Vitamin K is a healing skincare ingredient. There are two types of Vitamin K. One of them is always vegan, the other one usually animal-based. So, vitamin K could be both, vegan and non-vegan.
Vitamin K stimulates cell metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties. As it also promotes wound healing and helps with blood clotting, it has several good benefits for the skin. Let’s find out what these are.
What Is Vitamin K In Skincare Made Of?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble substance that is naturally produced by our liver. When it comes to supplements or ingredients used in skincare, vitamin K1 is made from plants. However, vitamin K2 is usually made of animal tissue.
Vitamin K refers to all compounds with the same structure related to the activity of this vitamin. Vitamin K occurs naturally in two forms – K1 or phylloquinone and K2 or menaquinone.
The vitamin plays an important role in many bodily functions. Such as blood clotting, blood calcium regulation, wound healing, and bone health. Vitamin K has been found to have an indirect positive effect on the coronary arteries of the heart, which directly supply the heart with nutrients.
Vitamin K1 is mainly found in kale and spinach. At the same time, vitamin K2 is formed by intestinal bacteria in the body. The latter is also found in animal products such as egg yolk and butter.
When it comes to skincare, vitamin K1 is always vegan-friendly and comes from plants. However, vitamin K2 supplements are mainly not vegan and are obtained from animal tissue, meats, or animal by-products.
Why Is Vitamin K Used In Skincare?
Vitamin K is used in skincare because it accelerates the body’s healing process and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. It helps with dark circles, scars, and wounds. In addition, Vitamin K may also reduce inflammation and acne.
Firstly, vitamin K is most commonly associated with wound healing. It increases the healing response and stimulates collagen production. Therefore, vitamin K can help with wounds, stretch marks, and scars, as well as dark spots.
As the ingredient improves wound healing and helps with collagen production, vitamin K may also help with breakouts. Moreover, vitamin K is anti-inflammatory, so it is sometimes used against acne.
Vitamin K is often included in skincare designed for dark areas, such as eye creams. As vitamin K is connected to blood clotting, it may also affect vessels under the eyes. So, the ingredient is said to combat dark circles under the eyes.
FAQ About Vitamin K In Skincare
Vitamin K is used in skincare because it accelerates the body’s healing process and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. It helps with dark circles, scars, and wounds. In addition, Vitamin K may also reduce inflammation and acne.
Vitamin K summons two types of vitamins under itself – one is always vegan, the other one usually animal-based. When it comes to skincare, vitamin K1 is always vegan-friendly and comes from plants. However, vitamin K2 supplements are mainly not vegan and are obtained from animal tissue, meats, or animal by-products.
Summary
Vitamin K is important for the organism. It accelerates the body’s healing process and strengthens the skin’s natural barriers. It may also help heal scars, cuts, and wounds. In skin care, vitamin K may reduce inflammation and acne. As vitamin K can heal wounds, it helps to reduce scars, stretch marks, as well as dark spots. Due to its effect on blood vessels, vitamin K also works to combat dark under eyes.
Vitamin K might be both, vegan and non-vegan. Although vitamin K1 is always vegan, vitamin K2 is not. Therefore, we recommend asking the manufacturer which source of vitamin K they use before purchasing, or buying vitamin K products from 100% vegan skincare brands.
See also: Best Vegan Skincare Products
