VitaMedica® Arnica + K Cream

This depends on the size of the injury or incision. Use enough cream to provide a thin layer of coverage to the entire affected area, taking care not to apply directly to wounds or broken skin. For most individuals, a pea size amount should suffice. This will provide approximately 3-4 weeks of application.

Arnica + K Cream is ideal for the bruising and swelling that often accompanies facial surgical procedures like rhinoplasty (nose job), rhytidectomy (facelift) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery); non-surgical procedures like laser and fractional resurfacing (e.g., Fraxel®) and sprains & strains from overuse or sports injury.

Topical bruise reduction ingredients have an excellent safety track record. However, individuals with a known allergy to Arnica Montana, topical formulations of vitamin K, hesperidin, horse chestnut, comfrey, or grape seed extract, should not use the product.

Phytonadione is also known as vitamin K and, in a topical form, is well-researched for its anti-bruise properties. Although scientists do not yet understand how vitamin K works to reduce bruising on a cellular level, a smaller-scale study showed that topical application of a cream with at least 1% vitamin K (other strengths were used, too) shortened the amount of time that skin is reddish-purple after a pulsed dye laser treatment.

Also known as “purified escin,” this botanical can be used on its own but forms part of the compound that makes up the complete horse chestnut extract. It is becoming very popular in phytomedicine, due to the clinical evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of vascular and circulatory disorders. Aescin or escin is a mixture of saponins with anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor and vasoprotective effects found in Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut). Escin is the main active compound in horse chestnut and is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. High-quality evidence suggests aescin is a safe and effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. In one randomized controlled trial, horse chestnut extract was found to be as effective and well-tolerated as the use of compression stockings.

Vitamin C ester, otherwise known as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, is a very stable, oil-soluble vitamin C ester which has antioxidant activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Topical use can mitigate the damaging effects of ultraviolet exposure. Studies have shown it to stimulate collagen production as well as clarify and brighten the skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment), thereby promoting a more even skin tone. Unlike ascorbic acid, it will not exfoliate or irritate skin.

Bioflavonoids like rutin, monoxerutin, diosmin, troxerutin and hidrosmin have potential vasoprotective proprieties still under experimental evaluation. They are often used to decrease permeability and fragility in capillaries in certain conditions. Bioflavonoids also help maximize the benefits of vitamin C by inhibiting its breakdown in the body.

Grape seed extract is a botanical extract shown to be an effective antioxidant. Not only is grape seed extract a powerful antioxidant, it also exhibits some wound healing properties.

The herb comfrey contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. Comfrey, having an ancient reputation as a wound-healer, is an effective remedy for a great variety of conditions. It is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal treatment, helps in reducing swelling and inflammation, relieves pain, shrinks blood vessels, stimulates blood clotting and cell growth, and expedites the healing process.

Allantoin is a botanical thought to have calming properties to the skin that help resolve irritation. Allantoin is present in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant. Manufacturers cite several beneficial effects for allantoin as an active ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics: a moisturizing and keratolytic effect, increasing the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promotion of cell proliferation and wound healing; and a soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant effect by forming complexes with irritant and sensitizing agents.

Chamomile is considered to have a cooling, soothing and refreshing effect on the skin. This emollient also provides valuable moisture to the skin.

Yes, for best results a bi-directional approach should be used. This will provide anti-bruising benefits from both the inside and out.

Given that demands on the body are much higher during the healing process, it is important to eat healthy during this period of high metabolic activity. Augmenting the diet with supplements can help cover any gaps to ensure optimal nutrition, and obtain targeted nutrients that promote a smooth recovery. Arnica Montana 30X sublingual tablets and Arnica + K Cream help resolve bruising naturally. SurgiLax combines cascara sagrada and a propriety blend of 10 herbs to alleviate post-surgical constipation and support gastrointestinal health immediately following surgery. With 8 billion CFUs of beneficial bacteria per enteric-coated vegetarian capsule, Probiotic-8 is an ideal solution to maintain a healthy microbiome and counteract the negative side effects of antibiotics including diarrhea, and yeast infection in women.