Ingredient Battle: Vitamin A v. Vitamin K
Thanks to science and technology, we can delve deeper into the difference between vitamins and see the best vitamins for your skin. For example, because of research and studies we know that vitamin C is one of the safest nutrients. But what does science say about anti-aging vitamin A and vitamin K? You're about to find out!
Vitamin A
What is it?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and fat tissues. There are two different forms of vitamin A, both of which are found in foods: preformed vitamin A (found in fatty fish, milk, eggs and meat), and provitamin A (a group of chemical compounds called retinoids).
Why do people love it?
Vitamin A helps with the growth and formation of tissues and helps keep the skin and immune system healthy.
Benefits
1. Antioxidant
Beta-carotene found in vitamin A functions as an effective antioxidant. Beta-carotene helps to prevent a variety of chronic illnesses as well as acute illnesses like the common cold. Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and naturally slow aging, meaning less wrinkles, dry skin, and sagginess and more vitality and vibrancy. They are also often used as a natural product for acne treatment.
2. Supports Skin Health and Promotes Cell Growth
Vitamin A is necessary to support skin cells and promote wound healing and the growth of new skin cells. It supports collagen production that keeps the skin looking ageless and helps to fight acne and improve skin complexion.
3. Protects Eye Health
Do you have dry eyes? Vitamin A helps to heal dry eyes and protects them against macular degeneration and eye disease. Eye drops that contain vitamin A can help treat dry eye and slow the progression of certain eye diseases. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to various eye conditions and blindness.
How to use it?
Dark green leafy vegetables and red, orange, and yellow vegetables are great sources of beta-carotene rich vitamin A. It can be found as a supplement at various stores and is often an ingredient in natural products for skin, hair, and immune health.
Caution: Vitamin A provides many benefits, but too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful. Consuming too much vitamin A can cause build up in the body that can become toxic. The National Academy of Medicine recommends doses of 3000 micrograms RAE per day.
Vitamin K
What is it?
Like vitamin A, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. There are three known forms of vitamin K: phylloquinone (produced by plants), menaquinone (produced by bacterial that resides naturally in the intestines), and menadione (synthetic vitamin K).
Why do people love it?
This major nutrient plays an important role in blood clotting, reducing bone loss, and improving skin health.
Benefits
1. Anti-Aging
Vitamin K improves the skin’s elasticity, which reduces the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Have dark circles and bags under the eyes? Vitamin K reduces dark circles and puffiness as well as age spots and bone loss. Vitamin K is essential to maintaining bone calcium and preventing osteoporosis.
2. Helps Heal Scars, Dark Spots, and Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, acne scars, dark spots, and spider veins are not typically skin conditions we want to keep around. Vitamin K helps the body to heal wounds and clot blood. It is often used after surgeries to speed up skin healing and reduce bruising and swelling.
3. Improves the Health of Gums and Teeth
Many people experience the horrifying lose-all-your-teeth dream. It is quite relieving to wake up and feel that your teeth are still there. However, a diet that is low in vitamins such as vitamin K can lead to cavities and gum disease. Vitamin K helps with bone and teeth mineralization, fights off harmful bacteria in the mouth, and protects the enamel of the teeth.
How to use it?
Vitamin K is found naturally in many foods such as green, leafy vegetables, green tea, cow’s milk, soybeans, and cauliflower. Besides finding it naturally in foods, vitamin K can be found in various products such as face serums, anti-aging creams, face masks, oral health products, and other natural products. Vitamin K supplements can also be purchased at various health food stores and online retailers.
One of our best products containing Vitamin K is this Anti-Aging Under Eye Cream, packed with Apricot Seed Oil, Arnica Montana flower, and Hyaluronic Acid. Let us know what you think of this illuminating cream in the comments below!
Also in Geneva Naturals
What Is A Retinoid Oil? Retinoid Oil Benefits, Uses, Effects & More
DIY Clay Mask Recipes for Clear Skin
