Skin Care News

Using Phytotonine® for Rosacea or Spider Veins

Posted on May 28, 2009 with No Comments

StriMedix-K Spider Vein Treatment

The most common non-surgical treatment for bruises, spider veins and rosacea are creams that contain Vitamin K.  Generally they are pretty highly concentrated and are formulated with other actives such as Aloe, Gigawhite, Vitamin E or Panthenol. 

While combined you get many properties and benefits for vein restoration (better said healed), the objective is to help improve circulation via enhanced valve function, improve wall structure to reduce leaking and permeability of capillaries, and aid in nutrition delivery.

This helps fade clear and heal bruises, spider veins, and rosacea; and helping reduce possibility of recurring symptoms.

Recently, an ingredient developed by Croda™/Sederma™ - Phytotonine® - has been used successfully to supplement Vitamin’s K & E and other formulations.

Phytotonine - Veinotonic effect derived from the synergistic effect of three plant extracts, Arnica, Cypress and Soloman Seal.  By toning the capillary walls and reducing capillary permeability, product normalizes circulation to help eliminate fluids and toxins while enhancing the blood supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells.  Recommended for the treatment of dark circles, puffy eye, heavy legs and rosacea.  Croda/Sederma

As a manufacturer, this opens up a number of opportunites and solutions regarding products for poor venous health and leaking.  As mentioned in the quote above, this can cover severe or deep tissue bruising to darkened circles under the eyes and spider or thread veins.

The greatest benefit in the world of skin care, is that it gives us (consumers and manufacturers) an additional “leg on the stool” for solutions and treatments.  Phytotonine, with its properties of minimizing or reducing fluid build-up, make it an excellent additive for treating puffiness (and associated darkened circles) under the eyes as well as helping or accelerating healing of bruises.

I believe, however, the greatest gain can come from its’ use in spider veins cream.  Why?

1. Treatment options are relagated to sclerotherapy or lasers.  Both are effective, though I consider both limited in treatment area; with lasers, in particular having the side effect of needing some post-treatment healing.  Though considered moderate relative to other cosmetic surgery, cost is high - I believe (~$250-500/visit).
2. Spider veins are prominent, afflict a large population (men and women) and can have a profound affect on a person’s appearance (whether on the legs, nose, face, et al).
3. Many Vitamin K creams and solutions have been proven effective, but it’s nice to have another “bullet in the gun” for improving the breadth and level of efficacy.

Rosacea and spider veins share similar causes and any formula or ingredient that improves a large surface area while addressing the root causes is welcomed.  Increasing capillary health, helping strengthen or repair broken capillary walls or increasing circulation can have a wide-reaching positive effect on the treatment of numerous dermatological ailments.

Vitamin K for Deep Tissue Bruises

Posted on April 29, 2009 with 2 Comments

Vitamin K has been shown in clinical testing to help improve health and strength of vein walls and valve function in veins and capillaries. It is an effective active ingredient in products such as Capiderm® RX (RegeneVal Labs™) and Red Alert® (medic8™) for treating and clearing spider veins, rosacea, and bruises.

In addition to improving vein health, Vitamin K asists coagulation - accelerating and promoting fading of discoloration caused by superficial and depp tissue bruising.

This property also helps fading of clogged micro-capillaries and veins prominent on the nose and cheeks.

Bruises are far more common than we’d like them to be. No matter how careful we may try to be, there are always bangs, trips, stumbles and falls that could cause bruising. A bruise is essential an external manifestation of trauma or injury caused to blood veins.

Minor bruises will fade away slowly and naturally and within 5 to 10 days it will be just another memory in a long list of bruises. Deep tissue bruises however are more serious. These are essentially deeper bruises and could signify the possibility of muscle damage.

Deep tissue bruising calls for medical attention. It is important that you first get a doctors opinion to rule out any serious internal injury. It is often a symptom of muscle trauma and is often accompanied by tenderness around the affected area.

In addition to medical attention, you can lessen the duration and bruising and can even reduce the severity of the bruise with the help of creams that contain 1% or more formulation. Vitamin K is the substance the body uses to help clot blood and slow bleeding.  Since a bruise is really nothing more than pooled and/or seeping blood, Vitamin K cream is the perfect defense.

Vitamin K is fat soluble which means that it can be easily absorbed through the skin.  Using a cream form allows it to be applied directly to the affected area where it can be absorbed even into a deep tissue bruise.