What Causes Broken Capillaries & How to Get Rid of Them
Tiny red or purple lines on your cheeks, nose, or legs? You might be dealing with broken capillaries. These small, dilated blood vessels, also known as spider veins, it can be frustrating, especially when they appear on your face. But here’s the good news: they’re common, and they’re treatable.
Let’s break down what causes them, where they show up, and how to treat them effectively at Evolution Clinic.
What Are Broken Capillaries?
Broken capillaries are tiny blood vessels close to the skin’s surface that have become dilated. While they’re not physically harmful, they can cause visible red, blue, or purple lines on the skin, often described as burst blood vessels or blown blood vessels in the face.
Common Causes of Broken Capillaries
There are several reasons why capillaries might dilate or break:
- Sun Exposure: UV rays weaken blood vessels, especially on the face.
- Extreme Weather: Sudden temperature changes can cause blood vessels to contract and expand rapidly.
- Alcohol Consumption: Can lead to long-term dilation of blood vessels, especially on the nose and cheeks.
- Genetics: If your parents have visible capillaries, you may develop them too.
- Rosacea: A skin condition often associated with redness and visible capillaries.
- Ageing: Skin becomes thinner and more fragile over time.
- Injury or Pressure: Scrubbing too hard, squeezing pimples, or trauma to the skin can result in dilated capillaries.
Where Do Broken Capillaries Appear?
These vessels can appear anywhere, but the most common areas include:
- Face (cheeks, nose, chin): The most common site, often worsened by facial irritation or sun exposure.
- Legs: Often caused by prolonged standing, hormonal changes, or pressure.
- Other areas: Burst capillaries occasionally appear on the chest, neck, or back.
Treatment Options for Broken Capillaries
Looking for a cure for broken blood vessels on the face or legs? Here’s what works:
1. Laser Treatment for Broken Capillaries
Laser treatment is widely considered the gold standard for reducing broken capillaries on the face. It works by gently targeting the blood vessels beneath the skin, helping them fade without harming surrounding tissue. For larger vessels on the legs, other medical treatments may be more appropriate depending on the severity. A 2025 study published in Lasers in Medical Science found that after just two sessions, patients saw a noticeable improvement in the appearance of broken capillaries, with no reported side effects. This confirms laser as a safe, effective, and well-tolerated solution for reducing visible capillaries.
At Evolution Laser Clinic, we offer capillary laser removal using medical-grade devices tailored to your skin type.
Explore treatment options:
2. Topical Treatments
While topical creams won’t eliminate broken capillaries, some anti-redness or anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides can help reduce the appearance and irritation.
3. LED Light Therapy
Red and yellow LED light can help reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural healing process, strengthening capillary walls over time.
Can Broken Capillaries Be Prevented?
Yes, and prevention is key, especially if you’re prone to them.
Prevention Tips:
- Apply UV Sun Protection daily
- Avoid aggressive exfoliation, use evolveMD Enzyme AHA Peel if needed
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Stay cool in extreme weather
- Use gentle skincare
- Avoid trauma to the skin
When to See a Professional
If your capillaries are increasing in number or affecting your confidence, it’s time to consult a skin professional. Some vascular concerns may need further evaluation.
At Evolution Laser Clinic, our trained team can assess your skin and create a customised broken capillaries face treatment or leg treatment plan.
Say Goodbye to Broken Capillaries
You don’t have to live with visible red lines or dilated vessels. Whether you’re looking for laser treatment for broken capillaries on the face or legs, we offer safe and effective solutions.
Book your complimentary consultation today and let our experts help you achieve clearer, healthier skin:
