5 Ways to Address Broken Blood Vessels on Your Face

5 Ways to Address Broken Blood Vessels on Your Face

Overview

Broken blood vessels aka “spider veins” usually appear around the nose, cheeks and chin. They show up when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. 

While harmless, broken blood vessels can cause facial redness that is difficult to cover up with makeup. But the good news is they are easily treated. 

Causes of broken blood vessels

Broken blood vessels are usually caused by a loss of elasticity and the weakening of capillary walls. When vessels are stretched too much, they stay dilated and enlarged, which makes them more visible. 

Some of the factors that may contribute to the weakening of the blood vessels:

  • Hot showers
  • Saunas and steam rooms
  • Intense exercise
  • Sunburns
  • Harsh skin treatments (like microdermabrasion or over exfoliation)
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Rosacea
  • Genetics
  • Sudden extreme pressure (ie sneezing, or blowing nose too hard)


Treatment options for broken blood vessels

Laser Therapy uses heat to destroy the blood vessel. The damaged veins shrink and dissolve over time.

IPL - uses intense pulse light which is absorbed by the veins and causes the destruction of the vessel and coagulation of the blood within. 

Diathermy - or thermocoagulation is a treatment that uses an ultrarapid radiofrequency. This precision technique is used to coagulate certain superficial cutaneous imperfections in order to minimise their appearance or to completely eliminate them.

How to Prevent Broken Blood Vessels

We believe prevention is always easier than treatment. There are few ways you can reduce your chances of developing broken blood vessels. 

  1. Take Vitamin C Supplements
    1. Vitamin C supplements improve blood circulation and help strengthen capillary walls. It is an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and free radical activity.
  2. Use topical Vitamin C serum
    1. Vitamin C helps collagen synthesis, prevents free radical damage. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce redness. Overall, it strengthens the skin's natural defences against the elements.
  3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
    1. Many studies show that alcohol and smoking contribute to broken blood vessels. Alcohol can cause small blood vessels in the skin to dilate which allows more blood flow close to the surface. Nicotine, on the other hand, causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow, which limits the amount of blood flow. Over time, the constant constriction results in blood vessels that are stiff and less elastic. 
  4. Avoid Microdermabrasion Treatments
    1. A scrub-type exfoliant if used too harshly or too often, can cause micro-tears on the surface and broken capillaries. 
  5. Protect skin from UV exposure
    1. UV causes damage to the blood vessels and causes them to thin out. Additionally, UV damages collagen and weakens capillary walls. SPF is the number one line of defence when it comes to anti-ageing!

Finally, be gentle with your skin! Avoid picking, touching, or scrubbing! Especially when drying your skin, pat dry and don’t rub! 

If you would like to discuss treatment for redness or broken veins, book a skin consultation and our advanced skincare therapists will be happy to advise you on the best treatment and skincare options.