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Broken Capillaries and How to Get Rid of Them Fast

Have you found a little blotchy red mark on your face that won’t go away? 

That spidery-looking blemish is probably a broken capillary. When a blood vessel breaks or becomes enlarged, it shows up as an annoying red splotch beneath the surface of your skin. 

The good news is that you can get rid of spider veins on your face and chest with the right treatment. There are also preventive measures you can take to make sure they don’t come back.

What Are Broken Capillaries?

Broken capillaries are enlarged blood vessels beneath your skin. They look like spidery red marks or blood pimples on the surface of the skin and don’t go away or fade like a normal blemish. Most broken capillaries occur in areas where the skin is thinnest, including around the nose, eyes, and cheeks. 

Everyone will experience broken capillaries at some point, but the appearance of these unsightly red marks can be more noticeable for people with fair skin.

What Causes Broken Capillaries?

There are lots of causes of broken capillaries, and some people are more susceptible than others. In general, broken capillaries are caused by trauma to the skin or sudden changes in pressure. 

For example, if you squeeze a pimple or have a particularly forceful sneeze, you can damage a blood vessel and cause it to dilate. Blood vessels expand and shrink according to blood flow, but frequent or sudden dilation can damage the capillary so that it can no longer contract. 

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may be more likely to have broken capillaries. Excessive sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors can also increase the risk of spider veins forming. 

As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to broken capillaries and other visible signs of ageing.

How Can You Prevent Broken Capillaries?

The best way to prevent broken capillaries is through small lifestyle choices to protect your skin and avoid damage that could cause spider veins. 

Protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays is a simple and effective measure for your overall skin health. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat during prolonged exposure can help avoid sun damage and reduce the risk of broken capillaries. 

You should also limit the use of saunas, hot baths, and other extreme heat environments that cause the blood vessels to dilate. When you wash your face, use lukewarm rather than hot water and try to keep your face away from direct hot water when you shower. 

It’s also a good idea to limit your intake of food and drinks that cause the blood vessels to dilate, including spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine. Some people are affected more than others by these types of vasodilators.

Here’s a great post about all the different ways to brighten up your skin without makeup.

How to Get Rid of Broken Capillaries on the Face?

Preventative measures can stop new broken capillaries from appearing, but how do you get rid of existing spider veins?

If you want to banish these annoying red blemishes for good, you’ll need to undergo Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatment. IPL is a type of laser skin rejuvenation that treats spider veins by heating the blood vessel to destroy the damaged cells under the skin.

The short bursts of light energy are targeted to the precise location and depth of the broken capillaries. Because the laser energy is delivered in short, targeted blasts, it treats the area of concern without damaging the surrounding healthy skin tissue. 

After treatment, the broken capillary will gradually fade as the damaged cells rise to the surface and are replaced by new healthy cells. The result is that the broken vein fades and is replaced by healthy, even-toned new skin. 

A study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that IPL is a safe and effective treatment for vascular lesions (broken capillaries). IPL is a much more gentle treatment compared to some alternative laser therapies, with much less downtime and risk of painful side effects. 

Are There Any Side Effects?

IPL for broken capillaries is a safe treatment when performed by a trained clinician. Most people do not experience any painful side effects, but you may notice your skin is red and more sensitive for a few days following treatment. 

In rare cases, IPL can cause temporary swelling and blistering in the treated area. Some people also experience mild bruising following an IPL session. 

Is There Any Downtime?

There is little to no downtime with IPL skin rejuvenation. The procedure is non-invasive and much gentler on the skin compared to other laser therapies.

You may experience a sensation similar to sunburn for up to 24 hours post-treatment, but you can immediately return to work and social activities. However, you should avoid sun exposure for a few days to allow your skin to regenerate and achieve optimal results.  

Your b clinic practitioner will advise you on the do’s and don’ts and how to take care of your skin following the treatment. 

How to Prepare for IPL for Broken Capillaries?

You should avoid sun exposure and anything that could irritate your skin in the week before your IPL session. Your clinician may also recommend that you stop taking any supplements or medication that could increase the risk of side effects. 

Vitamin E supplements, products containing retinoids, and anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can increase the risk of bruising. If you have a medical prescription that could affect the treatment, you should consult your doctor before stopping any medication. 

Can Capillaries on Your Face Reappear after IPL Laser Treatment?

IPL destroys damaged cells that cause spider veins, so there is no chance of the same broken capillary reappearing. However, there is a chance that new broken capillaries do occur. 

Following IPL for broken capillaries, it’s important that you take preventive action and adopt a good daily skincare regime to reduce the risk of new spider veins. 

If you are prone to enlarged blood vessels, you may want to consider regular maintenance IPL sessions to help keep your skin looking bright and even-toned. 

Schedule a free consultation at b clinic to find out if you are a good candidate for IPL skin rejuvenation.

FAQs

Does IPL Get Rid of Broken Capillaries?

IPL combines light and heat energy to break down the damaged cells that cause spider veins and broken capillaries. The pulses of energy are targeted to remove the unwanted discolouration without damaging the surrounding skin. 

Broken capillaries, blood pimples, and redness fade over multiple sessions to restore a brighter and more even-toned complexion. 

How to Get Rid of Broken Capillaries on the Face Naturally?

There are several natural ways to improve overall skin condition and reduce the risk of unwanted concerns like broken capillaries. However, the only to remove spider veins entirely is through laser treatments

You can try using aloe to soothe your skin after being outside in the sun and as a daily part of your skin routine. Apple cider vinegar is another natural alternative to a daily toner that can be used to reduce redness.

What Causes Broken Capillaries on Cheeks?

Broken blood vessels are more likely to appear in areas where the skin is thinnest, including the cheeks. Like broken capillaries in other areas, spider veins on the cheeks can be caused by various factors. 

Your genetics can make you more susceptible to broken capillaries on the face. Changes to the balance of your hormones during pregnancy can also cause blood vessels to become enlarged.

Damage to the skin due to sun exposure can also increase the risk of broken capillaries. Excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to spider veins on the face and cheeks. If you plan to drink alcohol, make sure you prepare your skin before

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