The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids.
BACKGROUND
Infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids are a cosmetic problem, especially with age.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol and 0.1% vitamins C and E is effective in reducing dark under-eye circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids in healthy Japanese adults.


METHODS
Fifty-seven adult Japanese volunteers with dark under-eye circles and wrinkles were enrolled in an open label study. The gel formulation was applied twice daily to the lower eyelid site for 8 weeks. Haemostasis, pigmentation and wrinkles were evaluated by a physician and by the patients themselves, using a digital camera and a visual analogue scale respectively, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.


RESULTS
Topical application of the gel decreased not only haemostasis but also wrinkles after 8 weeks of treatment. Of 57 patients, 27 (47%) had reductions in haemostasis. Wrinkles were also decreased in some patients. However, pigmentation was not clearly removed by this gel.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical application of the gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol, 0.1% vitamin C and 0.1% vitamin E was fairly or moderately effective in reducing dark under-eye circles, especially in cases of haemostasis, over a short treatment period in healthy Japanese adults. This treatment also slightly decreased wrinkles.
Mitsuishi
T
T
Department of Dermatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan. tmitsu@nms.ac.jp
Shimoda
T
T
Mitsui
Y
Y
Kuriyama
Y
Y
Kawana
S
S