Broken capillaries occur when tiny blood vessels located just beneath the surface of the skin become enlarged or damaged. Once these vessels lose their elasticity, they remain visible through the skin instead of returning to their normal size.

Several factors may contribute to the development of broken capillaries, including:

• Long-term sun exposure
• Natural aging
• Genetics
• Rosacea
• Frequent facial flushing
• Wind exposure
• Cold temperatures
• Extreme heat
• Skin trauma
• Smoking

Over time, repeated stress placed on these small blood vessels can weaken their walls and make them permanently visible. While anyone can develop broken capillaries, they are often more noticeable in individuals with fair or sensitive skin.

Sun exposure is considered one of the leading contributors because ultraviolet radiation gradually weakens collagen and elastin while affecting the strength of blood vessel walls. This is one reason broken capillaries often appear alongside other signs of sun damage.

People with rosacea may also be more likely to develop visible facial capillaries because repeated flushing episodes place additional stress on superficial blood vessels.

Although not every case of broken capillaries can be prevented, healthy skincare habits may help reduce the likelihood of developing additional visible blood vessels.

Daily prevention strategies may include:

• Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Avoiding excessive sun exposure
• Protecting skin during cold weather
• Using gentle skincare products
• Avoiding harsh scrubs
• Managing rosacea symptoms
• Limiting excessive heat exposure
• Avoiding unnecessary skin irritation

Consistent sun protection is particularly important because ultraviolet damage accumulates over time. Even brief periods of daily sun exposure can gradually contribute to collagen breakdown and vascular changes.

Individuals who frequently experience facial flushing may also benefit from identifying triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, emotional stress, or hot beverages. Reducing exposure to personal triggers may help minimize repeated vessel dilation that contributes to long-term redness.

While preventative habits cannot eliminate existing broken capillaries, they may help protect the surrounding skin and reduce the risk of future vascular damage.

Once broken capillaries become visible, they generally do not disappear without professional treatment. Fortunately, several non-surgical procedures are available that may improve their appearance while supporting healthier-looking skin.

One of the most commonly recommended options is vascular laser treatment. These technologies deliver targeted light energy to visible blood vessels beneath the skin, allowing the body to gradually absorb the treated vessels over time.

Potential benefits of treatment may include:

• Reduced facial redness
• Less noticeable capillaries
• Improved skin tone
• More even complexion
• Minimal downtime

Treatment plans are customized according to factors such as:

• Skin type
• Severity of redness
• Size of visible vessels
• Treatment location
• Overall skin condition

Some patients may benefit from multiple treatment sessions depending on the extent of vascular changes. In cases where rosacea contributes to ongoing redness, treatment plans may also include personalized skincare recommendations and strategies to help reduce future flare-ups.

A professional consultation allows skincare providers to evaluate visible capillaries and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual goals. With modern non-surgical treatments, many patients experience noticeable improvements in facial redness while achieving a clearer, more even complexion. Contact Glo Skin & MedSpa to learn more about broken capillary treatment in Edmonton and discover solutions designed to restore healthier-looking skin.