Broken capillaries or ‘spider veins’ are small dilated blood vessels visible on the skin's surface. They usually appear as reddish purple lines on the face (particularly the cheeks).
Most broken capillaries are due to various causes, like genetics, skin conditions like rosacea, ageing, sun damage, and extreme temperature changes.
Ever caught scrutinising your face in the mirror after a long day or wondering how they just seem to multiply? Know that you’re not alone in finding solutions to get rid of broken capillaries on your face permanently.
Let’s dive into the most effective treatments.
1. Capillary Reduction Treatment
Capillary Reduction Treatment via Laser Therapy is a sophisticated way of reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.
Blood vessels in the skin absorb the laser as it generates light and heat, causing these to collapse without affecting the surrounding skin.
Essentially, your body treats the damaged vessels as waste and removes them through the lymphatic system, responsible for removing toxins. This process leads to clearer and more even-toned skin over time.
Laser Clinics UK offers this same type of Laser Therapy via medical-grade Candela GentleYAG laser. It’s known for its efficacy and fast results.
Particularly, a study found that YAGLaser achieved optimal results on deeper vessels, like spider veins. If you want to remove unwanted spider veins or broken capillaries on your face, getting this treatment is ideal at intervals of 6-12 weeks.
2. Topical Treatments
Products containing retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide have also been shown to strengthen capillary walls and improve skin health.
Particularly, a study cited the effectiveness of niacinamide on UVA and UVB-induced DNA damage like broken capillaries. It further cited a reference wherein a group of women were shown to have improved skin pigmentation after applying a moisturiser containing 5% niacinamide.
All these ingredients in topical creams are available through over-the-counter and prescription-strength options. It would be best to consult with a skincare professional to determine the most suitable products, should you choose this method.
3. Wear Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended in combination with other mild skincare products for removing broken capillaries.
Look for formulations with physical barriers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Further, regularly applying sunscreen can further reduce spider veins due to UV exposure.
4. Avoid Exposure To Extreme Temperatures
Capillary walls in the skin tend to expand and contract when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. These can lead to increased visibility of broken capillaries on your face.
Minimise this risk by protecting your face from harsh weather conditions. Try not to visit the sauna too often and don’t stay too long in cold temperatures. If you absolutely have to, protect your face by wearing a scarf or a broad-brimmed hat.
5. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
We all enjoy unwinding with a glass of wine or our favourite cocktail, but when it comes to our skin, a little restraint goes a long way.
Alcohol has a knack for widening blood vessels, which can make spider veins appear more prominent on the face.
Try cutting back on those evening indulgences. It could be the trick to keeping your skin clear and free of unwanted red marks.
6. Follow A Gentle Skincare Routine
A gentle skincare routine is the key to reducing the appearance of spider veins. Avoid harsh exfoliants that contain high concentrations of glycolic and salicylic acid. These can irritate and further damage delicate capillary walls.
Instead, look for ingredients like lactic acid or enzymatic exfoliators that gently remove dead skin cells without causing additional stress.
Incorporate calming agents like aloe vera, chamomile, and Centella asiatica, to help soothe and strengthen your skin’s barrier and make it less prone to spider veins.
7. Microneedling
Microneedling uses a pen-like device equipped with fine needles to encourage collagen production in the skin. Apart from addressing ageing, fine lines, and acne scars, Microneedling also reduces the appearance of broken capillaries.
The needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process and the production of collagen and elastin.
A lack of collagen is associated with the development of weakened, less elastic vein wells, allowing blood to pool and stretching them to a point where spider veins become more visible.
Microneedling is an excellent option to boost collagen in the skin and subsequently strengthen vein walls.
8. Healthy Diet And Lifestyle
It goes without saying but a healthy lifestyle and diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can improve overall skin health and reduce the risk of broken capillaries.
Fruits like lemons, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and guava are great sources of this vitamin. As for vegetables, go for bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. These are abundant in vitamin C and are good for vein health.
Not all hope is lost if you spot spider veins in your face. A combination of laser skin treatments and healthy habits all go a long way in keeping your skin clear and spider vein-free.
Laser Clinics UK is your partner in your journey to clear skin. We offer treatments like the Candela GentleYAG and Skin Needling to rid your skin of unwanted spider veins.
Our skilled Therapists and Doctors understand your skin health and are dedicated to creating a Tailored Treatment plan that’s truly yours.
We believe in the Science of Feeling good, ensuring you feel confident inside and out. Book a consultation today!
