What are bruises?

Bruises result when small blood vessels, or capillaries, near the skin’s surface rupture from physical damage. Examples of such trauma are bumps, cuts or scrapes. Once the vessel has ruptured, platelet cells rush to the site to stop the bleeding.

Then, blood pools under the skin, leaving behind a purple-blue mark as tissue repairs itself, plastic surgeon Michael Evan Sachs, M.D., tells Shape magazine. As your body re-absorbs the blood, the bruise fades and goes away on its own. If a bruise doesn’t disappear or you can’t figure out what caused it, see a doctor or dermatologist to rule out a medical condition. If your bruise is just a bruise, then it’s safe to treat it as a cosmetic concern.

What causes bruises?

Bruises have a variety of causes: trauma to the skin, some medications and certain diseases. Although anyone is susceptible to bruising after major injury, some people are more vulnerable than others. Why is this?

Several factors may play a role, including:

• Heredity. Family members may find they all share a propensity to bruise easily.

• Skin tone. Fair-skinned folks are more likely to see frequent bruises than darker-skinned individuals. Their blood vessels are more visible through pale skin.

• Blood type. Those with type-O blood tend to bruise more easily due to the chemical composition of their blood cells.

• Gender. Because women have thinner skin than men, they generally bruise more easily.

• Health problems and medications. Certain health conditions that affect the body’s platelet formation can increase your risk for bruising. So can blood-thinning medications — like Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin and ibuprofen — gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort and fish oil.

• Age. As we mature, the tissues that support capillaries weaken, making them more susceptible to rupturing. And skin loses some of the “protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels against injury,” notes Mayo Clinic.

• Environmental damage. Prolonged, excessive UV exposure damages cells, causes environmental aging and may thin skin, resulting in a higher likelihood of bruising.

Bruising easily after an injury doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy. As Dr. Sachs notes, “You actually don't want to avoid bruising (or clotting too much), as excess clotting can lead to heart attack or stroke later in life. So it's not always a bad thing to be an 'easy bruiser.’”

Ways to care for bruised skin

You can take simple steps to stave off excessive bruising and speed the healing process when bruises do occur. Here’s a list of tips that may help:

• Fortify with nutrients. Diet plays a critical part in protecting the body against bruising. Vitamin K is known for its ability to aid in blood clotting. You can find vitamin K in spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale and mustard greens. Bioflavonoids are also very beneficial to the skin and can be found in citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime. These foods promote clotting, so blood will be less likely to pool and form bruises.

• Shield your skin. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to guard against UV damage, which can make you more prone to bruising.

• Keep it cool. Apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes every few hours for the first day after an injury. Ice constricts the blood vessels and reduces the bruise’s size.

• Keep it lifted and wrapped. If the bruise is a result of an injury, like a sprain or a bump, keep the injured part of your body elevated, (above your heart). Wrap it with an elastic bandage for compression, advises WebMD.

• Apply a treatment. Use witch hazel on the bruise, or apply an ointment made with arnica. This herb may help to heal bruised skin, reduce pain and increase circulation. You can also try vitamin K products. Topical vitamin K encourages blood clotting and reduces unsightly bruising. For instance, Donell Super Skin K-Derm Gel and DDF Nutrient K Plus facilitate the healing process and strengthen damaged blood vessels.

• Be careful with meds. Skip ibuprofen or aspirin for the pain. These medications are anti-coagulants and prevent blood from clotting, which could potentially increase the bruise’s severity and size. Garlic, ginger and ginkgo biloba are also blood thinners, so be cautious of taking these herbs.

• Conceal it. Concealer or foundation is a great skin-saver, especially if your bruising is intense or on the face. Just a few dabs and your bruise temporarily disappears. Check out Philosophy Supernatural Concealer, which features three shades to match your skin perfectly. Another option is Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF 15, which combines concealer and sunscreen for all skin types.

See also:

How Vitamins Can Help Acne

Alcohol is A-OK for Your Skin

The Benefits of Fair Trade Skincare

Microdermabrasion: The Basics

Options for a Freckle-Free Face