Little red or purple lines called broken capillaries—also known as broken blood vessels on the face—show up just under the skin. Most often found on the nose, cheeks, and chin, they are not harmful but can be difficult to eradicate. Whether from sun exposure, aging, or cold conditions, many Canadians fight with this skin problem. The favorable news is that we can handle and stop them in certain ways. From skincare products to laser treatments, you have choices to lessen their appearance and maintain the best possible condition of your skin.
What Causes Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries have several causes. While some are inevitable, others may be controlled with a proper skin care regimen:
- Sun damage: UV light damages blood vessels, thereby increasing their breaking ability.
- Aging: As we get older, skin becomes thinner, making blood vessels more visible.
- Extreme weather: Rapid expansion and contraction of blood vessels brought on by hot and cold temperatures could injure tissues..
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a frequent skin disorder that causes redness and obvious veins, so capillaries become more apparent.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which over time can cause lasting harm.
- Genetics: Certain individuals simply seem more likely to have broken capillaries than others because of their genetics.
- Trauma to the skin: Little blood vessels can be broken by vigorous cleaning, pimple popping, or even excessively harsh sneezing.
How to Treat Broken Capillaries on the Face
While broken blood vessels won’t heal on their own, there are effective treatments available. The best option depends on how severe they are and your skin type. Here are some the best known methods on how to treat broken capillaries on the face:
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to remove broken capillaries. They use heat to target and destroy the blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin. Common types include:
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): Best for small, superficial capillaries.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Works well for larger areas and multiple skin concerns like melasma or wrinkles.
- Nd:YAG Laser: Penetrates deeper, making it ideal for stubborn blood vessels.
Topical Treatments
Certain skin care products can help reduce the appearance of broken capillaries over time:
- Vitamin C serums: Strengthens blood vessels and boosts collagen.
- Niacinamide: Helps repair the skin barrier and reduces redness.
- Retinol: Encourages skin cell turnover, making capillaries less visible.
Natural Remedies
If you prefer a more gentle approach, natural remedies may help calm inflammation and prevent further damage:
- Aloe Vera: Soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
- Green Tea Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can strengthen blood vessels.
- Arnica Gel: Known for reducing bruising and improving circulation.
These remedies can also play a major role in reducing the effects of more serious skin conditions caused by inflammation like rosacea.
Professional Skin Treatments
Some in-office treatments offer a non-laser approach:
- Microdermabrasion: Gently exfoliates the skin, improving circulation and texture.
- Chemical Peels: Helps fade discoloration and stimulates collagen production which is also great for dealing with unwanted wrinkles.
How to Cover Up Broken Blood Vessels on Face
While treating broken capillaries takes time, you can conceal them with makeup. Here’s how:
- Use a green-tinted primer: Green neutralizes redness, creating an even base.
- Opt for a full-coverage foundation: Look for formulas with buildable coverage.
- Conceal with a yellow-based concealer: This cancels out any remaining redness.
- Set with a lightweight powder: Prevents makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
While learning how to cover up broken blood vessels on the face can make a big difference on how you look, they still won’t tackle the real underlying issues, and that’s why it’s best to learn how to prevent capillaries from breaking in the first place as discussed in the upcoming section.
Preventing Broken Capillaries
Prevention is key if you want to avoid dealing with more broken blood vessels on the face in the future. Here’s what you can do:
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits behind broken capillaries. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. UV-rays play a critical role in causing various skin conditions such as vitiligo, and should be avoided at all costs.
Be Gentle with Your Skin
Nothing works like handling your skin with care. Use the following tips to avoid breaking blood vessels on you face:
- Avoid scrubbing too hard when washing your face.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent irritation.
- Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
Limit Alcohol and Spicy Foods
Both alcohol and spicy foods can dilate blood vessels, leading to permanent damage over time. If you’re prone to broken capillaries, cut back on these triggers.
Protect Your Skin from Harsh Weather
If you live in Canada, where extreme temperatures are common, take extra precautions:
- Wear a scarf in the winter to protect your face from the cold.
- Use a humidifier to prevent dry indoor air from irritating your skin.
- Stay in the shade during peak sun hours to avoid excessive heat exposure.
When to See a Dermatologist
If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, it may be time to see a dermatologist. A professional can:
- Recommend stronger topical treatments.
- Perform laser therapy for more stubborn blood vessels.
- Identify any underlying skin conditions, such as rosacea or vitiligo, that may be contributing to the problem.
Final Thoughts
Broken capillaries are a common skin concern, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can reduce their appearance and keep your skin looking its best. Whether you choose laser therapy, topical treatments, or natural remedies, consistency is key. If you’re in Canada and struggling to manage broken blood vessels on your face, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice.
FAQs
1. Can stress cause broken capillaries?
Yes, chronic stress can weaken blood vessels over time, making them more prone to breaking, especially in people with sensitive skin.
2. Does diet affect broken capillaries?
Absolutely. A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens and berries can help strengthen blood vessels, while excessive caffeine and sugar may worsen the issue.
3. Are broken capillaries the same as spider veins?
Not exactly. While they look similar, spider veins are usually larger and can appear on the legs as well as the face, whereas broken capillaries are much finer.
4. Can broken capillaries go away on their own?
Unfortunately, no. While they may fade slightly over time, most broken capillaries require treatment to fully disappear.
