has been shown in animal studies to positively influence wound healing by hastening the natural process damaged skin undergoes as it works to repair itself.
It is not known if this principle would apply to intact skin showing signs of aging. The same concentration of vitamin K1 was used in another study to test its results on improving the look of dark circles. Although some improvement was noted, the formula in testing also contained caffeine and emu oil, although the study’s authors concluded that the dark circle benefits were solely attributed to vitamin K. Interestingly, despite somewhat encouraging research, we rarely see products that contain (or are likely to contain) the amounts of vitamin K research has shown can be beneficial. References for this information: Advanced Biomedical Research, January 2015, ePublication Indian Journal of Pharmacology, July-August 2014, pages 409-412 Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, July-September 2012, pages 176-182 About the ExpertsPaula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare.
Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including: View Media Highlights The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life! Multitasking Skincare Products » How to Use Retinol Products » Skip to Top of Page NEVER RUN OUT AGAIN Paula’s Choice Auto Delivery is a quick and convenient way to make sure you never run out of your favorite products again. Just select the products you can’t live without, choose how often you’d like them delivered and we’ll take care of the rest. Get 10% off your first order when you sign up today.Eye cream for dark circles If you have dark circles under your eyes, you'll find a huge number of products on store shelves claiming to solve that problem. However, there isn't much science behind the claims. Popular ingredients for treating dark circles include vitamin K, which is thought to repair blood vessels that create a bluish hue under the eyes, as well as kojic acid and hydroquinone, compounds that have some skin-lightening abilities.
While you might see some lightening after regular use, no topical cream can get rid of dark circles completely. Contrary to popular belief, dark circles aren't caused by lack of sleep. Instead, they can be triggered by myriad causes, including allergies that can lead to extra pressure in the sinuses, dark shadows caused by the depth of the eye socket, leaking capillaries that can lead to a bruised appearance and excess pigmentation under the eyes due to genetics. According to a report in Dermatology News, there are several treatments that can help to remedy dark circles under the eyes, ranging from retinoic acid creams to chemical peels and intense pulsed light (IPL), but the best treatment depends on the underlying cause. Most cosmetic surgery and laser treatments require multiple treatments that cost between $250 and $1,500 each, depending on where you live, the type of therapy you choose and your surgeon. If something like this is of interest, consult a doctor for more information on which procedure best suits your needs.
For more mild cases, reviewers say a treatment designed to disguise dark circles like our Best Reviewed Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum (Est. $70 for 0.5 oz.) can at least reduce the appearance of dark circles. It contains ferulic acid and retinol, supporting natural collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as antioxidants and licorice root extract, which brightens dark circles and reduces puffiness, and caffeine for immediate tightening and firming effects. Skincare expert Paula Burgeon gives this eye serum a 5 star rating, praising its packaging (a brown glass bottle with a pump applicator), which can help to maintain the integrity of ingredients that are sensitive to light and air. That said, Burgeon does point out that Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum doesn't contain any ingredients that are uniquely beneficial to the eye area; rather, every ingredient in this eye serum is beneficial for reducing the signs of aging, including wrinkles, anywhere on the face.
Editors at The Fashion Spot name Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum the "best overachiever," calling it an "impressive eye potion" that "attacks every eye concern and really works." Editors say it offers several desirable benefits including reducing puffiness and lightening dark circles, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. contribute to a rating of 3.9 stars out of 5, with about half giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Users say it absorbs quickly and isn't greasy, plus it takes only a small amount of serum for each application. Like most eye skin treatments, however, there are some users who say they saw little to no improvement.Users say that it excels at brightening the skin under the eyes, as well as helps to eliminate puffiness and reducing the appearance of crow's feet and other fine lines in the sensitive eye area. It's both hydrating and soothing, users say, and it absorbs quickly and is fast-acting. Some users say they've tried many eye creams in the past in an effort to lighten genetic dark circles and have only had success with Shiseido.
, citing its fragrance ingredients, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. She calls it "a very basic, overpriced eye cream that's little more than water, standard thickener, mineral oil, Vaseline, and wax," and points out that while it feels rich and soothing, a simple drugstore cream like Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Est. $10 for 14 oz.) can do the same at a much lower cost. Aquaphor makes no claims about reducing dark circles or eliminating puffiness or wrinkles, but it's a good option if you're looking for an affordable, quality moisturizer that you can use on your face, hands, and even the sensitive eye area. , where it earns a rating of 4.3 and 4.2 stars out of 5, respectively. This eye treatment claims to replenish sunken under-eye hollows that often lead to the appearance of dark circles, while also working to lighten dark circles arising from other causes. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which works to minimize the appearance of fine lines. Some users don't like the fragrance of L'Oreal Revitalift Volume Filler Eye Treatment, but many say that while it works slowly, it does improve the appearance of dark circles and smooth fine lines when used consistently over time.