Treat bruised skin with topical Vitamin K

Bruises happen. Whether you’re clumsy or extremely active, or recently had surgery, you’re almost definitely going to experience some bruising in your life. Most people just allow bruising to heal on its own – which is usually a safe course of action. Others want bruising to go away as quickly as possible.

What causes bruising?

Bruising is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Damaged capillaries (blood vessels) leak blood, which collects near the surface of the skin, causing the skin to become discolored – what we typically see as a dark purplish color (known as a “black & blue mark”). Bruises can occur due to trauma, such as getting hit in the knee with a baseball bat. Extreme exertion can also cause bruising; some weightlifters will develop large bruises after lifting heavy weights. Some bruising can indicate a bleeding disorder, so if you have unexplained bruising (no trauma or physical exertion) it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it and consult a doctor. Bruising also becomes more likely as we age. As collagen breaks down and skin thins out, our blood vessels become more vulnerable, and we may be more prone to bruising.

How can I avoid bruises?

One of the most important ways to avoid bruising is to make sure you’re getting sufficient Vitamin C and Vitamin K in your diet. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries are all good sources of vitamin C. For vitamin K, load up on broccoli, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. If you’re not getting enough of these vitamins in your diet, consider supplementation. (Remember: If you are taking a blood thinner, such as Coumadin, consult your doctor before increasing your intake of vitamin K, regardless of whether the increase is due to diet or supplementation.)

How can I help heal an existing bruise?

If you hadn’t been getting enough Vitamins C and K before, increasing them can still help heal an existing bruise. Another effective way to speed up the healing process of a bruise is with a topical Vitamin K Cream, such as Reviva’s Vitamin K Cream. Topical Vitamin K, in the proper formulation such as Reviva’s Vitamin K Cream, has been proven to dramatically minimize the look of bruised skin. You can read a study on The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment here. Athletes may be more prone to bruising due to their active lifestyles and the potential for over-exertion. A recent article in Bicycling Magazine discussed how to heal bruises faster – and Reviva’s Vitamin K Cream was one of their suggestions. Whether you’ve bumped your shin on your bedpost or fallen off your bike during a competitive race, Reviva’s Vitamin K Cream is a convenient way to minimize bruising and get your skin back to normal quickly.